Ray Latif is the lead host, producer, and content editor of Taste Radio, BevNET’s flagship podcast and the go-to show for food and beverage industry insights. With 14 years of experience in the industry, Ray is a seasoned journalist known for his sharp interviews and in-depth coverage of trends, innovation, and news. He began his career at BevNET as an assistant editor, later advancing to managing editor of both the website and magazine. Since 2016, he’s been the driving force behind Taste Radio, overseeing everything from content strategy to production. Ray’s conversational style and meticulous research have earned him widespread praise from both guests and listeners. He has had the privilege of interviewing a diverse range of high-profile figures, including Patrick Mahomes, Jennifer Garner, Dan Aykroyd, Kobe Bryant, Padma Lakshmi, and Brad Paisley. His ability to connect with entrepreneurs, celebrities, and industry leaders has made Taste Radio a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving world of food and beverage.
Having aligned itself with a powerful strategic partner, Secret Squirrel, a Los Angeles-based producer of cold brew coffee, is aiming to make the leap from regional brand to national player in the fast-growing realm of cold brew beverages.
A showcase for emerging and fast-growing beverage trends, Expo East 2016 most prominently featured the continued evolution of cold brew coffee and the swelling ranks of brands participating in the space.
This week, the podcast team is joined by veteran entrepreneur, investor and advisor Tom First who offers his take on emerging trends in the beverage business, including why he sees a big future for gut health and protein. First also shares his thoughts on the kind of beverage companies that are primed to become billion dollar brands.
Natural Products Expo East 2016 opens next week, and this edition of the podcast offers our take on how exhibitors and attendees can make the most of the event.
Rebel Kitchen’s new line is essentially a rebrand of Unoco, a super-premium coconut water brand that Rebel Kitchen invested in and later acquired.
Suja CMO Heather MacNeil Cox said that the limited-edition release of Midnight Tonic was an extension of the brand’s 2016 “Surprise + Delight” initiative, one in which Suja “sought out creative ways to give back to our community." Only 1,000 bottles were produced and made available for sale only on Suja’s website.
In this edition of the podcast, we follow up on a recent BevNET Magazine article that examined a growing controversy regarding standards and regulation in the expanding world of probiotic beverages. BevNET Editor-in-Chief, who authored the article, joins us for a lively discussion on the topic.
Founder Ryne O’Donnell asserts that Solti’s process of exposing juice to UV light, in conjunction with an atmosphere controlled aseptic filler, “is proving to have more nutrients, flavor, aroma and shelf life” than juices that undergo high pressure processing (HPP), a common safety method for cold-pressed juices.
Organic and cold-pressed nut milk brand MALK has landed placement at 1,200 Kroger-owned grocery stores. The deal with Kroger gives MALK a coast-to-coast presence and a foothold in the premium set of the fast-growing dairy alternative category.
What’s driving the evolution of the dairy-alternative category and continued growth for almond milk? In what ways are brands attempting to disrupt and innovate with single-serve varieties? And can sales remain on this upward trajectory? We hash it out in this edition of the BevNET Podcast.
Continuing the commitment to create the highest quality artisanal whiskeys, Hillrock’s estate-grown and crafted, 100% rye whiskey reflects the unique terroir of the Hudson Valley and incorporates rare Premier Cru Sauternes wine casks into the aging process.
True to the process established by its founder, the grain bill for the anniversary whiskey is the same as the iconic Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, consisting of 80 percent corn, 12 percent barley and 8 percent rye. Each drop was then mellowed through ten feet of sugar maple charcoal, before going into specially-crafted new American oak barrels.
Riding the wave of demand for organic products, PepsiCo-owned Gatorade has launched a new line of organic sports drinks. Gatorade’s new G Organic series comes to market approximately nine months after PepsiCo first announced that it was developing an organic sub-line for the brand.
Los Angeles-based cold-pressed juice company Juice Served Here (JSH) has inked a deal with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) to add a new line of juices and lemonades in all of its corporate-owned cafes. The new JSH products will debut on Sept. 1 and replace Naked Juice beverages that are currently sold at CBTL stores.
