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.
Amid a saturated market for RTD cold brew coffee, we decided to take a look at a few beverage categories that we see as ripe for disruptive and timely innovation. Listen to our take, which includes examples of a few companies quietly taking advantage of white space in traditional categories, in the latest edition of the BevNET podcast.
A recently published study examining the effects of Berkeley, Calif.’s first-in-the-nation tax on soda and other sugary drinks found that consumption of the beverages has fallen by over 21 percent in the city's low-income neighborhoods.
Conscious Cultures, the maker of Barefoot Bucha, a Virginia-based kombucha brand, has agreed to settle a trademark infringement lawsuit filed against the company by Barefoot Wine owner E. & J. Gallo.
Wells Fargo Securities highlighted slowing growth in the energy drink category in a new report detailing Nielsen xAOC (expanded all outlets combined) year-over-year sales data for the four-week period ending on August 13.
Honeydrop, which produces a line of HPP cold-pressed lemonades sweetened with honey, today announced new chainwide distribution at natural retailer Sprouts Farmers Market. The beverages are now available at all 250 Sprouts locations across 13 Southern U.S. states stretching from California to Georgia.
The return of Crystal Pepsi came with a few updated graphics, but it’s clear that PepsiCo is aiming for nostalgic appeal. In this podcast, we discuss what, if any, impact retro and throwback products and packaging might have for a brand. We also examine similar attempts of reviving dated imagery and discontinued products by companies seeking a sentimental response.
Beginning this week at Mamma Chia is Lance Dermeik, who has come aboard as the company's new vice president of operations. Dermeik joins Mamma Chia, a maker of chia-based beverages and snacks, after eight years at Hain Celestial as director of contract manufacturing where he oversaw operations on more than 40 contract manufacturers and 15 natural and organic brands.
Earlier this month, PepsiCo introduced a new packaged format for its Stubborn line of craft sodas. Scott Finlow, vice president of innovation and insights for global foodservice at PepsiCo said that the company views craft beverages as an important part of the company’s future, telling Fortune that “Craft is not a fad. It is here to stay.”
We’re asked all the time: how can I get news about my brand featured on BevNET? Well, you can start by saying hello :)
A longtime veteran of the food and beverage industry, Sarah Bird takes the reins from Bhakti founder Brook Eddy, who now serves as chairwoman of the company’s board of directors. Eddy remains “involved in the vision, innovation and culture” of Bhakti, according to the company.
Caliber Company Spirits based out of Houston launches this August in Texas, South Carolina, Georgia and Arkansas. Caliber whiskeys combine all American whiskey and natural flavors for a unique range of products tailor-made for the millennial generation.
Runa's revamp was a project nearly 18 months in the making, but co-founder Tyler Gage believes that the company, a marketer of guayusa-based tea and energy drinks, finally got it right.
The usual suspects of this podcast -- John Craven, Ray Latif and Jon Landis -- discuss how their paths led to BevNET and examine parallels in their experiences at an entrepreneurial media company to that of many beverage entrepreneurs.
Bolstered by national distribution at Target, Powell and Mahoney pulled in nearly $3.13 million in sales for the 52-week period ending on May 15, up 75.6 percent year-over-year, according to IRI. Co-founder Mark Mahoney attributes swelling growth to rising consumer demand for premium and natural options within the mixer set, along with brand’s focus on high-quality ingredients and its recent innovation with carbonated varieties.
