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.
BevNET is pleased to announced the launch of a new podcast, in which we’ll be exploring current trends and timely news stories in the food and beverage business. In this first episode, BevNET’s John Craven, Ray Latif and Jon Landis discuss a growing trend in repurposing food waste, the pitfalls of cause-based marketing, a surging nut milk category and why sugar has emerged as "public enemy number one."
April was packed with distribution news from entrepreneurial beverage companies spanning a range of categories. Premium water brands made significant traction this month, adding new placement at natural, conventional grocery and convenience store retailers.
Chameleon Cold-Brew co-founder and CEO Chris Campbell told BevNET that the new website is intended to “elevate the conversation and take a leadership position in educating the consumer for ourselves and other brands that we believe are doing it right.”
Although Neurobrands did not admit liability, it agreed to a permanent court injunction that requires it to change its marketing practices and update wording on its labels. The company will also pay $500,000 in penalties and restitution as part of the settlement.
Cheribundi CEO Steve Pear told BevNET the financing was necessary to keep up with explosive growth: sales of the company's cherry juice beverages surged from $3 million in 2013 to $10 million last year.
Natural alternatives account for just 1 percent of the global market for sweeteners. However, natural beverage companies are increasingly turning to alternative sweeteners for blending with innovative and healthy formulations.
Misfit Juicery was built on the premise of combatting food waste by using oddly shaped, bruised or blemished produce in cold-pressed juices. But it’s not a juice company -- at least that’s how co-founders Ann Yang and Phil Wong see it.
As part of VEB’s senior leadership team, Messina played a critical role identifying emerging trends and investment opportunities for VEB, whose primary objective is to find and nurture the next generation of billion-dollar brands. for Coke.
The “Cold Pressure Verified” program establishes a set of criteria for implementation of HPP, a non-thermal safety method that uses high pressure to preserve packaged foods and beverages. Participating companies will be able to use a Cold Pressure Verified seal on labels and other marketing material.
A first time exhibitor at Natural Products Expo West, Koa markets a uniquely formulated zero-calorie, juice-based beverage that it calls “olakino.” In the above video, Koa CEO Adam Louras speaks with BevNET about the company's approach to innovation and new product development. He also discusses Koa’s distribution goals for 2016, and the addition of beverage industry veteran Ken Sadowsky as an advisor.
Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPSG) has increased its ownership position in BodyArmor, having invested an additional $6 million in the premium sports drink brand. The deal, finalized in March, comes approximately seven months after DPSG acquired an 11.7 percent stake in BodyArmor for $20 million. DPSG now owns 15.5 percent of the brand.
In a wide-ranging interview with BevNET, Evans discussed the development of Juicero, a new countertop cold-pressing juicing system. Evans shares details about the company's $120 million capital raise, its diverse investment group, the target demographic and sales projections for Juicero, and how it fits into the competitive landscape of cold-pressed juice.
“Till Vodka is a brand that represents timeless and aspirational values, which are tied to the region that embodies them,” said MGP President and CEO Gus Griffin. “Till captures the hard work and passion of the people involved in making it, and reflects the pride they take in doing their best.”
Having raised millions in new capital, WTRMLN WTR is pressing forward with brand-building and marketing initiatives as well as a new sourcing partnership to support growing distribution of the cold-pressed, high pressure processed juice.
