Grassy Goodness
Traditionally made from shade-grown green tea, matcha is having its moment in the sun.
Ray Latif
Producer, Taste Radio; Contributing Editor, BevNET
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.
Posts by Ray Latif
Happy Tree Introduces Innovative Cold Brew Coffee
Merging two fast-growing beverage trends, Happy Tree has launched a ready-to-drink coffee that is cold brewed using only maple water. The company, which markets a line of organic, high pressure processed maple waters, will debut the new product at Natural Products Expo West 2016.
Bolthouse Farms Goes Big With 1915, Adds Six New Varieties
Just nine months after launching its 1915 line of organic, cold-pressed, high pressure processed juices (HPP), Bolthouse Farms has more than doubled the number of varieties in the set, which includes a new sub-line of protein beverages that are formulated with almond milk, soymilk, and pea protein.
Daily Greens Introduces New Look for Conventional Line
On the heels of a new $5.5 million round of funding, Daily Greens is set to unveil a new look for its conventional-oriented line of high pressure processed (HPP) green juices and has added a trio of hemp milks to its Half Pint line of 8 oz. blends.
Frothy Innovation: La Colombe Launches Canned “Draft Latte”
The beverage, a blend of espresso, milk and sugar that is infused with nitrous oxide, was designed to replicate the same frothy, textured drinking experience as offered by the popular draft-poured lattes that La Colombe serves in its cafes.
Temple Turmeric Introduces Brand Evolution
Turmeric-beverage pioneer Temple Turmeric has undergone a rebranding that founder and CEO Daniel Sullivan calls “the perfect expression of our deep belief in ‘the Body as a Temple’ concept.”
Live Soda Lands $2M Investment, Set to Launch New Drinking Vinegar Line
The $2 million investment from Boulder Investment Group Reprise will be used to expand Live Soda's sales and marketing programs, including field activities, events and a new ambassador program. Some of proceeds will also be used in support of a new line of drinking vinegar-based beverages, set to debut at Expo West 2016.
Steaz Launches Organic Cactus Water Line
Made with prickly pear cactus juice, Fair Trade Certified green tea, natural flavors and stevia, Steaz is promoting the cactus water as a healthy beverage option with natural functionality, including antioxidant, hydration, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bulletproof Recalls FATwater
FATwater, the much-publicized enhanced water brand, is off the market following a December recall.
Naya Waters Seeks Return to Glory Days, Beginning With NYC
Two decades ago, Naya was one of the top-selling bottled water brands in the U.S. After years in the shadows, Naya is hoping to regain its once formidable market presence and leaning on a new partnership with Big Geyser to pave the path.
Nü To Market: Juisi Launches Dairy-Free Nut Milk Line
Juisi co-founder Joe Savino believes that the formulation of NÜMOO's organic, dairy-free nut milks differentiates them from current options on the market and that the brand has the potential to redefine the category.
Distribution News: Reed’s Lands New Placement in SoCal’s Largest Independent Supermarket Chain
Craft soda and kombucha company Reed’s has secured authorization for its Reed’s and Virgil’s brands in Stater Bros. Markets, the largest privately owned supermarket chain in Southern California. Stater Bros. has 168 locations in the region and annual sales of nearly $4 billion.
Naked Juice Launches HPP Sub-Line Called “Naked Pressed”
The launch of Naked Pressed comes amid a crowded and mature category for cold-pressed juice, however, Andrea Theodore, Head of Marketing, Naked Emerging Brands, said that the company is “consistently listening to our consumers' needs and innovating alongside them.”
Jones Soda Develops Co-Branded Soda Line for 7-Eleven
7-Eleven, the largest convenience store chain in the U.S., has tapped craft soda company Jones Soda to create a co-branded line of soft drinks. The new “7-Select brand premium sodas crafted by Jones” will be in 7-Eleven stores across the U.S. by March, according to Jones Soda CEO Jennifer Cue.