Ray Latif

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.

Contact Information »

Posts by Ray Latif

Coke, Monster Complete $2.15 Billion Deal

Announced on Friday, The Coca-Cola Co. and Monster Beverage Corp. have completed a strategic partnership, one in which the cola giant paid $2.15 billion for a 16.7 percent stake in the energy drink company.

JLo-Endorsed Fitness Company Sues Arty Water; Brand Revamp Impending

The lawsuit, filed in January in U.S. District Court of Nevada, alleges that Arty Water engaged in a “brazen theft of Plaintiff’s intellectual property even includes using the photograph of Plaintiff’s endorsement partner Jennifer Lopez, the famous actor, television personality, and singer.”

Blue Bottle Coffee Lands $70 Million in New Funding

The news comes a few days after it was revealed that Blue Bottle secured a lease for a large warehouse in Bushwick, Brooklyn which the Oakland, Calif.-based company will use as a coffee roastery, cafe and bakery.

Former Suja VP Caroline Beckman Named Thiel Fellow

Caroline Beckman left Suja in May and was recently named as part of the 2015 class of Thiel Fellows, a unique mentorship program founded by famed tech investor Peter Thiel. Beckman is now focused on the launch of a new organic food company called Novma, which she co-founded with Nina Church, a daughter of Suja CEO Jeff Church.

Coca-Cola Unveils 100 Percent Plant-Based Bottle

The Coca-Cola Co. yesterday unveiled a new plastic bottle made entirely from plant-based materials, but the company has yet to reveal plans for commercial production of the package.

Vita Coco’s New Ad Campaign: It’s Coconut Water, Stupid.

Coconut water titan Vita Coco has announced the launch of a new advertising campaign called “Stupidly Simple,” a global marketing effort intended to simplify messaging of coconut water to that of a natural, refreshing beverage.

Mintel: Despite Safety Concerns, Older Millennials Consuming More Energy Drinks

Millennial consumers are increasingly aware of and concerned about energy drink ingredients, but that hasn’t slowed their consumption of highly caffeinated beverages, according to a new report from Mintel. Notably, it’s older millennials, including those with or planning for children, who are consuming more energy drinks than ever before.

Beatdown: Consumer Reports Slams Sports Drinks, Plant-Based Waters

In a new article titled “Don’t be fooled by coconut water and other new sports drinks,” Consumer Reports hammers away claims of enhanced hydration and elevated nutrition as touted by beverage brands in a range of categories, including plant-based waters and electrolyte-fortified drinks.

Agua Drops the Enerviva in Brand Revamp

In a sweeping revamp, Agua Enerviva is now known simply as Agua. While still identified as an "energy water," a reworking of the label gives far greater prominence to its low-calorie formulation, something that founder Carol Dollard calls “one of the most important things that consumers are looking at when they pick up a beverage.”

Tea Change: Howell Departs as Rooibee CEO, Meissner Joins Board

Howell, who joined Roobiee Red Tea as its chief executive officer in 2010, has left the company to become the director of innovation for spirits giant Brown-Forman. Meanwhile, longtime beverage veteran Bill Meissner, most recently the president and CEO capsule-based coffee company Tazza Pronto, has joined Rooibee’s board of directors,

Funding Briefs: Sipp, Coconut Cartel Land Equity Investments

News of a couple notable investment rounds recently hit our desk, with organic soda brand Sipp and Coconut Cartel, which markets coconut water sold in unopened coconuts, each securing new equity financing.