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.
Nearly four months after a jury ruled that Monster Beverage Corp. must pay The Beastie Boys $1.7 million after ruling against the energy drink giant in long-running dispute over alleged unauthorized use of the rap group’s songs, two music publishers are seeking similar compensation.
While not a complete capitulation of their efforts to disassociate soda consumption and links to obesity, the recently announced pledge by the world’s largest soda manufacturers to reduce beverage calories in the American diet represents a striking shift in communication.
Filmed on location at the Baltimore Convention Center, BevNET CEO John Craven and BevNET Editor-in-Chief Jeff Klineman break down the show and its impact on natural beverage categories.
Though most exhibitors felt attendance and energy at the show to be lethargic, Expo East nonetheless showcased the ongoing evolution of cold-pressed juices and cold-brewed coffee.
In a partnership built on the bonds (or, in this case, the bogs) of expertise, cranberry giant Ocean Spray has aligned with RIPE Bar Juice maker FreshBev on a new line of cold-pressed, HPP juices.
A better-for-you packaged coffee brand is leaning on its association with a well-known media mogul to bring a new line of health-focused, ready-to-drink beverages to the masses.
In its assessment, Fair for Life praised Harmless Harvest as being “meticulous about setting up their business to benefit fair trade, the environment, and health.”
Continuing upon a quest to answer what it terms as “the diet dilemma,” Bai today unveiled a new carbonated line, its first brand extension since launching Bai5.
Boosting their leadership ranks with proven veterans of the food and beverage industry, Orgain and FreshBev recently announced top-level moves intended to mold the strategic vision of each company.
Flattop jokes aside, it’s clear that the world’s largest fighting force likes a good buzz.
Formulated with the same amount of aloe vera as its flagship line, ALO Pulp-Free is made with pureed aloe gel, which “improves absorption of nutrients,” according to the company.
In its report on new Nielsen data, Wells Fargo pointed Coke’s “Share a Coke" campaign as having a strong impact on its flagship brand, which saw dollar sales soar by 8 percent in the period.
As expected, Honest Tea has taken the next step in a brand refresh, having announced that its glass bottle line will now feature new graphics and a tweak in formulation.
In this summer’s already boiling pot of beverage investments and acquisitions, perhaps the biggest fish in the non-alcoholic beverage industry is now on the ingredient list.
