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.

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Posts by Ray Latif

Lumi Brings HPP Juice to The Fresh Market

Heralded as the exclusive cold-pressed juice offering at the specialty retailer, Lumi Juice recently announced a deal with The Fresh Market that will bring the HPP line to its 160 locations in 25 states.

Braintrust Investments Acquires Inko’s

In a statement, Braintrust said that it will “be working closely with brokers, distributors, and retailers to provide more consumers with access to the company’s truly unique teas.”

Honest Tea Becomes First Coke Brand in K-Cups

Honest Tea is the first Coke-owned brand to develop a line of K-Cups for use in Keurig’s hot brewing unit. Intended to be brewed over ice and served cold, the launch of Honest Tea’s new single-serve “pods” comes months before the expected debut of Keurig’s cold beverage system, one that will enable consumers to prepare a variety of cold drinks, including carbonated ones, at home.

Juice Refined: Green Mustache Gets a New Look

Seeing an opportunity to extend the brand’s positioning, Green Mustache has released a revamp of its packaging and now sports the tagline, “Greens For All, Big & Small.”

News in Juice (of the Cold-Pressed Variety)

We may be facing the last throes of summer, but it’s clear that cold-pressed juice companies are anything but content to lean back and soak in the sun.

Analysts, Investors Cheer Coke Investment in Monster

The announcement that the Coke has acquired a minority stake in Monster elicited a swarm of analyst reports on the purchase, which most view as immensely positive for both companies.

Opportunity Brewing

The development of new tea drinks for kids could play a key role in the creation of a framework by which marketers can establish vertical integration of both adult and children’s products.

Vita Coco Vaults Into the Sports Drink Category

Vita Coco Sport is the culmination of the brand’s partnership with Target, which was announced in April as part of the mass retailer’s “Made to Matter” program.

Soda Swap – Is Energy the New CSD?

While the energy drink category has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of reduced shelf space for CSDs, there is significantly more room to grow.