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.
Now there’s innovation, and then there’s Star Trek-like innovation. The latter of which could be used to describe Vessyl, a new drinking container that’s able to tell you exactly what you are consuming and how the liquid affects your body, according to theWire.com. Is your mind blown yet? No? Read on.
California Senate Bill 1000 failed on a 7-8 vote in committee, with opponents claiming that a warning on sugary drinks would be confusing and do little to change consumer behavior.
In a statement, Red Bull said that "Summer Edition," the first new product introduction for the energy drink giant in nearly 18 months, “performed extremely well with U.S. consumers during taste tests.”
The Coca-Cola Co. is said to be readying a U.S. launch for Coke Life, a mid-calorie cola made with a sweetener blend that includes stevia.
For Honest Tea, the math works out like this: 16 years + 22 million pounds of organic ingredients = a billion beverages.
Consumers are increasingly seeking out foods and beverages labeled as “natural,” but their expectations for the term are often at odds with what is actually delivered, said Consumer Reports.
The newest Blue Chair Bay Rum flavor joins the brand's original White, Coconut and Coconut Spiced varieties, created and wholly owned by multiplatinum singer-songwriter Kenny Chesney.
Ken Sadowsky, the senior beverages advisor in the U.S. for Verlinvest, offers his take on the development and growth potential for a number of developed, emerging and nascent beverage categories.
CSPI has threatened to sue The Campbell Soup Co. over what it believes to be misleading statements about the "juice content, nutritional value, and overall healthfulness” of V8 juice blends.
Proceeds from the financing will be used to deploy “some new marketing initiatives to even further accelerate” the development of KeVita, CEO Bill Moses said in a statement.
The template for Vital’s micro-juicery model is its current facility in Seattle, which has systems in place that allow the company to “track produce all the way from the vendor through to the bottle."
Eighteen months after Hain Celestial’s acquisition of BluePrint, the founders of the cold-pressed juice brand have exited the company.
Aiming to ramp up production and distribution of its raw, organic juices and foods, Urban Remedy has raised $5 million in new funding and tapped industry veteran Paul Coletta as CEO.
Amid booming sales and new distribution of Hiball, however, Berardi will look to quadruple his staff to eight, filling out a new sales force that will enhance and bolster the brand’s presence in a variety of retail channels as well as regionally along the East Coast, California, Texas and the Midwest.
