Hydrive Gets a Makeover, Relaunched as an “Energy Water”
Nine months after its acquisition of Hydrive Energy, Austin, Texas-based Big Red has revamped and relaunched the brand, which the company now markets as an "energy water."
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
Video: To Reach Key Influencers, Golazo Gets Memorable
With significant retail placement in hand, Golazo is now looking to expand awareness and trial of its products through unique interactions aimed at consumers whose interests are aligned with that of the brand.
For Teas, It’s Zero or Bust
Sweet teas drove the growth of the category, and non-caloric sweetener technology is improving. Nevertheless, any product with the whiff of artificiality, be it in taste or formulation, runs the risk of being seen as inauthentic.
Study: Conflicts of Interest Taint Self-Affirmed GRAS Determinations
A recent study that investigated possible conflicts of interest with regard to food ingredients self-affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) found that literally all of the determinations submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 1997-2012 lacked independent review.
Video: Innovation Drives Growth at Purity Organic
As natural and organic beverages continue to gain traction among greater numbers of mainstream consumers, Purity Organic has over the past year positioned itself to take advantage of that momentum through a path carved by innovation.
Video: An Interview with Rachel Malsin of Project Juice
Certainly, the direct-to-consumer delivery model has been a key launching pad for marketers of raw juice products, particularly through the sale of packaged juice cleanse programs. Recently, however, a growing number of companies are attempting to enhance brand awareness while meeting growing demand and interest in raw juice via the construction of retail storefronts. San Francisco-based Project Juice is one such company.
To Get Bigger, BluePrint Goes a Little Smaller
In a couple of significant moves for the company, BluePrint is set to launch a new line of 10 oz. bottles to its brand of high-pressure processed juice blends, and next month will open its first storefront in Venice, Calif. The latest news from BluePrint, which was acquired by Hain Celestial in December, comes amid a dramatic leap in awareness and demand for cold-pressed juices, as well as the introduction of a variety of similarly positioned brands over the past year.
Video: Stumptown Lays Foundation to be Primary Player in “Third Wave Coffee”
The market for super-premium coffee is rapidly expanding, and over the past two years, Stumptown Coffee Roasters has been laying the foundation to be a primary player in the category often referred to as “third wave coffee.”
Video: Aligning Trends and Expertise, Ayala’s Gets Into the Tea Business
Ayala's Herbal Water co-founder Ayala Laufer-Cahana believes that although the target market for the beverages will be those who seek out natural products and lead healthier lifestyles, the product line will attract a range of consumers, particularly as demand for herbal teas continues to grow.
Video: KomBrewCha Offers New Spin on Low-Alcohol Kombucha
At the recently held 2013 Summer Fancy Food Show, we had a chance to catch up with Ariel Glazer, who, along with Honest Tea co-founder Barry Nalebuff, recently launched KomBrewCha, a new line of low-alcohol, sparkling kombucha products.
Diane Blames Monster Energy for Uncle Rickie’s Death
This morning, the Internet brought us the following news: A plaintiff named “Diane” has reportedly filed a claim against Monster Beverage Corp., blaming the company’s energy drinks as the reason for the death of a victim named as “Uncle Rickie.” The 59-year-old man was an aficionado of Jager Bombs made with Monster Energy, and Uncle Rickie had already had a couple when he died. Diane said that she knows “for a damn fact” that it was the energy drinks that did him in.
LAST CHANCE! List Your Brand in BevNET’s 2013 Natural Beverage Guide
Thursday is your last chance to secure a listing in BevNET's 2013 Natural Beverage Guide, the beverage industry’s largest guide to beverages targeting the natural channel, including juices, teas, bottled waters, CSDs, concentrates, powders, and other natural beverage enhancers. This key resource will be aimed at beverage retailers and distributors who are looking to include additional natural products.
Back In NYC, Summer Fancy Food Show Was a Boon for BevCos
Bustling with delicacies, deals and debuts, the Fancy Food Show returned to New York City’s Jacob Javits Center after a two-year stint in Washington D.C. -- and, let’s face it, there’s no place like the Big Apple. Visiting with beverage industry stalwarts and new players alike, BevNET spoke with a number of executives at the event, with many offering news and insight that might prove to have a significant impact on the second half of the year -- and well beyond.
Exclusive Beverage Considering Foray into New England
Exclusive, which carries over 30 beverage brands in its portfolio, would ship direct from its headquarters in Long Island, eschewing sub-distributors and the construction of a warehouse facility in the New England region, according to an executive with the company.