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.
From unique formulations and ingredients to novel and distinctive packaging, Natural Products Expo West has long been a trade show defined by innovation. To that end, natural beverage marketers often view Expo West as a critical springboard for new product introductions, as well as an opportunity for some companies to showcase brand revamps, and in some cases, relaunches.
A judge’s decision to invalidate New York City’s ban on the sale of large sugary drinks had opponents of the measure euphorically cheering the ruling, while supporters of the ban, and, in particular, Mayor Michael Bloomberg were left exasperated and vowing an appeal.
Whether a first-time attendee or grizzled veteran of Natural Products Expo West, there was a singular feeling felt throughout: the 2013 show was simply mind-boggling in size and scale. Within the cavernous halls of the Anaheim Convention Center, a keen sense of excitement and opportunity filled the air as beverage companies, retailers, distributors and investors looked to take advantage of the rising tide of consumer demand for natural products.
Calling New York City’s impending ban on the on-premise sale of large sugary drinks one that is "fraught with arbitrary and capricious consequences,” a judge today blocked the city’s administration from implementing and enforcing the ban.
It was nearly two years ago when Harmless Harvest launched a first-of-its-kind “raw” and organic coconut water, in which the company utilized high pressure processing (HPP), instead of pasteurization, as a means of delivering not only a safe product, but one that retained the flavor profile and nutrients of the liquid closer its original form. Today, Harmless Harvest has once again turned to HPP to launch an innovative line of organic, cold-brewed tea drinks.
On the eve of the 2013 Natural Products Expo West show, ZICO has unveiled a number of new package sizes and products designed to expand its reach among a range of new consumers and retail placements. BevNET visited the company at its headquarters in El Segundo, Calif. to get a first look at its updated line-up of coconut water drinks.
It may be a disappointing end to a once promising beverage brand, but Pitaya Plus founder Chuck Casano said that discontinuing his company’s line of pitaya drinks is for the best. Casano and his team are now focused on the growth and development of its raw, organic frozen smoothie packs while continuing to support its social mission in working with independent pitaya farmers and single mothers in poverty-stricken communities in Nicaragua.
Offering consumers an alternative to its higher calorie offerings, ALO has introduced a new line of reduced-calorie, reduced-sugar aloe juice drinks. ALO Light is sweetened with a blend of cane sugar, erythritol and stevia and contains 50 percent less sugar and calories than the brand's original line-up of drinks.
With an eye on growing demand for protein drinks, Maverick Brands has introduced a new protein-infused line to its Coco Libre brand of coconut water products. Coco Libre Protein is a blend of organic coconut water and 20 grams of whey and milk protein isolate. The line comes in four flavors - Chocolate, Vanilla, Coffee and Almond - and is packaged in 11 oz. PET bottles.
It was PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi that famously coined the word “drinkify” in reference to the company’s plans to turn some of its snack products into new and innovative beverages. Along the same lines, Nooyi’s CEO counterpart at Mamma Chia, Janie Hoffman, will look to build upon the rapid growth of her brand by – in essence – “snackifying” the company’s line of whole chia seed and juice blends.
Faced with a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company’s ties to disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong resulted in false advertising, FRS today issued a statement furiously denying the claims and vowing to fight the case.
We're gearing up for New Hope Natural Media’s 33nd annual Natural Products Expo West show held this week at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. Co-located with Engredea and Nutracon, Expo West along with its sister show Expo East, are the leading venues to see and sample all-natural and organic products. As always, BevNET.com will be on hand to cover and report on the beverage-related exhibitors at the show – over 150 in total this year.
Citing a trove of medical research funded by the company, Monster Beverage Corp. today issued a lengthy statement denying responsibility for the death of Anais Fournier, a 14 year-old Maryland girl whose family blamed her death on the consumption of Monster Energy drinks.
Rob’s Really Good Beverages will debut Rob’s Fizz, a line of zero-calorie sparkling drinks, at this week’s Natural Products Expo West show in Anaheim, Calif. The new products follow the company’s transition last year to an entirely zero-calorie portfolio of drinks. The three-SKU line is sweetened with a blend of erythritol, monk fruit extract and organic stevia extract.
