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.
Included in this edition of the BevNET Podcast are interviews with Dirty Lemon's Zak Normandin and Alpha Dominche's Thomas Perez, exploring how outside-the-box thinking shaped their respective companies.
In an interview with BevNET CEO John Craven, WTRMLN WTR founder Jody Levy expressed optimism that, with key pieces in place, the cold-pressed watermelon juice brand is primed to grow beyond its roots in the natural channel and into more conventional retailers.
At Natural Products Expo West 2017, organic juice stalwart Uncle Matt’s continued its foray into functional beverages with the debut of a new Organic Energy juice that is formulated with organic coffeeberry and ashwagandha, and extended its probiotic water line with two new varieties.
In an interview recorded at Natural Products Expo West 2017, Asprey discussed his role as an evangelist for bio-hacking foods and his vision for mainstreaming the concept. He also shared his take on Bulletproof-style RTD beverages coming to market and what it means for the company’s upcoming launch of its own RTD coffee.
In a video interview with BevNET CEO John Craven and filmed at Natural Products Expo West 2017, Matthews noted that while “grocery is an important category” for the company, its broader multi-channel strategy that has given it a competitive edge over competing cold-pressed juice brands.
Celsius Holdings, Inc., the maker of zero-calorie fitness drink brand Celsius, this week announced a new $15 million round of funding led by current investor Hong Kong-based Horizons Ventures, a private investment arm of billionaire Li Ka-Shing. Gloria Tang Tsz-kei, a popular Chinese singer-songwriter known as G.E.M, and zVentures, the strategic investment arm of Razer, a leading lifestyle brand for gamers, were also investors in the round.
As the cold brew coffee category evolves, more brands are showing innovative flavors and line extensions, as well as introducing novel packaging formats. Meanwhile, a handful of tea companies are also using the brewing method, promoting their new products as having a smoother and more complex taste profile than hot brewed tea.
Todd Carmichael, the co-founder and CEO of La Colombe, says he has a “firm belief that nothing is ever truly finished.” He is, however, content with the recent completion of the company’s 60,000 sq. ft. production facility, one that will support a dramatic increase in the distribution and retail placement of its RTD Draft Latte products.
In the above video, BevNET CEO John Craven and BevNET Managing Editor Ray Latif offered their takes on the 10 new product introductions that were most notable and impactful for the industry. The list includes innovative products in fast-growing categories, including bone broth and healthy juice, as well as probiotic beverages, tea and kombucha.
Natural Products Expo West 2017 concluded its three-day stand in Anaheim, Calif. on Sunday, March 12. Throughout the exhibition halls, many beverage brands utilized the show as a springboard for new product introductions and package revamps. In the following slideshow, we take a look at the numerous updates.
In a highly unexpected move, Kevin Klock has departed as president and CEO of Talking Rain, the maker of Sparkling Ice. Talking Rain CFO Marcus Smith has assumed Klock’s responsibilities “with full shareholder support,” according to a company statement.
In this video, BevNET correspondents John Craven and Ray Latif identified several important and impactful new products from Expo West 2017's Hot Products Exhibits and discussed ways in which early-stage brands are aligning with the most significant trends in the industry.
In this edition of the BevNET Podcast, we’re joined by prominent food and beverage attorney Nick Giannuzzi. The founder and managing partner of the The Giannuzzi Group, he has for over a decade provided legal representation to hundreds of small to mid-sized CPG companies and been involved in the biggest M&A deals in the space.
Natural beverage maker Califia Farms has for the first time entered the organic drink market with the launch of Homestyle Nutmilks. The drinks will debut this week at Natural Products Expo West 2017, where Califia will also introduce a restaging of its protein beverages, two additions to its Almondmilk line and a new multi-serve offering for its Pure Black cold brew coffee.
