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.
A few weeks after Honest Tea co-founder and TeaEO Seth Goldman penned an op-ed criticizing New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed ban on the on-premise sale of large containers of sugary drinks, Barry Nalebuff, the company's other founding partner, offered his own critique in a recent post published on (ironically enough) Bloomberg.com.
The Chill Group has announced a partnership with brand incubator L.A. Libations to expand the availability of its Just Chill relaxation drink line. L.A. Libations co-founder Danny Stepper said a growing number of retailers have expressed interest in the relaxation drink business, and that Just Chill, an all-natural product that uses L-theanine as its primary functional ingredient, was the brand that he viewed as having the best potential to be the leader in the nascent category.
Aiming to tap into the lucrative business pioneered by Kraft Foods’ MiO, The Coca-Cola Co. Inc. is set to launch Dasani Drops, a new line of liquid flavor enhancers, according to the Associated Press. Dasani Drops will begin to appear on shelves in early October with a suggested retail price of about $4 for a 1.9 oz. bottle.
In yet another indication of chia's steady emergence as beverage ingredient, organic coconut water brand Coco Libre has launched a new line of coconut water and chia blends. Maverick Brands, the maker of Coco Libre, debuted Coco Libre Organic Coconut Water + Chia at Whole Foods stores in the grocer's North Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, Florida, and South regions. Coco Libre joins a range of new entries into the chia category over the past year, including Chia Star, Drink Chia, and GT's.
Fitness celebrity Jillian Michaels has joined EBOOST as an investor and brand ambassador. EBOOST markets a line of vitamin-enhanced powder packets and shots and Michaels joins a roster of athlete investors in the company, including New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire and Miami Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano. Michaels will hold the role of "Chief Energy Officer" for EBOOST.
In the midst of a new sales and marketing strategy, Celsius Holdings has partnered with GBS Smash! Brands to expand the availability of its calorie-reducing drink. Smash! Brands, the commercialization unit of food/beverage advisory firm GBS Growth Partners, will assist in the development of Celsius' distributor and retailer network and initially focus on expanding the brand's presence in California and Texas.
AriZona is swinging for the fences with a new coffee drink bearing the name of legendary baseballer Joe DiMaggio. Joltin' Joe is a lightly carbonated espresso beverage made with 80 mg of caffeine, and sweetened with Reb A stevia. The drink contains 100 calories per 16 oz. can, which is wrapped with a sepia-colored photo of DiMaggio as well as black and white images and newspaper headlines touting the outfielder's storied career.
Raising capital can be one of the most daunting tasks for beverage entrepreneurs. Because of the limited routes to finance for new companies, it is often thought that angel investors and institutional firms have the ability to pick and choose investments at will. However, Michael Burgmaier, a managing director with investment bank Silverwood Partners, explains that the selection process between investor and entrepreneur should be a two-way street.
On the eve of the 2012-13 NFL season, Vita Coco announced today that it has signed four professional football players to join its roster of athlete endorsers. San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker, and Chicago wide receiver Devin Hester will represent the coconut water brand and appear in ads promoting its message of "Hydrate naturally."
On a recent visit to Los Angeles, BevNET CEO John Craven and Andrew Guard, a beverage specialist, examined the growth of a number of nascent, higher-priced, better-for-you beverage categories, including cold brew coffee, high-pressure processed juices, and kombucha drinks. Craven and Guard also explore L.A.'s impact as a driving force behind the current health and wellness trends sweeping through the beverage industry.
The Internet rumor mill churned into high gear this week with word that hip-hop artist and Pepsi spokesperson Nicki Minaj was a leading candidate to join “American Idol” as a judge, except for a potential block of the deal by Coke, which has been a major sponsor of the reality singing competition for the past 11 years. However, it appears that the two soda giants will play nice in this case, with reports that Coke and Pepsi have given “Idol” execs and Minaj the green light on a partnership.
Less than a week after announcing its deal with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, BODYARMOR has landed two more National Football League (NFL) players as partners and investors. The multifunction beverage company signed both New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy to endorsement deals that give both players equity in the business.
Diet Coke cans are about to get a new look. Beginning on Sept. 1, The Coca-Cola Co., Inc. will switch to a previously limited-edition design for Diet Coke cans, according to Advertising Age. The design, which was introduced last fall, features an oversized black “D” and red “k” cropped from the Diet Coke logo and a silver background, and represents the first time that Coke has made a permanent change to Diet Coke’s packaging in over five years.
A new report from SymphonyIRI indicates that consumers continue to worry about the economy and their personal financial situations and - hoping to find the best value for their money - are making more food and beverage purchases at dollar and club stores.
