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.
As the founder and creator of Muscle Milk, Greg Pickett helped make protein drinks palatable for mainstream consumers. In his latest venture, Pickett wants to elevate taste profiles across the beverage spectrum.
Propelled by sustained consumer demand for kombucha along the West Coast, sales doubled to nearly $12 million in 2016. Founder and CEO Matt Thomas expects booming growth to continue amid an expansion of the company’s manufacturing capacity and the addition of an experienced sales executive.
Last week, the podcast team visited the Boston offices of Bevi, a high-tech water cooler that customizes still and sparkling water with unsweetened, zero-calorie, or organically sweetened natural flavors.
Last week the podcast team visited CircleUp’s San Francisco office to speak with Ben Lee, the managing director of CircleUp Funds, the company’s investment arm. We sat down with him to discuss the ways in which CircleUp aims to support early-stage fundraising for beverage entrepreneurs.
Over the course of the 2017 Winter Fancy Food Show, we encountered a broad array of new brands, design revamps and line extensions, all of which are included in this photo gallery.
BevNET correspondents sifted through the many of the new beverages that debuted at the 2017 Winter Fancy Food Show, and in the above video, they offered their takes on the drinks that have the potential to be most impactful for the industry.
In this video, recently filmed at Harmless Harvest headquarters in San Francisco, we sat down with CEO Giannella Alvarez, who discussed the development of the line, the company’s decision to innovate with probiotics, and how the products fit into its new zero-waste initiative.
In a move designed to enhance the brand’s ability to sell in conventional grocery stores, drinkable soup brand Tio Gazpacho has replaced its 12 oz. bottle with a new 10 oz. size. It’s one of two key changes for the brand as the year begins, as it has also dropped its USDA certified organic status.
Amid growing consumer demand for organic beverages, Ito En North America today announced a new USDA certified organic formulation and revamped branding for its Teas’ Tea line. Ito En will debut the updated line at the 2017 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, which begins this Sunday.
Coca-Cola-backed incubator L.A. Libations has partnered with ARYA, a maker of enhanced beverages and snacks infused with curcumin, the bioactive component in turmeric, to help expand the brand’s retail footprint.
In this edition of the podcast, Burgmaier, who’s worked with several fast-growing and high-profile food and beverage brands, including Essentia, Spindrift and KeVita, discussed the current climate for CPG financing, competition for investment dollars and what he views as the key attributes for successful brands.
Fast-growing premium mixer brand Q Drinks has added two longtime Honest Tea executives to its sales team as it looks to bolster its presence at retail stores. Meanwhile, Zevia today announced the promotion of Hank Margolis to the role of COO.
What will 2017 hold for trends, innovation and emerging categories in the non-alcoholic beverage industry? We asked 10 veteran beverage executives and observers for their takes on what’s to come.
In this edition, the podcast team is joined by BevNET editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman and the editors of BevNET’s sister sites, Brewbound’s Chris Furnari and Project NOSH’s Carol Ortenberg, each of whom offered their take on the most pertinent trends and issues within the industries they cover.
