Ray Latif

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.

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Posts by Ray Latif

Coke Puts the Freeze on Arctic White Cans Coke Puts the Freeze on Arctic White Cans

Coke Puts the Freeze on Arctic White Cans

by Ray Latif,

Consumer backlash has forced Coca-Cola to freeze production of limited-edition Arctic white cans for its flagship cola, according to the Wall Street Journal. Coke released the cans as part of a campaign to support conservation efforts for polar bear habitats, however, many consumers confused the cans with Diet Coke, while others claimed that the cola tasted different in the new cans. The white cans – scheduled to be on store shelves through February 2012 – will be phased out and replaced by red cans with seasonal designs.

Britvic Expands US Distribution of Fruit Shoot

by Ray Latif,

December 1, 2011 — Britvic plc has announced agreements with three of the top four bottlers of Pepsi in the United States to expand the distribution of its leading soft…

WILD Hires Chief Global Flavorist

by Ray Latif,

Wright’s experience and creativity will expand WILD’s global flavor portfolio Erlanger, KY (December 1, 2011) – WILD Flavors, Inc. (WILD) is pleased to announce that Marie Wright has accepted the…

Veteran Beverage Investor Establishes New Fund Veteran Beverage Investor Establishes New Fund

Veteran Beverage Investor Establishes New Fund

by Ray Latif,

TSG Consumer Partners, a private equity firm known for investing and reselling holdings in a number of food and beverage brands, announced the completion of a new $1.3 billion fund. In the past, TSG has acquired and sold stakes in Vitaminwater and Voss Water and, most recently, purchased 90 percent of Stumptown Coffee Roasters, the makers of Stumptown Cold Brew, a ready-to-drink iced coffee.

Consumer Reports Finds Dangerous Levels of Arsenic in Apple, Grape Juice Samples Consumer Reports Finds Dangerous Levels of Arsenic in Apple, Grape Juice Samples

Consumer Reports Finds Dangerous Levels of Arsenic in Apple, Grape Juice Samples

by Ray Latif,

Following its recent study that found potentially dangerous levels of arsenic and lead in samples of apple and grape juice, Consumers Union, a consumer advocacy group, recommended that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establish new thresholds for toxin levels in juice products. The results of the report come two months after Dr. Mehmet Oz issued a contentious warning that some brands of apple juice contained higher than normal levels of arsenic.

Coast Brands’ Territory Coverage is Now Nationwide

by Ray Latif,

Newport Beach, California (November 30, 2011) — Coast Brands Group, the beverage management services company founded two years ago to assist brands with distribution and chain management, is now national.…

Penthouse Libido Shots Now Available in Florida

by Ray Latif,

November 29, 2011 – Prestige Imports LLC has launched Penthouse Libido Shots in Florida with JJ Taylor Distributing.  Listed as NACS Show Hottest New Product, the Penthouse Male and Female…