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.
The new line expands upon the company’s popular Green Lemonade variety with four additional offerings, each formulated with lemon juice and nutrient-dense algae-based ingredients, including chlorella and spirulina.
In this edition of Press Clips: N.Y. state reaches settlement with kombucha producers; Philly’s new sweetened drinks tax takes effect; Coke closes Founders incubator, Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list includes founders of Mati, Steamm.
GT’s Kombucha, has acquired Tula’s CocoKefir, the maker of coconut-based kefirs and yogurts that are fermented with vegan probiotic cultures. The transaction took place earlier this year, according to GT's founder GT Dave, who told BevNET that he has long had a fondness for Tula’s products.
It took us a couple of weeks to recover from the biggest BevNET Live conference yet, but in this edition of the podcast, we reflect on the three-day event, which was held from Dec. 4-6 in Santa Monica, Calif.
Revive Kombucha is set to launch a new 12 oz. bottle size and revamped labels, both of which are intended to support the company’s national expansion and broaden the brand’s appeal among retailers and consumers, according to founder and CEO Sean Lovett.
Nearly a year after Bulletproof’s FATwater line was recalled from the market, the enhanced waters are back with a new formulation and package.
In this edition of the BevNET Podcast, we're joined by Grant Prentice, the vice president of strategic insights for FoodMinds, a food nutrition communications and consulting firm, who talked about recent research on how packaging can impact beverage drinkers’ experiences and reinforce or complement beverage brand equities.
Cold-pressed juice brand Evolution Fresh is placing greater emphasis on beverages that can be consumed as snacks and is planning to launch a new line of “Organic Superfoods” smoothies next year, according to president Ryan Ziegelmann.
Dollar sales of carbonated soft drinks (CSD) decelerated, while sparkling water continues to impress, according to a new Wells Fargo Securities report detailing Nielsen xAOC (expanded all outlets combined) year-over-year beverage sales data for the four-week period ending on Nov. 5.
Greg Steltenpohl, the CEO of Califia Farms and a beverage entrepreneur for nearly four decades, is constantly thinking about innovation.
The career of Danny Stepper, a co-founder of beverage incubator L.A. Libations, is one that comes with lot of stories -- and he's happy to tell them.
Llanllyr Source is targeting premium mixers in an expansion of its natural spring water line.
In an interview with BevNET, Jerry Reda, the COO of Big Geyser, said his belief in the management and marketing team at Minnesota-based food conglomerate Hormel Foods, which acquired Muscle Milk parent company CytoSport Holdings in 2014 for approximately $450 million, was a key component of the deal.
In an investor call held this morning, DPS president and CEO Larry Young said that the company is “excited to see this team continue the breakthrough and disruptive innovation providing consumers with great-tasting and low-calorie beverages” and hailed the acquisition of Bai as one that “makes a tremendous amount of sense for us.”
