Taste Radio: The Traits That Define Trailblazing & Successful Leaders
In this special edition of the podcast, we feature highlights from interviews with eight founders, creators and innovators who joined us on the show during the first half of 2025.
Headlines
Spirits Distribution: LIXIR and West Peak Hit Major Chains, Ego Tequila Expands In Texas
In this month’s distribution news, Ego Tequila makes moves in Texas, NEFT Vodka’s mini barrels roll into BevMo!, and several ready-to-drink (RTD) brands land big California accounts
Productivity Drink Neutonic Secures $3.7M To Kickstart U.S. Move
Neutonic, the supplement brand fronted by podcaster Chris Williamson and fitness YouTuber James Smith, this morning announced it has raised $3.7 million at a $20 million valuation to help fuel the expansion of its RTD productivity drinks.
Inside Bloom Nutrition’s Strategic Entry into Walmart’s Modern Soda Set
Bloom Nutrition has officially entered the blossoming “modern soda” category, debuting its Bloom Pop shelf-stable prebiotic soda in Walmart stores nationwide today.
Casamigos Launches RTD Margaritas
The O.G. celebrity tequila has made its way into canned cocktails. George Clooney’s Casamigos announced today the launch of Casamigos Margaritas, its first ever ready-to-drink (RTD) product.
Chris Reed Picks Up Pa. Co-Packer Out of Bankruptcy, Reopens Former Joriki Plant
Chris Reed, the founder of ginger beer brand Reed’s, is going deeper into the co-packing business via the acquisition of the recently-shuttered Joriki Beverage aseptic beverage production facility in Pittston, Pa.
As Bev-Alc Volumes Decline, RTDs and Cider Are Summer Bright Spots
Bev-alc volumes declined in the two-week period ending June 14 except for cider and some ready-to-drink subcategories, according to analysis of NIQ data from Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
NIQ: Functional Drinks Surge In C-Stores As Gen-Z Loses Interest
The convenience store channel is evolving beyond beer, soda and chips to meet a growing demand for healthier food and beverage options.
BIOLYTE Gets a Glow Up as Driving Velocities Take Priority
BIOLYTE is sporting a fresh new look. The medical-grade hydration beverage brand this Spring introduced an updated package design, intended to help drive trial in retail and better reflect modern aesthetic trends in premium brand design.
BevNET Live: Scaling Up With Olipop’s Mel Landis
At BevNET Live Summer, Olipop president Mel Landis spoke about his approach to shifting a brand's focus from being new and innovative to scaling for a new growth stage that positions it for long-term success.
William Grant & Sons Shifts Distribution to Reyes in RNDC Fallout
Reyes Beverage Group has picked up another major spirits supplier in California as Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) winds down operations in the Golden State.
New Products: Collabs Reign, From Star Wars & Coke to Bolthouse & Tajín
This week's new product gallery is all about the collabs, from Bolthouse teaming with spice maker Tajín for a sweet and zesty smoothie, Jarritos and Taste Salud partnering to celebrate Mexican beverage culture, or Disney and Coca-Cola working on a new Star Wars-themed campaign.
Taste Radio: How NOT To Manage A Crisis. Functional Should Mean Clean, Right?
In one of the strangest scandals to hit the CPG world, BetterBrand, the startup behind the high-protein, low-carb “Better Bagel,” is now facing lawsuits, unpaid debts… and a missing founder. The hosts weigh in on the chaos surrounding entrepreneur Aimee Yang and her calamitous company. They also discuss a new, seemingly BFY beverage alcohol segment and why protein donuts deserve better ingredients.
NIQ: Economic and Health Concerns at Play in Moderating Bev-Alc Trends
Consumers’ embrace of moderation when it comes to beverage-alcohol is well documented, but their reasons for doing so are varied, according to research from insights firm NIQ.