What can BevNET and NOSH’s most-read news stories of 2023 inform us about the coming year? The hosts reflected on the sites’ top viewed articles from the past 12 months – including those about White Claw’s upcoming launch of a non-alcoholic line, the Erewhon NYC pop-up that never was and controversy over a kratom-infused shot brand – and what impact the news may have on trends, innovation and emerging categories in 2024.

Tony Burt, the founder and CEO of super-premium mixer brand East Imperial, spoke about the why a consistent and disciplined emphasis on the brand’s core values has been key to its success, how the company holds the line on pricing and positioning and identifies ideal placement for its products and why it is agnostic about strategic partnerships.

A $900 million M&A deal was a top talking point for the hosts, who also highlighted a $40 million private equity fund focused on investment in emerging brands and opined on both trendy concepts and those of cultural significance. This episode also features an interview with culinary expert and product developer Henry Hill, who spoke about ways that modern brands can optimize flavor and texture.