Taste Radio: Hard Truths Must Be Told. Melissa Facchina Is Here To Do Just That.

Melissa Facchina, the co-founder of growth equity firm Siddhi Capital, spoke about the pervasiveness of "bad information" circulating on Linkedin and her belief that the vast amount of capital invested in food and beverage brands over the past decade has been to the detriment of the industry. She also explained why a great operations strategy is the key to making healthy food more accessible, and how she defines “a rockstar, unbelievable company.”

DRNXMYTH Closes $3.7 Million Round to Manufacture in the U.S., Scale Distribution

Ready-to-pour cocktail DRNXMYTH has secured $3.7 million as it prepares to manufacture its innovative packaging in the U.S. and expand its retail footprint. The Series A round was led by an unnamed beverage venture firm, with Red Door Capital announcing an investment of $975,000 to close out the round on Tuesday.

Taste Radio: A Sampling Of The Best From A Wild Expo West

On the ground in Anaheim, California, Taste Radio’s hosts reflected upon the first two days of an exhilarating Natural Products Expo West 2023 and highlighted standout new brands and products exhibited at the show, along with those featured at the Snaxshot X BevNET and MENA CPG meetups held during the week.

Expo West 2023: Sourcing, Sodas Take Spotlight On Day 2

In our second daily recap from Natural Products Expo West 2023, we break down the latest news and updates from the event, including a surge in next-gen sodas, the growth of canned beverages, and how brands are bringing farmers and ingredient sourcing partners closer into their respective product development processes and identities. 

Jack Owoc Out At VPX/Bang

Jack Owoc, the controversial CEO and founder of Bang Energy maker Vital Pharmaceuticals, is out as the company’s chief executive and chief science officer, and from its board of directors, where he had served as chairman, effective immediately.

Expo West 2023: Editors Share Quick Takes From Day One

At the close of the event's opening day, editors discuss their initial observations and takeaways thus far, including a pair of exits for two young brands in the bottled water space, a spike in mood-boosting and brain-focused drinks. 

People Moves: Bacardi, Siempre Tequila Bring on New Leadership

Roberto Ramirez Laverde has returned to Bacardi as global senior vice president of Bacardi rum, the company announced yesterday. Laverde took on the role following the promotion of Ned Duggan to global chief marketing officer of Bacardi and president of Bacardi Global Brands Limited.