podcast

Taste Radio: What Grannies & Betties Can Teach Us About Authenticity

Can a sober celebrity build a booming booze brand? The hosts dig into the paradox behind a high-profile actress and entrepreneur who doesn’t drink – but is betting big on alcohol. Plus, a tea company rooted in a 1930s family recipe is brewing something fresh with younger consumers. With a grassroots strategy and nostalgic appeal, could it be the next big thing for Gen Z and millennials?

Taste Radio: Millions Or Meh? Gauging The Potential For Breakout Brands.

Are they breakout stars or just... confusing? Pizza wine, salmon jerky, kava & mushroom-infused drinks, Gen Z-inspired peanut butter and “cheezy” puff snacks. Why we're thumbs up – or down – on buzzworthy new concepts in CPG. This episode also spotlights two remarkable women on a mission to elevate the way we eat: Holly Arbuckle of Singing Pastures and Swati Elavia of Monsoon Kitchens.

Taste Radio: Funding Favors the Few. Chefs Favor the Simple.

In a year clouded by economic uncertainty, you’d think investors would be clinging to their cash. But by the looks of things, maybe not? This episode also features an interview with acclaimed Boston-based chefs Jamie Bissonnette and Kenta Katagai as they take us behind the scenes of an unforgettable culinary collaboration.

Taste Radio: ‘Death’ vs. Poppi. And, How Plink’s Patience Is Paying Off.

As you may have heard, some people are upset with Poppi. While the soda brand’s Super Bowl ad caused a bit of consternation, we have a different take on it… and that of Liquid Death’s controversial TV spot. This episode also features an interview with Luke Montgomery-Smith, the co-founder of Plink, a brand of flavored, electrolyte-infused tablets designed to create effervescent and hydrating beverages.

Taste Radio: David, Decaf & Daiquiris. They’re All Trending.

With Taste Radio’s London meetups on the horizon, the hosts have their say on trendy brands, new products and the coming crush of seasonal LTOs. They share their respective takes on David, the high-profile protein bar brand launched by RXBAR co-founder Peter Rahal and whether decaf coffee is about to take off. They also get giddy about green cocktails and a record-breaking advent calendar.

Taste Radio: How The Subtle Art Of Innovation Is Expressed By An Iconic Brand

Beth Buckner and Blake Layfield, who lead the innovation unit for iconic Kentucky bourbon brand Maker’s Mark, talk about how the standards set by its founder are integral to new product development and why they eschew trendy concepts in favor of nuanced expressions of the bourbon.

Taste Radio: From $1M To $500M In Five Years, Olipop’s Explosive Growth Is No Accident

Ben Goodwin and David Lester, the co-founders of leading better-for-you soda brand Olipop, explain why marketing strategy doesn’t lean heavily into education about the products’ functional benefit, why the company’s mission and economic outcome “will forever be entwined,” and why they strive to be “experts in the leadership” of their business.

Taste Radio: Is Capital Starting To Flow Again? Plus, A New ‘Fast Track’ Emerges.

Does the announcement of a new $135 million fund offer any indication about the flow of new capital in food and beverage? The hosts discuss and also highlight a Poppi-infused snack, Walgreens’ private label prowess and some “notable” folks. We also feature an interview with five entrepreneurs who are drawing upon their experience and networks to support emerging brands via a new venture.

Taste Radio: It’s Time To Get Beyond Plant-Based Battles. Bala To The Rescue.

Jacqui’s recap of the recently held Vegan Women’s Summit spurs a conversation about consumer perception of plant-based food and meat alternatives, in particular. We also sit down with Dr. Farnoush Fadavi, the co-founder of Bala Enzyme, an innovative brand of plant-based drink mixes developed to speed recovery and reduce inflammation.