Is There A Future For Plant-Based Meat? Point (Coffee) Break.

Is the plant-based meat boom going bust? Despite early excitement and big investments, some brands are in the midst of turbulent times and an uncertain future. The hosts weigh in.

Show notes:

Head South. Red Hot CPG. Big Names, Live. A Beyond Meati Problem. Dink-Tinis & More. – The hosts recap Taste Radio’s vibrant Austin meetup and share red hot news in the business of RTD coffee. They also highlight recently announced founders and operators that will be speaking at BevNET Live Summer 2025, including Kurt Seidensticker of Vital Proteins and Melvin Landis of Olipop. The hosts riff on the stunning downfall of plant-based meat company Meati as well as another poor quarter for Beyond and analyze the broader implications for the alt-meat space. Ray gets everyone’s attention with a collaboration between The Botanist Gin and Prince, which have teamed up to serve “pickleball cocktails,” before John and Mike break out lemonade-flavored potato chips and a goat milk “lamb skewer” chocolate bar. Jacqui chats about an avocado-based tea, and Ray showcases new meat sticks from The New Primal and Archer.