Taste Radio

BevNET Inc.
  • 4.9 (220)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

The top podcast for anyone building a business in food or beverage, BevNET's Taste Radio features interviews with the leaders and rising stars of our fast-evolving industry. The shows also include discussion on emerging trends, innovation and news of the week from our regular cadre of hosts from the BevNET and NOSH teams. Tell us what you think at ask@tasteradio.com. You can also email us if you are interested in Taste Radio sponsorship opportunities. And if you like the podcast, share it with a colleague, will ya?

  1. 9h ago

    Five Brands Shaping CPG's Next Wave

    In the latest episode of Taste Radio's Elevator Talk, leaders from five emerging CPG brands -- Tamarind Heads, Cozy, Samsara, Jöey Nordic Seed Crisps and Nadas Empanadas -- introduce their businesses, share what's changed since launch and offer a look at where they're headed next. Joining regular host Ray Latif, editor and producer of Taste Radio, is Can Koyuncu, the co-founder and CMO of Chapter Foods, who brings sharp questions, candid feedback and an investor's perspective to each pitch. Want to put your brand in front of experienced CPG operators and investors? Applications are open for future episodes of Elevator Talk. Participation is free, interviews are conducted remotely, and founders get the chance to pitch their products, share company news and get unfiltered feedback from industry leaders. Apply now to be featured in an upcoming episode.

    Five Brands Shaping CPG's Next Wave

  2. 1d ago

    Keurig Dr Pepper's Former CEO Has A Beefy Take On Growth

    What if the smartest growth strategy for your CPG brand is to stop chasing growth? Larry Young spent nearly 50 years in the beverage business before trading corporate boardrooms for a cattle ranch. The former CEO and president of Keurig Dr Pepper and his wife, Colette, now own Texas-based 10-2-4 Ranch, where they're building a premium beef brand on their own terms. In this episode, Larry and Colette explain why they've resisted the pressure to grow fast, raise money and chase scale; how they've made premium quality accessible without premium pricing; and why customer relationships, authenticity and simply delivering on your promises can be more powerful than any conventional growth strategy. They also share lessons on educating consumers, building word of mouth, choosing the right partners and hiring people who genuinely care about what they do. Show notes: 0:20: Larry & Colette Young, Owners, 10-2-4 Ranch – Larry discusses how a lifelong career in the beverage industry ultimately led him and Colette to ranching and the creation of a consumer beef brand. They talk about the 10-2-4's origins as a hunting ranch, how it evolved into a cattle operation and, eventually, a premium beef business built around Wagyu-influenced cattle, quality, traceability and affordability. The Youngs explain why their goal isn't to become the biggest beef brand, but the best, why taste is the most powerful selling point, how affordable pricing makes premium beef more approachable, and why educating consumers about lesser-known cuts and the nutritional benefits of beef is central to their strategy. They also share how word of mouth, restaurant partnerships, steak nights and social media help build the brand, while emphasizing personal relationships and customer service as key differentiators. The conversation also explores their decision to avoid political debates and carefully choose media and influencer partners so the brand remains focused on food rather than ideology. Finally, the Youngs reflect on entrepreneurship, defining success on their own terms, the importance of hiring people with passion and integrity, and the unexpected fulfillment of building a business that aligns with their lifestyle and values. Brands in this episode: 10-2-4, Bai

    Keurig Dr Pepper's Former CEO Has A Beefy Take On Growth

  3. 5d ago

    Is It A Trend Or A Distraction?

    How do you know when a trend is an opportunity – and when it's just a distraction? In CPG, the pressure to add protein, fiber, adaptogens, nootropics and every other buzzy benefit can be relentless. But more isn't always more. We dig into why some brands are winning by keeping things simple, how Purely Elizabeth has managed to embrace trends without losing its identity, and why Pathwater's evolution beyond bottled water may offer a lesson in building a brand around what consumers actually value. Plus, we swap samples, trade founder war stories and discover a few products that made us stop and pay attention. Show notes: 0:20: Clear Messaging. Too Much Function. Trend Chasing. Founder Hustle. Snack Time. — The hosts explore the tension between simplicity and functionality, comparing straightforward products like Bare Brew and Cherrish with more complex concepts like Vera. They discuss why emerging brands are often better off with one clear benefit and a simple consumer message. They also look at how Purely Elizabeth has embraced trends like protein and fiber while staying true to its core, and how Pathwater has turned its broader sustainability and hydration positioning into an advantage. Along the way, they share some funny realities of building CPG brands and highlight new products from Hol Health Club and Peppertux. Brands in this episode: Bare Brew, Narra, Pure Leaf, Doritos, Mamma Chia, Cherrish, Vera, Purely Elizabeth, PathWater, SmartWater, Bodyarmor, Hol Health Club, Melo, Doosra, Peppertux

    Is It A Trend Or A Distraction?

  4. Sep 1

    Replay: After The Caulipower Sale, Gail Becker's Words Hit Differently

    Caulipower's sale to Urban Farmer in November 2025 marked the latest chapter in one of the most remarkable founder stories in modern CPG.  Before the acquisition, the company was generating more than $120 million in annual sales and had established a dominant position in better-for-you frozen food. But for founder Gail Becker, building a successful company was never just about creating enterprise value — and that makes this conversation worth revisiting. When Gail joined Taste Radio in March 2025, she spoke candidly about the motivations behind Caulipower, the company she built after seeing an opportunity to make the foods people loved more accessible and better for them.    With the benefit of hindsight — and knowing where the Caulipower journey ultimately led — Gail's perspective on success feels especially resonant. She opens up about the emotional rewards of entrepreneurship, the relationships she developed with consumers and the leadership lessons she learned while scaling Caulipower into a market leader with a national retail footprint of more than 25,000 stores. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or revisiting it with the outcome of Caulipower's sale in mind, Gail's message is clear: building a valuable company is one thing. Building something that genuinely matters is something else entirely. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Gail Becker, Founder, Caulipower – Recorded at the lively Caulipower booth at Expo West 2025, Gail Becker takes us behind the development of the brand's new dill pickle pizza, a product that spent two years in development before reaching shelves. She outlines the three must-have criteria for every new Caulipower product and explains why expanding access to better-for-you food remains central to the company's mission. Gail also discusses the brand's willingness to challenge conventions and reflects on the intensity and optimism that defined Caulipower's early days. Despite being naturally private, she became the public face of the brand and shares what she's learned about navigating that role — including the importance of knowing when to say no. Brands in this episode: Caulipower

    Replay: After The Caulipower Sale, Gail Becker's Words Hit Differently

  5. Aug 28

    The Private Opportunity That Could Be Worth Millions

    As inflation, margin pressure and shifting consumer behavior reshape the CPG landscape, private label is having a major moment — and brands need to decide how they'll respond. The hosts unpack why more retailers are embracing private label, how brands can leverage it to strengthen cash flow without undermining their own business, and why saying no to an opportunity could simply hand it to a competitor. Show notes: 0:20: Meetups & Mingling. Honey Mama's Mashups. Private Label, Big Moment. Networking Pays. CPG Wins & Woes. Weird Snacks. – The hosts kick off the episode with some playful banter about Ray's absence before reflecting on Taste Radio's recent Chicago Meetup and previewing upcoming events in San Diego, San Francisco and London. They sample a variety of new Honey Mama's products and discuss how the brand has evolved its product line without losing its core identity. The conversation then turns to the resurgence of private label amid inflation and a K-shaped economy, with Melissa highlighting a recent Nombase podcast focused on how brands can use private label to generate cash flow without diluting their core business. The hosts also make the case for attending industry events, emphasizing that networking can lead to unexpected opportunities and that founders should consistently invest in their networks rather than scrambling to build one when they need it. They spotlight several entrepreneurs and brands, including Goldie Lemonade founder Sean Rosenberg, Plainspeak Water from Sara Brooks, and Bake Me Healthy founder Kimberly Lau, whose decision to wind down her business underscores just how difficult building a successful CPG company can be. Finally, they sample a uniquely Canadian snack called Long Chips, debate whether the bacon flavor is actually bacon, and marvel at the product's unusual format. Brands in this episode: Honey Mama's, Stumptown Coffee, Prana, Goldie Lemonade, GNGR Labs, Plainspeak, Bake Me Healthy, Kodiak Cakes, Long Chips, Pringles

    The Private Opportunity That Could Be Worth Millions

  6. Aug 25

    Why Her 'Cheeky' Strategy Is Paying Off

    The fastest way to find out if your strategy holds water? Put it in the market.  For more than a decade, Cheeky Cocktails has built a following with premium syrups and juices designed to elevate at-home cocktails.  Now, founder and CEO April Wachtel is pushing the brand into a first-of-its-kind functional tonic, and shares how real-world feedback is reshaping everything from where the product belongs on the shelf to how she's thinking about Cheeky's next chapter. For CPG founders, it's a compelling case for embracing iteration rather than waiting for perfection. Show notes: 0:20: April Wachtel, Founder & CEO, Cheeky Cocktails – April discusses her unconventional path from working in restaurants as a teenager to becoming a craft cocktail bartender, spirits brand ambassador and consultant before launching her own company. She reflects on the evolution from her original brand, Swig and Swallow and how she ultimately relaunched the business just as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated at-home cocktail culture. April explains how her experience as a bartender, cocktail instructor and consumer shaped Cheeky's portfolio of premium syrups and juices, as well as its newest product, Cheeky Lime Tonic, which she describes as a functional tonic with fiber and 40–70% less sugar than traditional tonics. April details the extensive R&D and consumer feedback that went into developing the tonic and explains why she believes entrepreneurs should get products into the market quickly to test their assumptions and learn from real-world reactions. She also discusses Cheeky's evolving retail strategy and the challenge of building a company around two distinct product lines and the possibility that the tonic could eventually become the primary focus of Cheeky. April  also shares how intuition, personal experience and data have each influenced her entrepreneurial decisions, emphasizing the importance of following instinct while validating ideas with market research and consumer feedback. Brands in this episode: Cheeky Cocktails, Poppi, Olipop, Culture Pop

    Why Her 'Cheeky' Strategy Is Paying Off

  7. Aug 21

    When Raising Millions Starts With A 'FirstLook'

    What does it take for an emerging CPG brand to go from promising to investable? Brian Folmer, founder of FirstLook and FirstLook Ventures, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he evaluates the next generation of consumer brands. FirstLook is a "Shark Tank in a box" platform that vets hundreds of brands before putting a select group of products in the hands of nearly 100 investors, while FirstLook Ventures takes that deal flow a step further by funding emerging companies alongside its investor community.  Brian reveals what catches his attention—from traction and valuation to market potential, founder quality and the elusive "X factor"—and shares why some brands make the cut while others don't. He also explains why overpricing a company can stall a fundraise, how potent consumer pain points can create breakout opportunities, and why today's shift toward cleaner, less-processed products is creating new opportunities for CPG founders. Show notes: 0:20: Brian Folmer, Founder, FirstLook & FirstLook Ventures – Brian chats about his background and foray into CPG investment before explaining First Look's model and the criteria the company uses to vet hundreds of brands and select a group of products to present monthly to its investor members. The First Look Ventures founder also breaks down the factors that influence investment decisions, including valuation, sales traction, retail interest, market size, pricing, category potential and founder quality. Using Laurel's Coffee, Miils, Boost Cous, SUUS, Awesome Aminos, Zoli Gummy Pops and Magna as examples, he discusses what makes brands stand out and the importance of solving a clear consumer need. He also addresses regulatory and legal risk, the shift toward cleaner and less-processed products, the growing use of AI to build more efficient companies and the "X factor" he looks for in founders. Folmer explains why an inflated valuation can slow a fundraise, why a large market matters and what founders can do to get investors' attention, including keeping outreach concise and making pitch decks mobile-friendly. Brands in this episode: Laurel's Coffee, Miils, Boost Cous, SUUS, Awesome Aminos, Gruns, Zoli Gummy Pops, Poppi, Vita Coco, Siete, Vaquero Bandito, Primal Queen, Magna, Ugly Drinks

    When Raising Millions Starts With A 'FirstLook'

  8. Aug 19

    How A Veteran VC Sizes Up Five Early-Stage CPG Brands

    The latest episode of Taste Radio's Elevator Talk spotlights emerging leaders from Gold Crush Cocktails, Roadie Brew, Ample Hydration, Pesche and Gingerbug, who introduce their brands, share recent company updates, and highlight key milestones. This week's special co-host is Dayton Miller, a managing partner with venture capital firm BFG Partners. Dayton brings insightful questions, thoughtful feedback, and a strategic perspective to the conversation alongside regular host Ray Latif, editor and producer of Taste Radio. Early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs are invited to apply for future episodes of Elevator Talk. Participation is free, interviews are conducted remotely, and the series offers a unique opportunity to pitch your product, share company news, and get candid feedback from experienced industry leaders. Apply now to be featured in an upcoming episode.

    How A Veteran VC Sizes Up Five Early-Stage CPG Brands
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4.9
out of 5
220 Ratings

About

The top podcast for anyone building a business in food or beverage, BevNET's Taste Radio features interviews with the leaders and rising stars of our fast-evolving industry. The shows also include discussion on emerging trends, innovation and news of the week from our regular cadre of hosts from the BevNET and NOSH teams. Tell us what you think at ask@tasteradio.com. You can also email us if you are interested in Taste Radio sponsorship opportunities. And if you like the podcast, share it with a colleague, will ya?

Information

  • Creator
    BevNET Inc.
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    906
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Taste Radio

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