Episodes

In this episode, Taste Radio’s hosts discussed notable brands and products exhibited at the 2022 Specialty Coffee Association Expo, reflecting on how some cannabis-based drinks are finding favor as evening libations and riffed upon several striking snacks and beverages. The show also continues our spotlight on health-centric private equity firm Manna Tree Partners in an interview with managing director Pam Shepherd.

This week, we sat down with the co-founders of Vail-based private equity firm Manna Tree Partners and the founders of three portfolio companies, Verde Farms, Health-Ade and Gotham Greens, to explore the relationship between investor and entrepreneur. The discussions revealed how their personal friendship established a baseline for trust and helped create positive outcomes for all involved.

Brad Kintzer, Chief Chocolate Maker at TCHO, discussed the company’s emphasis on sustainable and ethical sourcing as a key metric of quality, how it defines “better” when evaluating progress, how he’s been inspired by winemaking and why, despite TCHO’s cachet, the brand recently introduced massive changes in its formulation and branding.

In this episode, Taste Radio’s hosts discussed new products in several food and beverage categories, including a nootropic-boosted hydration drink brand launched by an NFL star and NFT icon, a nostalgia-inspiring cinnamon spread, RTD milk teas and spiked tonics, artisanal and low-sugar sweets and perhaps the best-tasting tortillas on the market. They also riffed on this weekend’s Specialty Coffee Association trade show and a funding round for a brand of experimental condiments and beverages.

Bentley Hall, the CEO of California-centric online grocer Good Eggs, spoke about how an intimate understanding of its customers and a highly-curated selection of products helped grow annual revenue to over $100 million. He also explained how Good Eggs articulates quality, its process for vetting and adding new brands to its service and how the company evaluates new platforms and technologies when mapping out its growth strategy.

This week, we explored the ideation, business plans and growth strategies of three innovative and on-trend brands in conversations with Susan Buckwalter, the co-founder and CEO of ginger-powered wellness brand Recoup; Dr. Juan Salinas, the founder and CEO of P-nuff Crunch, a brand of nutritious baked peanut puffs; and Michelle Razavi and Nikki Elliott, the co-founders of functional, decadent snack brand ELAVI.

Our latest episode features interviews with two innovators in their respective industries: Stephen Caldwell, the co-founder of Swiss Rosti, a unique brand of stuffed potato and cheese bites; and Brent Elliot, the master distiller of acclaimed bourbon brand Four Roses. The Taste Radio team also discussed notable brands from the 2022 Seafood Expo, Web3 primers and a sophisticated smoker.

Sandro Roco, the founder and CEO of fast-growing Asian-inspired sparkling water brand Sanzo, spoke about why he’s attempting to “own” a space within the seltzer category and how the company cultivated an “authentic, rabid fan base,” and how that group helped drive capital efficiency. He also explained why the process to become a certified minority-owned brand was worth the effort.

This episode features an interview with NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman who has taken his talents from the gridiron to behind the bar as the co-founder of premium low-calorie beer brand Eight Beer. We also sat down with LDR Ventures co-managing director Maxine Kozler Koven for the second edition of “The Maxi Minutes,” in which she shared her thoughts on the wild world of NFTs.

On the ground in Anaheim for Natural Products Expo West 2022, the Taste Radio team reflected on a pulsating first day at the annual trade show, which returned live for the first time since 2019. They also commented on notable brands and products exhibited in the event’s bustling North Hall and Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace Tent, including several innovative plant-based, probiotic and savory sips and snacks.