Episodes

This special edition of the podcast features highlights from interviews with seven founders, creators and innovators who joined us on the show during the second half of 2023.

What can BevNET and NOSH’s most-read news stories of 2023 inform us about the coming year? The hosts reflected on the sites’ top viewed articles from the past 12 months – including White Claw’s upcoming launch of a non-alcoholic line, the Erewhon NYC pop-up that never was and controversy over a kratom-infused shot brand – and what impact the news may have on trends, innovation and emerging categories in 2024. 

Tony Burt, the founder and CEO of super-premium mixer brand East Imperial, spoke about the why a consistent and disciplined emphasis on the brand’s core values has been key to its success, how the company holds the line on pricing and positioning and identifies ideal placement for its products and why it is agnostic about strategic partnerships.

A $900 million M&A deal was a top talking point for the hosts, who also highlighted a $40 million private equity fund focused on investment in emerging brands and opined on both trendy concepts and those of cultural significance. This episode also features an interview with culinary expert and product developer Henry Hill, who spoke about ways that modern brands can optimize flavor and texture.

Sabeena Ladha, the founder and CEO of Deux, spoke about how her prior work experience helped give the a better-for-you sweets brand a head start, why Deux promotes indulgence first and foremost, how the collaborative nature of its social media and influencer strategy has benefited trial, awareness and innovation, and how she navigates the challenge of managing three product lines.

PRIME is a phenomenon. The brand has risen to become a major player in the sports drink category and is generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. What makes it so special? The hosts unpacked PRIME’s appeal and remarkable success. They also highlighted a viral Doritos-flavored spirit, key details to include in investor pitches and a new Girl Scout cookie-inspired snack.

Jane Miller and Adam Hertel, the CEO and Chief Sales Officer, respectively, of Rudi's, discussed their plan to breathe new life into the legacy bakery brand, how they identified its most pressing issues, why they are emphasizing innovation and how Rudi’s is working closely with retail partners to develop new products that can resonate with new and existing consumers.

In the midst of our Winter 2023 events, the hosts highlighted the brands that triumphed in the NOSH Pitch Slam along with BevNET’s Cocktail Showdown and New Beverage Showdown. They also spoke about the palpable energy and enthusiasm at the events and why a new generation of THC-infused beverages indicates a promising future for cannabis drinks.

Jimbo Someck, the founder of natural grocery chain Jimbo’s, chronicled the origins of his interest in organic food and retail, how he and his team evaluate novel ideas and products, and how he leverages his influence to promote values that he is passionate about, including regenerative agriculture.

The hosts discussed a planned merger between upscale corner store retailers Foxtrot Market and Dom's Kitchen & Market, munched on international snack brands and recalled a time when BevNET briefly entered the bar business.