Episodes

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.

Prior to the announcement of Mars’ $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, the hosts discussed the possibility of a major M&A deal, one that could create a domino effect for some CPG brands. They also opined on the future of NA bottle shops, munch on ramen-flavored snacks and sip on banana cream soda.

Michael Preysman, the founder of trailblazing fashion company Everlane and Magna, an upstart brand of sports wellness powders infused with magnesium, shares his perspective on differentiation, why Magna’s package draws inspiration from a cigarette brand, how he thinks about and implements a customer service strategy, and how to identify and work with mentors.

A promising brand shut its doors this week, and its founder claimed that a confluence of factors led to its demise. Taste Radio’s hosts, however, wonder if the company’s problems stemmed from a single simple issue. They also riff on the ubiquity of “brat summer,” toss Twinkies and pop bottles of the NA variety.

Ben Witte, the founder and CEO of Recess, talks about how he navigated a shift toward a product mix that realizes his vision of a relaxation beverage platform, how the company built a thriving online business and why consumer feedback is the key to its sales and marketing efforts.

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.

Charles Coristine, the CEO of high-flying better-for-you snack brand LesserEvil, talks about the company's self-manufacturing model and how it relates to retail strategy, innovation and gross margin, why making organic foods affordable is both moral and fiscally wise and what he’s learned about staffing, leadership and branding.

There’s high praise, some head-scratching and outright dismay in this innovation-centric episode of Taste Radio. Among the highlights: an upstart labneh brand and a Gen Z-inspired line of better-for-you soda. Less appealing: a corporation’s commodification of ethnic foods and global flavors.

Miguel Leal, the co-founder and CEO of modern Mexican food brand Somos Foods, talks about how the company adjusted its positioning to resonate with a broader audience; mistakes that, in hindsight, were avoidable; how Somos identified areas for improvement in how the products tasted and were named; and how his timeline for an potential acquisition has changed significantly.