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Having combed the cavernous halls of a gargantuan Natural Products Expo West 2024, the hosts had plenty to discuss. From innovative new products and fast-growing categories, to trendy ingredients and exhibitor enthusiasm, this episode provides their first recap of an incredible event.
Kyle Cooke, the reality TV star and founder & CEO of premium beverage alcohol and lifestyle brand Loverboy, speaks about how he has cultivated an authentic connection between the brand and its consumers, the reason that merchandise has become a key profit center, and why, despite having 470,000 followers on Instagram, he wants to “make a better effort” on social media.
A recent Forbes article sparks the hosts’ passionate discussion about the role that food and beverage conglomerates should play in the health and wellness of American consumers. They also opine on an unexpected acquisition and its impact on an emerging category and chat about their preparation for Expo West 2024.
Bestselling author and podcast host Jay Shetty joined Taste Radio for a conversation about his fast-growing adaptogenic tea brand Juni and how it fits into his purview for mental health and physical wellness. He also spoke about how the intersection of human behavior and continued evolution of social media impacts consumer habits and what he means when he says that happiness is “overrated.”
David Sandler, a longtime beverage industry consultant working with Kyowa Hakko USA, which produces Cognizin, spoke about the the ingredient within the context of an evolving functional beverage category, what makes it a leading nootropic, how it benefits consumers and other natural ingredients that complement Cognizin in a beverage formulation.
Natural and organic brands are increasingly developing products that taste remarkably similar to familiar items consumers have long stocked in their refrigerators and pantries. The hosts highlight several such products in this episode and why flavor, texture and mouthfeel (ironically) make all the difference.
Kevin Lee, the co-founder of fast-growing better-for-you ramen brand immi, explained how an emphasis on community building has paid off, why the company doesn’t stress about a financial return on its investment in social media and why monthly strategy calls end with urgency about the unknown.
Mushrooms are having more than a moment. But how far can fungi go? The hosts discuss the potential for “magic” and functional forms of the trendy ingredient. We also speak with Amy Racine, the beverage director for JF Restaurants, about the evolution of on-premise drinking culture.
Jason Burke, founder/CEO of clean ingredient meat snack and sauce brands The New Primal and Noble Made, spoke about how he navigates constant shifts in how retailers measure traction and determine metrics for success, and how to demonstrate incremental value during pitch meetings.
Poppi is getting a lot of attention, particularly as an acquisition target, a topic the hosts discussed in the episode, along with Coke’s new TikTok-inspired soda and a trio of “loaded” cereals. This episode also includes a conversation with executives from Manna Tree and Gotham Greens who discuss their relationship as mission-driven investor and entrepreneur.