Episodes

They talk the talk, but does Gen Z walk the walk? The hosts discuss the generation’s complicated relationship with food and whether their values actually impact purchasing decisions. This episode also features an interview with Jorge Antonio Salles, the third-generation master distiller for iconic tequila brand El Tequileño.

Hakki Akendiz, an immigrant who became a successful entrepreneur and lauded philanthropist, is living the American Dream. He also for years experienced the plight of living without housing. His business, Champion Pizza, gives a voice to both.

What does Campbell Soup’s planned acquisition of Rao’s owner Sovos Brands suggest about the M&A environment for food and beverage CPG? The hosts discussed the deal and also chatted about several new, notable and innovative products. This episode also features an interview with Gregory Lowe II and Jason Miller, the founder and CEO and president of sales, respectively, of fast-growing coconut water brand 100 Coconuts.

How do breakout brands, particularly those that operate in trendy categories, build sustainable businesses? They cultivate authentic relationships with consumers by delivering on attributes they’re seeking. It’s how Wilderton, a maker of small-batch, non-alcoholic spirits crafted from raw botanicals, is paving its path.

The hosts discussed a celebrity foodie’s new glitzy brand of $10/box pasta, the debut of a black-owned and gastronomic-inspired brand of toaster pastries at Target, French’s sweet limited-time partner and a brief recap of the recently held 2023 Tales of The Cocktail convention. Also featured is the latest edition of Special Ops with Andrew Guard, in which the operations expert shares his take on both opportunities and challenges that are impacting new and emerging beverage and food companies.

Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, the co-founders of Juliet, a premium brand of multiserve wine encased in an innovative cylindrical container, spoke about how they assessed the opportunity to disrupt a legacy category, why developing a unique package was central to the planning process and how they have won over retailers by positioning Juliet as an upscale lifestyle brand.

Reports and CPG roundups from the Pacific Northwest regions of both the U.S. and Canada, the controversy surrounding children and caffeine and whether honey truffle could be a gamechanger for the food and beverage industry.

Magnolia Bakery CEO Bobbie Lloyd and CMO Eddie Revis spoke about why the iconic bakeshop launched a CPG brand and the patient and thoughtful approach behind its development. They also discussed why consistency and quality guides their stewardship of the company, why they eschew trendy concepts and Magnolia’s collaborations with lifestyle brands.

Can Coolhaus make a comeback? Although the beloved non-dairy ice cream brand is reportedly on the chopping block, the hosts discussed a potential salvation akin to those of discontinued brands resurrected by new owners. This episode also features the latest installment of The Goat Pen with Carlton Fowler, the co-founder of Goat Rodeo Capital, who spoke about his “obsession” with outliers.