Episodes

Austin Cocktails co-founders Kelly Gasink and Jill Burns explained how being okay with being uncomfortable and striving to expand their "luck surface area” helped them secure partnerships with Madison Square Garden and Constellation Brands, the latter of which led to an acquisition of their company, and how an unorthodox sampling strategy unlocked new retail and distribution opportunities.

Why are some investors writing checks while others are content to stay on the sidelines? The hosts discussed a new survey that examines the dynamics of contemporary deal flow. They also spoke about opportunities for entrepreneurs to spotlight their brands at BevNET’s Winter 2023 events and highlighted two food brands that developed new snacks in collaboration with beverage companies. 

Michele Tsucalas and Oliver Buccicone, the founder and CEO, respectively, of super-premium granola brand Michele's Granola spoke about how focusing on “premium simplicity” has enabled it to scale while maintaining its rustic package design and positioning, the brand’s patient path to distribution in conventional grocery and why examining every cost is key to being cash-flow positive and profitable.

What defines compelling innovation? Novel ingredients? Esoteric flavors? Unusual packaging? The hosts discussed how strategic and entrepreneurial companies are attempting to innovate in food and beverage and what’s moving the needle for consumers. They also riffed on two new celebrity coffee brands, one launched by a “Yellowstone'' star and the other known for her status as a “teen mom.”

Bill Shufelt and John Walker, the co-founders of flourishing non-alcoholic beer brand Athletic Brewing, spoke about the company’s role in the evolution of alcohol-alternative beverages and its influence on how consumers perceive them, why it’s in the company’s interest to support competitors, and how they evaluate new retail and distribution opportunities.

From allulose-sweetened gummies and “junkless” granola bars to zero-sugar sodas and “WonderWater,” the hosts discussed how better-for-you brands are attempting to meet consumer demand for great taste and nutrition in snacks and beverages.

Bronya Shillo, the founder of pioneering RTD cocktail brand Fishers Island Lemonade, spoke about why quality of ingredients matters when meeting with retail buyers, how the adage “inch wide, mile deep” guided the brand’s distribution strategy for years and how she built and maintained a relationship with leadership executives at E. & J. Gallo, which acquired her company in May.

Can you pair tinned fish and beer… in the same can? Kids’ cereal flavors in protein drinks – does it work? Is chili crunch and ranch dressing the perfect duo? And, why are we losing it over a “Dragnum”? The hosts discussed how brands are attempting to grab our attention and generate sales via innovation, package design and unexpected collaborations.

Aura Bora co-founder and CEO Paul Voge spoke about how the botanical-centric sparkling water brand has cultivated a loyal community by focusing on flavor, why he believes that “the best marketing is sales and vice versa,” the reason Aura Bora discontinued its viral “Secret Menu,” how DTC success translates to brick-and-mortar sales and why his personal phone number is on every can.

The hosts discussed TikTok’s announcement that it will make its Shop feature available to all of its 150 million U.S. users and ways that it may benefit CPG brands, and also spoke about the challenge of marketing kids’ brands and why some excel while most fade away. They also riffed on several notable products, including beauty-centric beverages, snackable chocolate and Indian-inspired dips.