Episodes

Chris Hunter, the co-founder and CEO of plant-based beverage brand Koia, spoke about the importance of setting goals both in his personal life and in business, lessons from an aggressive retail strategy early into the brand’s development, why self-manufacturing is the key to profitability and the company’s future, and how to optimize the roles of celebrity partners.

How do you hold someone’s interest after an initial interaction? What motivates them to stay connected with you and your company? Three weeks before BevNET’s winter events kick off in Marina Del Rey, the hosts discussed ways that entrepreneurs can optimize meetings with investors and retailers and how to amplify their message to the industry at large.

Mari Llewellyn and Greg LaVecchia, the co-founders of wellness brand Bloom Nutrition, spoke about why it's important to “let the creators create” on social media, how they measure the return on investment on social platforms, why hiring young talent has been key to success on TikTok and how they’ve supported Bloom’s relationships with Target and Walmart.

Why is a century-old apple orchard and cider company betting big on the future of cannabis? Eddie Brennan, the fifth-generation owner of New York-based Beak & Skiff, discussed its foray into the cultivation of cannabis and production of THC drinks. Also in this episode: the hosts’ take on a new line of zero-sugar juice and what Travis Kelce, Michael Bublé and Matthew McConaughey now have in common.

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.