Episodes

Jen Liao, the co-founder of XCJ, a fast-growing direct-to-consumer frozen food brand inspired by Chinese street cuisine, spoke about how rapid planning and thoughtful execution have paid massive dividends in the company’s development, why self-manufacturing was the only path forward and how XCJ is managing multiple business divisions while continuing to grow and maintain quality standards.

Charles Joly, an acclaimed mixologist and co-founder of pioneering RTD cocktail maker Crafthouse Cocktails, discussed how the brand has distinguished itself via quality, consistency and variety, the impact of his experience and reputation in its development and how focusing on taste helped establish and cement the company’s relationships with retail buyers.

Mustard-based donuts, beer-infused sneakers, cheese cocktails… No, this episode isn’t about trying to gross you out. Rather, the hosts discuss recent marketing campaigns, collaborations and limited-edition merchandise involving legacy and small brands. This episode also features Dr. Emma Walker, the master blender for Johnnie Walker, answering a ten-pack of questions about her trailblazing role and the future of the iconic Scotch whisky brand.

Heather Terry, the founder and CEO of ambitious platform brand GoodSam Foods and the co-founder of trailblazing chocolate company NibMor, spoke about why acknowledging a lack of business acumen is important for early-stage founders, why adhering to brand mission is paramount to an operational strategy and how GoodSam aligns with consumers and retailers that embrace its vision.

Charlie and Andy Nelson, brothers and co-founders of heritage-inspired spirits brand Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, spoke about how thoughtful networking was critical to identifying key partners and advisors, why they never wanted to be the smartest people in the room when starting the company, why they turned down millions of dollars during one of their first funding rounds and how they assessed Constellation Brands’ offer to invest and eventually acquire a controlling stake in the company.

In this episode, BevNET reporter Brad Avery joined Taste Radio’s regular hosts and discussed his recent article about an innovative “scent-flavored hydration system” that is making inroads in the U.S. They also spoke about 7-Eleven’s embrace of upstart brands and shared personal takes on several new products, including grain-free donuts and spicy (if not NOSH-y) potato chips. Also in this podcast: a brief recap of annual cocktail convention Tales of The Cocktail and the latest edition of The Maxi Minutes.

In this episode, we’re joined by Morgan McLachlan, co-founder and master distiller of botanical spirits and lifestyle company AMASS and also the co-founder of De Soi, a brand of non-alcoholic aperitifs co-developed with music icon Katy Perry. McLachlan spoke about how her career in the film industry guided her focus on creative distilling methods, AMASS’ distinctive branding and positioning, how De Soi is an expression of a new phase in her life and the origins of her partnership with Perry.

Noah Gray, co-founder and CEO of fast-growing tequila seltzer company Onda, spoke about the brand’s origins as a “trade up” concept, the reasons behind strong consumer trial and repurchase, what up-and-down-the-street sales informed the team about effective retailing and merchandising and how he landed meetings with and won over high-profile investors.

Taste Radio’s hosts discussed several recently announced collaborations, including those of high-profile drink brands that have aligned to create new RTD cocktails, a well-known entertainer and an upstart energy drink company and a humanitarian initiative that connects with better-for-you brands. They also chatted about notable new products, including a line of shelf-stable tamales, NA wine and beer and a protein bar with a somewhat odd name.

Alison Cayne, the founder and CEO of Haven’s Kitchen, an innovative and fast-growing brand of refrigerated sauces, spoke about why emphasizing use case and occasion is critical for fueling consumer adoption and repurchase and how effective merchandising of the products has enabled it to become “the ultimate basket builder.” She also explained how to use anecdotal data effectively when pitching to retail buyers and how she found a co-packer that would invest in the brand's future.