Episodes

Ryan Lewendon, a partner with influential CPG law firm The Giannuzzi Group, shared insights and advice based on over a dozen years spent working with high-profile food and beverage brands, including how to avoid early mistakes that can haunt entrepreneurs down the line and the keys to effective networking, plus tips on considering the valuation of your company and working with celebrities.

In this episode, Ben Mand, the CEO of super-premium coconut water brand Harmless Harvest, discussed the evolution of the company’s business and innovation strategy. We also spoke with Michele Simon, the founder and executive director of the Plant Based Foods Association, about the changing landscape for plant-based foods.

After spending $500 million to acquire a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee, it might be surprising to hear that Nestlé is content to let the premium roaster and retailer “just be.” Blue Bottle CEO Bryan Meehan spoke about the company’s relationship with Nestlé, its purposeful innovation strategy and efforts to enhance consumers’ experience with coffee. Also in this episode: an interview with former N’Sync star Lance Bass, who recently launched a cocktail mixer brand.

Hint founder/CEO Kara Goldin discussed the role of Hint’s brick-and-mortar retail store in supporting the company’s omnichannel strategy. She also spoke about best practices for e-commerce and why data from online sales is critical to understanding Hint’s audience. Also: a conversation with James Le Compte, the CEO of To’ak, an ultra-premium chocolate brand based in Ecuador.

Tiesta Tea co-founder/CEO Patrick Tannous explained why hitting the pavement and building strong relationships with retail buyers has been critical to the development of his company. Robert Jakobi, a serial food entrepreneur and founder of better-for-you soup company Bou, chronicled his journey from the U.K. to the U.S. and discussed differences in how business works within the two countries.