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A recent Forbes article sparks the hosts’ passionate discussion about the role that food and beverage conglomerates should play in the health and wellness of American consumers. They also opine on an unexpected acquisition and its impact on an emerging category and chat about their preparation for Expo West 2024.
Bestselling author and podcast host Jay Shetty joined Taste Radio for a conversation about his fast-growing adaptogenic tea brand Juni and how it fits into his purview for mental health and physical wellness. He also spoke about how the intersection of human behavior and continued evolution of social media impacts consumer habits and what he means when he says that happiness is “overrated.”
David Sandler, a longtime beverage industry consultant working with Kyowa Hakko USA, which produces Cognizin, spoke about the the ingredient within the context of an evolving functional beverage category, what makes it a leading nootropic, how it benefits consumers and other natural ingredients that complement Cognizin in a beverage formulation.
Natural and organic brands are increasingly developing products that taste remarkably similar to familiar items consumers have long stocked in their refrigerators and pantries. The hosts highlight several such products in this episode and why flavor, texture and mouthfeel (ironically) make all the difference.
Kevin Lee, the co-founder of fast-growing better-for-you ramen brand immi, explained how an emphasis on community building has paid off, why the company doesn’t stress about a financial return on its investment in social media and why monthly strategy calls end with urgency about the unknown.
Mushrooms are having more than a moment. But how far can fungi go? The hosts discuss the potential for “magic” and functional forms of the trendy ingredient. We also speak with Amy Racine, the beverage director for JF Restaurants, about the evolution of on-premise drinking culture.
Jason Burke, founder/CEO of clean ingredient meat snack and sauce brands The New Primal and Noble Made, spoke about how he navigates constant shifts in how retailers measure traction and determine metrics for success, and how to demonstrate incremental value during pitch meetings.
Poppi is getting a lot of attention, particularly as an acquisition target, a topic the hosts discussed in the episode, along with Coke’s new TikTok-inspired soda and a trio of “loaded” cereals. This episode also includes a conversation with executives from Manna Tree and Gotham Greens who discuss their relationship as mission-driven investor and entrepreneur.
Gotham Greens co-founder and CEO Viraj Puri spoke about how he has maintained focus and managed new and complex responsibilities amid the development of the pioneering urban agriculture company, assessing when to accelerate growth and what he considers to be his biggest mistake and best decision.
Has Starbucks slipped on its own slick innovation? Why are spice-obsessed millennials grumbling about Huy Fong’s famous sriracha? And is space a new frontier for food and beverage? The hosts shared their thoughts and also opined on the food selection in a $2.5 million Super Bowl suite.