From cell-cultured protein and functional soda to premium cereal and frozen snacks, this episode spotlights innovative brands, emerging partnerships, and winning strategies gaining momentum across the CPG landscape.

Show notes:

0:25: Control, This Is BTS. Faire Plays & Pops. A Magnificent Merger. Magic Mallows? Hey, Maker. – Ray and Mike kick things off by unpacking a chaotic behind-the-scenes studio setup before spotlighting standout brands from the 2026 Winter FancyFaire*, including a globally inspired popcorn line, a kid-friendly rooibos tea–based hot cocoa, vegan and gluten-free frozen churros, and Quatro Mamas' salsa macha. The hosts also review Culture Pop's limited-edition black cherry soda collaboration with musician Noah Kahan and discuss the merger of three female-led CPG brands as a savvy early-stage strategy to streamline costs and scale more efficiently. Rounding things out, they dig into Magic Spoon's new protein cereals with marshmallows and protein pastries, along with Tractor Beverage's apple cider vinegar–based "Haymaker" ready-to-drink tonics.

19:58: Interview: Lou Cooperhouse, Co-Founder & CEO, BlueNalu – Lou discusses how BlueNalu is pioneering cell-cultivated seafood, the science behind the breakthrough, and why it could be a new frontier for sustainable, chef-driven dining.

28:11: Interview: Heather Brown, Owner, Sati Soda – Heather shares how Sati Soda has grown into a nationwide brand, offering organic CBD, functional, and low-sugar beverages that resonate with health-conscious consumers.

Brands in this episode: BlueNalu, Sati Soda, Nomad Snacks, Teany Tea, Madres Churros, Culture Pop, Nemi, Tuyyo, Todo Verde, Magic Spoon, Cheerios, Pop-Tarts, Tractor Beverage Co., Olipop, Poppi, Miller, Quatro Mamas

Burlap & Barrel didn't chase scale – and that's why it's winning.

In this episode, Ori Zohar, co-founder and co-CEO of the single-origin spice brand, explains how resisting the urge to go mass, staying profitable, and focusing on quality and relationships helped build a durable CPG brand.

Show notes:

0:25: Ori Zohar, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Burlap & Barrel – Ori joins Ray at the inaugural Winter FancyFaire* in San Diego, where the entrepreneur recounts his long friendship with Burlap & Barrel co-founder Ethan Frisch and their first business, a socially driven ice cream cart. He explains how Frisch's work in international development and frustrations with nonprofit impact, and his own disillusionment with venture capital, helped spur the creation of Burlap & Barrel. Ori talks about the founders' emphasis on a bootstrapped, values-driven approach and direct trade, trust-based farmer relationships. He highlights early validation from chefs, followed by a pivotal New York Times mention. Ori discusses the brand's focus on DTC e-commerce, thoughtful media relationships, and an educational approach that demystified spices as agricultural products. He also explains how the company has maintained profitability without outside investors, pays premium prices to its partner farmers, positions itself as a "third wave" spice company and how it evaluates collaborations with other CPG brands.

Brands in this episode: Burlap & Barrel, Rancho Gordo, Anjali's Cup

From ginger shots and lentil crisps to sparkling bone broth and cinnamon water, the hosts hit the floor at 2026 Winter FancyFaire* in San Diego to sample what's next in food and beverage. The hosts discuss standout brands, innovative concepts, smart packaging and evolving brand strategies that reveal where wellness, snacking and functional drinks are headed.

Show notes:

0:25: Toll Booth. Talk On Camera. Ginger Boost. Cravable Crisps. New Jerk. Bone Broth What? Chips & Cherries. – At the Taste Radio booth at the 2026 Winter FancyFaire* in San Diego, the hosts highlight Elevator Talk interviews recorded at the show and praise the event's energy, accessibility, and balance of early-stage and established brands. They also spotlight trends like functional wellness, clean-label snacks, and innovative packaging. They sip on Solti's turmeric and ginger shots, before snacking on Paro's new lentil crisps and discussing the brand's move into more mainstream offerings. The hosts also sample Pulpito's new fruit bars, and Morro's unconventional sparkling bone broth. They also feature standouts products, from a portable squeeze-pack peanut butter and Indian-inspired coffee drinks to better-for-you popsicles, cinnamon-infused water, and a variety of functional and indulgent snacks.

Brands in this episode: Solti, Starbucks, Paro, Maazah, Masala Bliss, Pulpito, Solely, Marro, By Nutz, Yeri, Dew Dropper, Rabbit Foods, Tru Cinnamon, Burlap & Barrel, Bitchin' Sauce, The Coconut Cult, Tart, Cheribundi, Todo, Date Better, Baba's, Habiza, Dirty Saint

The hardest part of building a consumer brand isn't the product; it's everything that comes after. Caliwater co-founder Oliver Trevena knows this firsthand.

In a candid conversation, Oliver, who launched the cactus water brand alongside fellow actor Vanessa Hudgens, pulls back the curtain on the less glamorous side of entrepreneurship. He speaks openly about the realities of fundraising, the challenges of securing and scaling distribution, and the emotional toll that building a brand can take.

Oliver shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a consumer brand that stands on its own, beyond the power of celebrity names.

Show notes:

0:25: Oliver Trevena, Co-Founder, Caliwater – Oliver discusses his move from Los Angeles to Miami, noting the city's strategic importance as a new market for the brand. He explains how Caliwater was created to be a functional hydration beverage with lower sugar and calories than coconut water. Oliver emphasizes the importance of authenticity in celebrity-backed brands and highlights Vanessa's hands-on involvement. He addresses the challenges of building a beverage company and notes that the impact of celebrity isn't as impactful as may seem. Looking ahead, Oliver discusses his long-term vision for Caliwater and why patience is a virtue in CPG.

Brands in this episode: Caliwater

Protein is showing up in more products than ever before, but does it need to be in your soda? The Taste Radio team digs into the fast-growing ingredient trend, breaking down taste, functionality and whether more equals better. The hosts also tease an exciting first: BevNET's inaugural trade show booth at the upcoming Winter FancyFaire*.

Show notes:

0:25: Faire Trade. How Many Margaritas? Gains And Grams. A Smaller Cult. Tapping Target. Shirley & Sake. – Mike is in Mexico, but the whole team is heading to San Diego for the Winter FancyFaire*. Ray, John, and Jacqui preview BevNET's presence at the annual trade show, along with a Naturally San Diego–hosted event featuring an indulgent spread of tacos, margaritas, and Taste Radio interviews. The conversation then turns to the continued rise of protein across food and beverage categories, examining how consumer demand, usage occasions, and flavor influence the trend's long-term staying power. The hosts also share hands-on reviews of new and noteworthy products spotted primarily at Target, including The Coconut Cult's single-serve probiotic coconut yogurts, Olipop's limited-edition Shirley Temple flavor, So Good So You's sparkling organic energy drinks, Snow Monkey's sake-based RTD cocktails, and a premium raw coconut water brand. The episode wraps with an open invitation for brands to share products with the BevNET and Taste Radio team.

Brands in this episode: Gorgie, Naked, Super Coffee, Projo, Pure Genius, The Coconut Cult, Olipop, Boylan, So Good So You, Mid-Day Squares, Snow Monkey, Stiller Soda, Spindrift, Bulletproof, Sprite, Ra Coconut Water, Throne Sport Coffee

She helped redefine premium soda. Now she's rethinking the martini.

In this episode, Sharelle Klaus shares how the lessons, missteps and successes of building DRY Soda informed the launch of Second Sip, a lower-proof gin designed for today's intentional drinker.

Sharelle reflects on how her second act is more focused and collaborative, shaped by patience, humility, and a deeper understanding of distribution strategy, brand clarity and long-term scale.

Show notes:

0:25: Interview: Sharelle Klaus, Co-Founder, Second Sip – Sharelle talks about how Second Sip, a 20% ABV gin, is designed to let people enjoy more drinking occasions without sacrificing quality. She explains how drawing on lessons from DRY Soda helped develop a brand that is focused on solving problems for consumers, bars, and distributors alike. Sharells discusses how Second Sip, which was developed with industry heavyweights Leo Robitschek and master distiller Nick Strangeway, earned validation from elite bartenders in New York and London before launch and highlights the brand's rapid on-premise success, distributor enthusiasm, and growing direct-to-consumer demand. She talks about the importance of emphasizing focus, timing, and taste to build a lifestyle gin that becomes consumers' everyday choice.

Brands in this episode: Dry Soda, Second Sip

Forget Hollywood. For actor and investor Ryan Phillippe, the real drama is unfolding in the beverage aisle.

Speaking from BevNET Live L.A. 2025, Ryan – attending alongside Pretty Tasty co-founder Scarlett Leung – explains why functional beverages, credible health benefits, and shelf-grabbing design are the factors that separate forgettable brands from the next breakout hit.

Show notes:

0:25: Interview: Ryan Phillippe – Ryan recounts attending his first beverage-focused event, sharing what sparked his interest in the industry and his particular attraction to emerging categories. He highlights the value of clear, simple storytelling, vision-driven founders, and strong marketing, drawing parallels between the beverage space and Hollywood. Ryan also reflects on his current investments and industry relationships, expressing a genuine desire to learn, build connections, and make thoughtful decisions moving forward. He closes by briefly hinting at the potential for a sequel to one of his most beloved films.

Brands in this episode: Poppi, Mamitas, Chlorophyll Water, Pretty Tasty