POPULARITY
Innovative protein brands and proactive meetings. The hosts advocate for both in this episode, which also features an interview with Trey Zoeller, the founder of pioneering whiskey maker Jefferson's Bourbon, a brand recognized by and awarded for its Ocean Aged At Sea expression, a whiskey matured on ships that travel around the world. Show notes: 0:25: Bag It. Face To Face > Email. Take A Minute. The Liver! Fridge Pop. Beard Scoby. – Less than three weeks away from BevNET's winter events, Ray gets agitated while sharing some important travel tips and the hosts explain why meeting John Foraker in December should be on your agenda. They also introduce a new Taste Radio social series, enjoy a new kind of scent in the studio and sample several products from protein-centric brands, including ancestral meat snacks, peanut butter cookies, and mint chip-flavored shakes. Ray also highlights a new brand of macron pops and John tests out a new kombucha-inspired after shave. 28:41: Interview: Trey Zoeller, Founder, Jefferson's Bourbon – Trey, who first joined us for an interview in 2020, talks about why the pairing of oysters and Jefferson's Bourbon Ocean Aged At Sea expression works so well. He also discusses the origins of the uniquely matured whiskey and why the product was initially disparaged by his industry colleagues, and how Jefferson's, which is known for its innovative approach to aging, maintains the cache and image of being a renegade while simultaneously being a widely distributed and popular brand. Brands in this episode: Daily Crunch, Once Upon A Farm, Fly By Jing, Country Archer, Russian River Brewing, Kombuchade, Hint, Grounded, LifeAid, H&H, Macarooz, Health-Ade, Dogfish Head, Love & Chew, Lenny & Larry's, Jefferson's Bourbon
Country Archer's Eugene Kang grew up stocking shelves at his parents' gas station convenience stores. Now he's producing one of the fastest-growing better-for-you snack foods in America. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On the heels of its well-received Super Bowl ad, Poppi is getting a lot of attention. According to a report in Bloomberg, the mid-calorie, prebiotic soda brand is rumored to be an acquisition target, a topic the hosts discussed in the episode. They also chatted about Coke's new Gen Z/TikTok-inspired “Tears Of Joy” soda, a trio of “loaded” cereals and meat sticks inspired by ancestral lifestyles, among other recently launched products. This episode also includes an interview with Ross Iverson, a managing partner with private equity firm Manna Tree and Gotham Greens co-founder and CEO Viraj Puri and who discuss their relationship as mission-driven investor and entrepreneur. Show notes: 0:35: Super Ad. John & Jacqui's CPG Adventures. Expo West VIPs. Ray Rants. Fruitcake & Liver. – The show opens with a review of Poppi's “Big Game” commercial and why AriZona Beverages has never produced one. John and Jacqui spoke about attending a trio of recently held industry events in San Diego before the hosts collectively discussed the benefits that Taste Radio VIPs can encounter at Expo West, a diet soda intended to appeal to Gen Z consumers, and a new line of cereals launched by General Mills that got Ray standing on a soap box. They also munched on beef heart and liver-based meat sticks and chocolate-coated fruitcake and sipped on collagen tea. 30:44: Ross Iverson, Manna Tree & Viraj Puri, Gotham Greens – Manna Tree, a global investment firm that describes itself as “committed to improving human health through nutrition,” led Gotham Greens' $87 million Series D round which was announced in 2020 and also participated in the indoor farming company's $330 million Series E round, completed in 2022. In this conversation, recorded during Manna Tree's Leadership Summit, held in January, Gotham Greens co-founder and CEO Viraj Puri joined Ross Iverson, a managing partner with Manna Tree, for a conversation in which they shared insights into a relationship in which both are aligned on mission, purpose and profit. Brands in this episode: Gotham Greens, Poppi, Pepsi, Olipop, BodyArmor, AriZona Beverages, Huy Fong Foods, Safety Shot, Fishwife, Souzu, Cien Chiles, Mooski, Nguyen Coffee Supply, Coca-Cola, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Trix, Onyx Coffee Lab, Sweet Nutrition, Beatrice Bakery, Country Archer, Slim Jim, Moshi, Aura Collagen Tea, GT's
Hey, it's Dr. Livingood, and on this episode of "Eat This, Not That!", I talk about the health risks associated with Slim Jims and other packaged meats. My advice? Check the ingredients, not just the nutrition facts on the package, as they can be misleading. I discovered that Slim Jims contain harmful preservatives, artificial flavors, fillers, and sugar, and I'm here to offer a healthier alternative. So if you're a fan of processed meats like Slim Jims, or if you know someone who is, you don't want to miss this video. Join me as we make food simple. Dr. Livingood Recommended Snacks: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.living... Recommended videos to watch: Eat This, Not That! Playlist - • Eat This, Not That! Grocery Shopping Playlist - Grocery Shopping ... Don't know where to start on your journey to better health and living? Get a copy of my FREE book here: https://www.livingooddailybook.com/ld... Shop all Livingood Daily Products on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/6F... Follow and listen to Dr. Livingood on any of these platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLivingood Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drlivingood Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drlivingood/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drlivingood Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/drlivingood... Blog - https://drlivingood.com/real-health/ http://Medium.com - https://medium.com/@drblakelivingood LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlivingood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/doctorlivingood
Setting the trajectory of your company can often begin with a single pitch. And with just six weeks until BevNET Live Summer 2023 in New York City, the hosts highlighted companies that have built successful and even iconic brands after participating in past editions of the event's New Beverage Showdown competition. They also discussed new and innovative brands discovered at a local meetup event, and why you might be surprised about John Craven's report from a recent visit to Scotland. This episode also features an interview with David Garci-Aguirre, who is the vice president of operations and master miller for Corto Olive, a super-premium brand of extra virgin oil that emphasizes freshness from harvest to plate. Admired by chefs for its commitment to high-quality standards, Corto is part of a new generation of olive oil companies that are attempting to recast the ingredient from an overlooked kitchen staple to one revered for its utility in creating delicious and healthy meals. Show notes: 0:39: VIPs In NYC. Is “Scotch Lag” A Real Thing? Bitter Is Better. And, Our Minds Are Blown. – The show kicks off with a chat about a special benefit for Taste Radio VIPs that will be attending BevNET Live in June, before discussing a recent episode of Community Call that should answer a few questions about a certain beverage competition and John's relative shock at lack of scotch flowing faucets in the U.K. They also sampled a variety of interesting food and beverages, including bitter libations, zero-sugar sausage snacks, an RTD tea sweetened with apple sugar and plant-based scallops. 22:04: Interview: David Garci-Aguirre, VP of Operations and Master Miller, Corto Olive – Garci-Aguirre spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about his career path from an (almost) professional soccer player to an olive oil expert, why he refers to olive oil as “the one ingredient that farm to table forgot” and why he describes the designation of “extra virgin” as “like getting a D in school.” He also explained how Corto has aligned its business units to consistently produce and package fresh olive oil and how the company communicates the value of its process and standards to its customers. Brands in this episode: Poppi, Perfy, Plink, Liquid Death, Cann, Bitter Love, Sonder, Athletic Brewing, Swing Tea, MaKa, Lost Art Cultured Foods, Mind Blown, Country Archer, Spudsy, Ithaca Hummus, Corto Olive
Which beef jerky is best? This week we get a mystery box containing 3 mystery beef jerkies. We take a wrong turn and wind up trying to figure out if the jerkies are real meat or not (spoiler they are real), and later we try a classic Thanksgiving Jones Soda. This week's contenders are Country Archer, Jack Link's, and Old Trapper. Please like and subscribe and if you have any suggestions, let us know by tweeting us @tastetestdummies or email us at nickandjohnpodcast@gmail.com. SPOILER! Below is a list of which jerky corresponding to which numbered cup it was in: 1. Country Archer 2. Old Trapper 3. Jack Link's
On the cusp of our Winter 2021 events, Taste Radio's hosts discussed the speaker agendas for NOSH Live and BevNET Live, which include retail executives from Erewhon, Whole Foods, Foxtrot and Earth Fare, along with founders of several high-profile brands, such as Fly By Jing, Dreampops and Super Coffee. They also highlighted notable new brands and products, including wellness shots, vegan snacks, an innovative “shimmering sparkling water” and the largest peanut butter cup in the world. This episode also features an interview with Dave Carpenter, who is the master blender for Redemption Whiskey. Promoted as “leading the rye revival,” Redemption markets a range of super-premium whiskies that are intended for modern drinkers to rediscover rye and the spirit's storied history in the U.S. by way of complex, yet approachable expressions. As part of our conversation, Carpenter spoke about how Redemption has aligned its marketing and innovation strategies with the palates and lifestyles of modern consumers, why its distillation process isn't included in the brand's story, how its bottle shapes and package design play important roles in how customers perceive the brand and the company's approach to finding the balance between premium and value when it comes to pricing. Show notes: 0:47: Talkin' Turkey, BTS At The WCB, Water, Shots and Nuts -- The hosts discussed their respective Thanksgiving dinner plans and Ray's annoyance with the holiday's traditional centerpiece, what attendees can expect from a packed speaker lineup at NOSH Live and BevNET Live, why they're impressed with Todd Carmichael's foray into the water business and a “wholly” impressive line of plant-based snacks and meal. 22:16: Interview: Dave Carpenter, Master Blender, Redemption Whiskey -- After a brief chat about Carpenter's impressive mustache, he and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke about what differentiates rye from other whiskies and the boom, decline and reemergence of the spirit in the U.S. Carpenter also discussed Redemption's on- and off-premise education strategy, why a growing number of master blenders have degrees in chemical engineering and whether trends fit into the brand's innovation planning. Later, he explained how subtleties in Redemption's bottles are intended to speak volumes and why the brand's flagship product is priced relatively affordably for a premium whiskey. Brands in this episode: Country Archer, Tea Drops, Fly By Jing, Vita Coco, Pop & Bottle, Hella Cocktail Co., Loftiwater, Siii Water, Magic Mind, So Good So You, Vibi+, Oat Haus, Elephant Amaro, Reese's, Wholly Veggie, Troop Beverage Co., Gigantic Candy, Hubs Peanuts, Miami Cocktail Co., Goop, Redemption Whiskey
Episode 33: Eugene Kang (@countryarcher) is the CEO and co-founder of Country Archer Provisions, the number one jerky brand in the natural and specialty channels.Eugene dropped out of college to found Country Archer Jerky Co after tasting the product by chance at Grand Canyon while on a road trip. In 2019, just 8 years after its founding, the company earned an estimate of $35 million in revenue, with its products spread across 25,000 stores in America. He was a part of the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 class, under the Food & Drink category.Show Notes:1:25 - Introduction into Eugene's background, buying out a business, and how it led to Country Archer Jerky8:18 - Eugene starting out at 20 years old, his experience, and his thought process on buying the business10:46 - Going to school, hobbies, and other involvements growing up13:19 - Aspirations in Political Science and Law, pivoting interests towards entrepreneurship and disruption16:28 - Convincing his dad and getting the loans to purchase the business21:22 - Discussing doubts on starting the business and how some ignorance can help with entrepreneurship26:39 - Transforming into a larger business, getting into supermarkets, and returning the money to dad32:08 - Letting others' take greater control of the business and meeting veteran investors34:21 - Being a young Asian American investor in an industry of older Caucasians37:14 - Deciding to continue in the food industry, favorite foods, Japan42:10 - What draws Eugene to Japanese culture and other stories about Japan49:02 - Developing a work-life balance and focusing on life outside of work54:32 - Growing older and how priorities change. Book recommendation for For Better or For Worse.58:26 - One habit you do benefit most from--listening and being attentive.59:25 - The worst habit you have--dragging your feet too much.1:00:16 - Defining success--having successful relationships in your personal life. Getting perspective of voices outside of your industry.1:02:02 - Best investments you've made under $100--investing in better sleep.1:03:35 - Best advice--never lose self-awareness. Know your shortcomings and your strengths.1:06:04 - Parting thoughts and how to contact EugeneJoin the community! Follow us on Instagram @wyndpodcast and find all of our socials at whyyounodoctor.com/podcast.Support the show (http://whyyounodoctor.com/podcast)
DTC brands in certain CPG categories are flocking to Amazon, and with the right strategy, the opportunity for growth is abundant. Join Adam Epstein, Perpetua's VP of Growth, as he goes deep with industry leaders on key trends shaping the Amazon and eCommerce industry. In this first chat, you'll hear how Chris Moe and Jon Willbanks, Co-founders of Cartograph, have taken brands like Justins, Lily's Chocolates and Country Archer to millions in sales in a matter of months. Join us to learn from their playbook and expertise. Topics the panel will cover: Winning formula for DTC growth on Amazon How to create a full funnel advertising strategy and build a brand on amazon How to think about cannibalization and why DTC brands in food, health and beauty need to be on Amazon Ways to strategically think about product packaging to optimize for profits
Entrepreneurship is often about celebrating the founder. Names like Phil Knight, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk can’t be separated from mentions of Nike, Apple, and Tesla. But there is a different sort of entrepreneur that made companies like McDonald’s a household name. They were able to identify an existing company with untapped potential, acquire that business, and then lead it to tremendous growth. It is called entrepreneurship through acquisition or ETA for short. Eugene Kang is just that type of entrepreneur. Kang is the CEO of Country Archer, a business that he bought for $500,000 in 2010 and over the last decade, has grown into one of the largest jerky companies in the world. I sat down with Eugene to talk about his journey, how retail is changing, and the challenge of driving innovation in a category.
Entrepreneurship is often about celebrating the founder. Names like Phil Knight, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk can’t be separated from mentions of Nike, Apple, and Tesla. But there is a different sort of entrepreneur that made companies like McDonald’s a household name. They were able to identify an existing company with untapped potential, acquire that business, and then lead it to tremendous growth. It is called entrepreneurship through acquisition or ETA for short. Eugene Kang is just that type of entrepreneur. Kang is the CEO of Country Archer, a business that he bought for $500,000 in 2010 and over the last decade, has grown into one of the largest jerky companies in the world. I sat down with Eugene to talk about his journey, how retail is changing, and the challenge of driving innovation in a category.
Country Archer Jerky Co. is a meat snack success story with an unlikely beginning and a promising future. After stopping at a roadside stand while on vacation almost 10 years ago, Eugene Kang bought some beef jerky that would change his life – it was love at first bite.
What's a good road trip without great snacks? For Eugene Kang, a road trip stop for beef jerky sparked his entrepreneurial journey to become the co-founder and CEO of Country Archer Jerky Company, a brand you might recognize from the shelves of Starbucks, Target, Whole Foods, and Costco stores across the country. Growing up working in his parents' gas station convenience stores, Eugene was familiar with popular snack options and with the hard work needed to run a thriving business. Following a record year of growth in 2018, Country Archer was included as one of the fastest-growing private companies on the Inc. 5000 list and Eugene was named to the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 List in the food and drink category. Join us as we talk with Eugene Kang in this episode about seizing opportunity, creating a national brand, and where his focus lies as a visionary leader.
jerky and meat snacks here’s our take on choosing jerky and meat snacks. on the topic of "snacks." beef jerky and dried meats are some of the best snacks available. most of us that are real foodies probably don’t’ find it necessary to snack much, if at all. but even if we don’t snack, most of us would all benefit from having some optimal choices available just in case. I know I find myself wanting a little jerky or bacon mid-afternoon, or at home while I’m getting my dinner ready. jerky and meat snacks are optimal choices to keep on hand because they are extremely nutrient-dense and satiating. they will not disrupt our goals when eating real food – nutrients and nurturing self-sufficiency (metabolic flexibility, fat-burning). snacks may not be the best term. so let’s clarify snacking. we advocate no snacking between main meals while at the same time being easy about the whole process, practicing love and kindness to ourselves. so if you must have something, it’s better to have something that is appropriate. these snacks are relatively non-perishable and perfect to keep around. there are situations where it’s midafternoon, i”m working on a 24hr fast, and around 3pm I just want something. it’s a perfect time to grab meat snack. snacking is relative. we don’t advocate snacking in between main meals (at most 3 per day). if I’m going for 1 or 2 meals and need something this is perfect. also keep in mind, for many of us, especially if we’re eating 2 or 3 meals in a day, some of our meals look like “snacks” because they are so small. so maybe your midday meal look like a handful of greens with dressing and an Epic bar. also, let’s talk about temptations! if you’re in a situation where there’s a lot of temptation, and you get your hunger triggered, it’s great to have this stuff on hand!!! remember REAL FOOD FIRST! so if you must eat, it needs to be the right stuff. there ARE situations where it’s perfect to have these - hikes, camping trips, road trips, plane flights, etc., and there are places that are great to keep these things just in case - work, home, office, backpack, etc. choosing jerky and meat snacks. when choosing beef jerky and dried meats, use some common sense. we are real foodies to the core, so we basically want meat, salt, sugar, spices and seasonings. look for minimal ingredients. always avoid the toxic oils, mainly soybean, canola, vegetable, safflower, and low-quality sunflower. always avoid artificial sweeteners. always avoid synthetic preservatives. this is a tough one because there are many that we aren’t familiar with. if there’s an ingredient you don’t know, google it or ask us! jerky preservation should come from the salt and seasonings. even the sugar can initial a mild fermenting process. so it isn’t a problem. if you’re a sugar-phobe then just go for something without sugar :) organic gluten-free tamari soy sauce is great! in fact, soy sauce is fermented, so it comes close to being approved. but many soy sauces use wheat and gluten in the processing. organic gluten-free tamari sauce is fermented soy sauce with no gluten. gas station jerky is probably not the best! our top picks for jerky and meat snacks. Country Archer. top notch. 100% grass-fed, grass-finished, and naturally-raised animals. the beef jerky and meat bars are great. in fact, ALL their meat products check out. for the best deal we recommend ordering directly from their website. for $20 you get a full pound of jerky! that’s an unbeatable deal! SHT members get a special discount on top of that! check your resource page :) Epic Provisions meat bars and jerky. LOVE IT. top-notch quality. ordering on Amazon usually gets you the better deal on some things. check out all their jerky and meat bars here. even their pork rinds are amazing. if you order from their website, $80 orders have free shipping. SHT members get a special discount, check your resource page. Epic Provisions liver bites! my favorite! to get the liver bites, the best deal is going to come from their website here. SHT members have a discount code, check your resources :) Chomps meat snacks. also amazing. 100% grass-fed, grass-finished, naturally-raised animals. think healthy slim jims. the best price right now is on Amazon check them out here. there are plenty of other approve options out there, but these are our top picks! honorable mentions? bacon :) once cooked bacon is surprisingly shelf-stable. I've taken bacon with me in a ziplock bag for a weekend of camping and never refrigerated it, and still ate it the following week. cured meats :) canned sardines. we love Wild Planet. love them! best places to keep these amazing dried meat snacks?! because they’re pretty much non-perishable for a good length of time, they are perfect to keep around just in case you get a craving, and it can keep you from eating crap. backpack. I always have some. purse. when I dress like a woman, I do. man-purse ;) don’t carry but if you do. the glove box of your vehicle. always. at the office! just in case your co-workers bring around the crap! you’ve got a backup! at the house!
When it comes to starting a business, it isn’t always about inventing something completely different. In fact, some of the most successful brands out there built their empires by finding an opportunity to take something that already existed and make it just a little better. For Eugene Kang, the co-founder of Country Archer Jerky Co., that opportunity presented itself during a road trip to the Grand Canyon, where he and his now business partner met Celestino “Charlie” Mirarchi, a butcher and artisan jerky maker who made small-batch jerky by hand and sold it roadside throughout the Southwest. “It was the most out-of-this-world, mouthwateringly delicious jerky we had ever tasted,” said Kang. “I knew nothing about jerky - or business for that matter - but did know that if I could just package this in the right way, source super clean ingredients, and create a strong brand behind an already amazing product, that everyone from young ingredient-conscious consumers to parents and beyond would take pride in picking Country Archer up off the shelf and sharing with others.” Twenty-five thousand stores and 155 employees later, I’d say Eugene was definitely right. In our conversation, you’ll learn: How he helped scale Country Archer into one of the biggest artisan beef jerky companies on the market How he and his business partner were able to build a brand identity that spans across age demographics and lifestyles. What initially inspired Eugene to start his own business His advice for new entrepreneurs You can learn more about Country Archer Jerk Co. at countryarcher.com. You can also get in touch with me at adriagreenhauff.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/better-food-stories/support
Hugh Thomas and Joe Benn say the best insights and feedback about their brand come from an “Ugly Mob.” It may sound unseemly, but the mob is actually a group of loyal consumers of Ugly Drinks, a flavored sparkling water brand co-founded by Thomas and Benn. Based in the U.K., Ugly made its U.S. debut earlier this year via a direct-to-consumer platform and at independent retailers in metro New York. Despite differences in the British and American beverage markets, Thomas and Benn use a similar playbook for acquiring consumer insights in both countries, one rooted in a constant digital presence and interaction with its fans and customers. “We always have known that this is a digital brand and we think digital first and our consumer does as well,” Thomas said in an interview included in this episode. “In the U.K. we’ve developed a strong social media following with millennials and Gen Z consumers and we knew when we launched in the U.S. that was going to be something that occurred as well; that’s how the brand has developed, that’s how we speak, that’s who we are ultimately as a team.” Listen to our full interview with Thomas and Benn, who discussed growth planning for both the U.S. and U.K. markets and how feedback from the “Ugly Mob” has enabled to company to rapidly iterate and innovate Show notes: 1:33: FOMO? There’s Really No Need For That -- The hosts discussed recent additions to the BevNET Live Winter 2018 agenda, the conference’s list of registered attendees and why you should be wary of waiting to register for the event and the preceding NOSH Live show. They also riffed on Forbes’ annual “30 Under 30” list which includes Taste Radio alums, the DeCicco brothers, founders of Kitu Life, and Eugene Kang, the co-founder of Country Archer. 11:16: Interview: Hugh Thomas & Joe Benn, Co-Founders, Ugly Drinks -- We first featured Thomas and Benn way back in episode 31 of the flagship Taste Radio podcast. That was two years ago, and since then Ugly has undergone a major brand revamp, significantly expanded its retail presence in the U.K., and entered the U.S. market. In an interview with John Craven recorded in London, Thomas and Benn discussed changes in the brand and the U.K. beverage market, how their perspective of Ugly as a “digital brand” has shaped their overall business strategy, and why they are constantly tweaking the brand and products. Brands in this episode: Fiji Water, REBBL, Dry Soda, Ugly Drinks
It would be fair to say that things are going well for Country Archer. But it wasn’t always that way. A maker of clean-label meat snacks, the brand’s flagship jerky line is the fastest growing in its category among natural retailers, and the company recently announced $10 million in new funding from its primary investor, Monogram Capital. Nevertheless, not too long ago, Country Archer faced rejection in the very retail channel in which it’s now the fastest growing; in fact, it had been written off as a “convenience store” product. Yet, tenacity, innovation and a little bit of luck go a long way. We spoke with Country Archer co-founder and CEO Eugene Kang about the brand’s development and growth through those tough earlier days, and how it stayed competitive amid the craze for Krave Jerky. We also discussed the incredible story behind Country Archer’s partnership with iconic Sriracha brand Huy Fong Foods and how it became a gamechanger for the company. Also in this episode: a conversation with BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero on beverage-related trends and innovation from the recently held Natural Products Expo East 2018. Show notes: 2:02: Back On Top -- The hosts discussed the creation and launch of Taste Radio Insider, a show specifically focused on news, trends and insights in the food and beverage industries. They also chat about recent visits to BevNET HQ, including representatives from Rocket Fuel, Smart Cups and BRWD. 15:20: Interview: Eugene Kang, Co-Founder/CEO, Country Archer -- In this interview, recorded at Natural Products Expo East 2018, Kang spoke with BevNET CMO Mike Schneider about the origins of Country Archer and why he wanted the brand to be the “Sam Adams of jerky,” how the company approached a competitive environment for jerky, particularly during the development of Krave, and how its partnership with Huy Fong Sriracha became a major turning point for the brand and helped it to break into the natural channel. 34:49: Beverage Trendspotting at Expo East 2018 -- BevNET’s Ray Latif and Marty Caballero hash out some of the most notable drink trends from the annual trade show, including an uptick in carbonated teas and coffee, the infusion of plant-based milk into cold-brew products and a relatively quiet show for kombucha. Brands in this episode: Rocket Fuel Coffee Milk, Smart Cups, BRWD Energy Drink, Jose Gourmet, Country Archer, Krave, Sound Tea, Teavana, Bhakti, Cham Cold Brew, La Colombe, Chameleon Cold-Brew, Rise Brewing Co., Koia, Remedy Organics, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Humm Kombucha
According to the Oxford English dictionary, a Renaissance man is defined as “a person with many talents or areas of knowledge.” It’s an apt description for Ben Branson, the founder and CEO of Seedlip, an innovative brand of non-alcoholic distilled spirits. A branding and design specialist by trade, Branson’s passion for botany, history and alchemy led him to distillation, a craft in which he’s become a self-taught expert. What began as a hobby has since transformed into Seedlip, a highly publicized and sought after brand that in just three years since launch is now carried by hundreds of the world’s top restaurants, bars and retailers in over 20 countries. In addressing the dilemma of “what to drink when you’re not drinking,” Seedlip is aiming to give mixologists a new tool to create unique and sophisticated non-alcoholic drinking experiences. In an interview included in this episode, Branson spoke about his vision for a non-alcoholic spirit and how he’s managed the rapid growth and development of Seedlip. Show notes: 2:36: Interview: Ben Branson, Founder/CEO, Seedlip -- In an interview recorded by weblink, Branson spoke with BevNET Managing Editor Ray Latif about the origins of Seedlip and how he identified an opportunity to innovate in the multi-billion dollar spirits industry. Branson discussed how he bridged the gap from a passion project to a brand, the story of how Seedlip's first sale led to an invite to Buckingham Palace, how the brand elicits trial and awareness through design and storytelling, Branson’s 10-second sales pitch for Seedlip, and what he drinks when he is drinking alcohol. 34:50: Expo-sure in Baltimore -- The hosts convene in the Taste Radio studio for a debrief on the recently held Natural Products Expo East 2018. They discuss the impact of Hurricane Florence on attendance at the annual event, exhibitor reaction to the show and notable food trends on display at Expo East, including a continued uptick in new jerky and dried fruit brands coming to market. Brands in this episode: Seedlip, Mother Kombucha, Tribucha, Country Archer, RIND Snacks, Sky Valley Foods, Lavva, Stryve, Ayoba-Yo, Brooklyn Biltong, Fishpeople, Peckish
In his career as a chef, Roy Choi has broken all the rules and written a few new ones. But the award-winning food truck pioneer and restaurateur still respects some time-honored traditions. Take fermentation, for example. While fermented foods have become trendy in recent years, they’ve been a staple of Asian cuisine and been a constant presence in his cooking. It’s one of the reasons that a recent partnership with KeVita, which makes probiotic beverages, kombucha and drinking vinegars, was an easy decision. “In the home, I grew up with this whole refrigerator full of fermentation, and to me it’s just called food,” Choi said in an interview included in this episode. And while Choi’s disposition is more skater than spokesman, it’s been his deft ability to bridge the gap between counterculture and mainstream that’s made him such an appealing figure in the restaurant business and beyond. In our interview, Choi spoke about his influential role as a celebrity chef and his approach to working with brands, how Los Angeles culture is reflected in his cuisine, and the advice he has for food journalists and critics (it might not be what you expect). Choi is preparing to debut his latest venture, an L.A.-themed restaurant in Las Vegas, in December. The new eatery is likely backed by outside investors, betting that Choi’s fame and fare will draw the masses. But what if you’re not a well-known and successful chef, but rather a young food entrepreneur looking to raise capital for your idea? If you are a young food entrepreneur seeking investment for you startup who doesn’t happen to also be a well-connected celebrity chef, however, there are still thousands of eager angel investors that might be just willing to throw a few bucks your way. And if enough of them do, you might just see your brand get off the ground. Of course, we’re talking about crowdfunding, which at a glance seems like a relatively simple concept. But there are dozens of crowdfunding platforms and plenty of pitfalls in the process. How do you best position yourself for a win? Enter Cheryl Clements, founder of Pieshell, a crowdfunding platform specifically designed for food and beverage entrepreneurs. In an interview, Clements discussed the origins of Pieshell and how the service works, along with tips of the trade and valuable advice for anyone seeking crowd-sourced investment. Show notes: 2:31: Interview: Roy Choi, Celebrity Chef/Founder, Kogi -- Recorded by phone, Choi spoke with BevNET Managing Editor Ray Latif about why he aligned with probiotic drink brand KeVita on a new campaign, offered up his take on trendy food concepts, shared his belief about the unifying power of food, and discussed media scrutinization of his restaurants and projects. 17:33: Interview: Cheryl Clements -- Clements visited BevNET HQ for a interview with Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg and spoke about why she launched Pieshell and mission behind the crowdfunding platform. She also discussed the importance of collecting feedback and data from a crowdfunding campaign and why delivering value to investors is critical to a winning strategy. 41:04: A Project No More -- The hosts banter about a the recent name change for our NOSH vertical, the upcoming Expo East trade show and examine a new energy drink from Welch’s. Brands in this episode: KeVita, Honest Tea, Koia, Country Archer, Righteous Felon Jerky Cartel
Our guests this week are Eugene Kang and Mathew Thalakotur, the CEO and Marketing Director at Country Archer Jerky Co. Under their leadership, the brand has seen exponential growth, doubling sales each year for four years, and landing in more than 16k stores. Eugene and Mathew joined us in studio to talk about the origins (and accidental rediscovery) of Country Archer, the challenges and advantages of reinvigorating a heritage brand, hiring, and the right way to launch your next product. Have an idea for the show? Drop us a line! Brandbuilder@snacknation.com. Brand Builder is a co-production of SnackNation and ForceBrands.
We're reflecting on 2017, the good and the challenging, and have a guest appearance from past Erica and Kelsey.CocktailWe tried the $5 California Roots pinot grigio from Target and we approve!Wrapping up 2017We give chronological Cliff Notes for each of our families in 2017.Erica's word of Forward and Kelsey's of Choose and how those influenced our year.Our bests of 2017:Place you went Erica: Fairmont PrincessKelsey: Arizona Inn for Chris’s 40th birthdayBook you readNeither of us could pick just one!Erica: Born a Crime audiobook, Commonwealth, The Storied Life of A. J. FikryKelsey: Gentleman in Moscow and Little Fires EverywherePodcast and/or music you listened toErica: Beyoncé's LemonadeKelsey: More Perfect and Still Processing (especially the A Journey to the 'Blacksonian' episode and the We Get Biracial episode).Movie or television showErica: Narcos, Game of Thrones (obv), West WorldKelsey: Stranger Things, The Glass Castle Habit (old or new)Erica: Skin care like a bossKelsey: Consistently tracking my spending in Mint - recapping my personal allowance spending each month on my blogNew thing you triedErica: microfiber cleaning clothsKelsey: mint tea in the mornings, especially with some soy creamer and spiced honeyThing you boughtErica: home gel manicure kitKelsey: Instant PotObsessionsErica is obsessed with eating Country Archer jerky as a snack. Kelsey is obsessing over Brother Room and having her boys sleep in the same room.Connect with us on Instagram / @higirlsnextdoor and on Facebook.Sign up for our monthly newsletter and see show notes on our website: girlnextdoorpodcast.comWe love to get your emails: higirlsnextdoor@gmail.comYour reviews on Apple Podcasts make us smile - thank you! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.