Podcasts about culture pop

Lionel Messi is a global sports icon and had a deep-pocketed strategic partner at his side. So why did his sports drink brand Más+ fail? The hosts break it down and also discuss how protein snack brand Wilde is turning heads with a new take on a cheesy cracker. Plus, Patrón's Roberto Núñez & David Rodriguez reveal how the leading tequila maker scaled globally without sacrificing its handcrafted roots. Show notes: 0:20: Face Tattoo. Shelf Talkers. Mas Authenticity. Super Salsa. Wilde Ideas. Ray's New Substack? – Ray and John congratulate — and rib — Mike about Arsenal finally winning the Premier League before highlighting opportunities for BevNET Live attendees to connect directly with retail buyers from Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe, Wegmans, and Walmart. The conversation then turns to the shutdown of Messi's sports drink brand, Más+, and why celebrity alone isn't enough to build a durable consumer brand, underscoring the importance of authenticity and founder involvement. That theme carries into a discussion of Ithaca Hummus founder Chris Kirby and his new venture, Guillermo's Salsa, with the hosts crediting the brand's early traction to strong execution, product quality, retail expertise, and Kirby's operational experience. The latter half of the episode shifts into rapid-fire product tastings, including Armra's new colostrum soda, which sparks a conversation about rising consumer interest in gut health ingredients and functional beverages. The hosts also heap praise on Wilde, whose protein crackers impress with their Cheez-It-like taste and texture, while spotlighting several other brands, including protein- and probiotic-infused Rogue Snacks, Summer Camp iced tea concentrates, and Holy Tshili chili crisp seasonings. 29:17: Interview: Roberto Núñez & David Rodriguez, Patrón – On location at Patrón Tequila's sprawling hacienda and distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, U.S. National Brand Ambassador Roberto Núñez and Master Distiller David Rodriguez discuss the company's emphasis on craftsmanship and tradition while highlighting the launch of Patrón 100, the brand's new distill-proof tequila. From tahona wheels and copper pot stills to the decision to scale without automation, the conversation offers a rare look inside "the Patrón way" and the philosophy that continues to shape one of tequila's most iconic brands. Brands in this episode: Patron Tequila, Cabu, Trip, Zico, Nantucket Nectars, Culture Pop, Athletic Brewing, Mas+ Messi, White Claw, Prime, Armra, Ithaca Hummus, Guillermo's Salsa, Jalapa Salsa, Svedka, Wilde, Cheez-It, Khloud, Summer Camp, ogue Snacks, Holy Tshili

As consumers increasingly prioritize quality, functionality and authenticity, brands across food, beverage and wine are redefining what premium means. The hosts explore this evolving dynamic and spotlight innovative brands shaping the future of refreshment and snacking. The episode also features an interview with Jordi Viñals, the managing director of acclaimed Spanish winery Marqués de Vargas. Show notes: 0:20: We're 30. Eat Your Energy. Pop Up. Chewish Treats & Key Lime 'Jous.' Nuttiness Reigns. – The hosts celebrate BevNET's 30th anniversary, reflecting on its evolution from a niche beverage publication into a leading platform for CPG professionals. They also highlight Taste Radio's Elevator Talk series and preview upcoming Taste Radio meetups and BevNET Live NYC 2026. The conversation then turns to trends in functional snacks and beverages, including alternative energy formats like caffeine gummies, snack bites, and functional candy alongside growing interest in hydration, recovery, and relaxation products. They also sample products from several new and emerging brands, including  POPWTR, Jous, Wandel and Dirty Virgo, before closing with lighthearted banter about peanut butter tequila brand Chica Chida and its oversized "nut sack."  29:00: Interview: Jordi Viñals, Managing Director, Marqués de Vargas – On location at the 2026 Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival, Jordi discussed how Marqués de Vargas is navigating a changing global wine market while staying committed to its premium positioning. He explains why the family-owned winery is focused on quality over scale, how shifting consumer preferences are creating opportunities for boutique producers and why rising interest in Spanish food and culture could help expand the presence of Spanish wines in the U.S. Brands in this episode: Essentia, Trip, Lucky Energy, Culture Pop, Siggi's, Oku, Gate Drop, Rally, POPWTR, Lemon Perfect, Jous, Wandel, Purposefuel, Dirty Virgo, Chica Chida, Marqués de Vargas

Grüns landed a $1.2 billion acquisition less than three years after launch. Added protein still dominates shelf space – but how much runway does the trend really have left? Meanwhile, bottled water is facing growing scrutiny as its long-standing "health halo" begins to crack. We unpack the headlines and trends shaping innovation across food and beverage – and what they reveal about where CPG is headed next. Show notes: 0:20: Brad Is Back. Big Green Deal. Do We Need Protein In This? On To Austin. The Plastic Problem. – BevNET and Nosh senior reporter Brad Avery joins the show as the hosts unpack Unilever's acquisition of fast-growing functional gummy brand Grüns, and why strong repeat purchase and DTC momentum can drive outsized valuations even without broad retail distribution. From there, the conversation turns to the still-surging "protein in everything" wave, with a look at new protein-forward launches spanning chips, pasta, soda, and coffee, and a candid debate over which formats feel intuitive versus engineered. The hosts also dig into how brands are factoring in the rise of GLP-1 drugs when shaping innovation pipelines. Ray thanks attendees of Taste Radio NYC Meetup, highlights the upcoming Austin meetup, and previews BevNET Live NYC 2026. Brad shares insights from his recent reporting on the bottled water category, where concerns around microplastics and packaging are beginning to chip away at its long-standing health halo – though behavior change remains early. The episode wraps with a tasting of sour innovations, from date-based candy alternatives to low-sugar gummies. Brands in this episode: Grüns, Goli, Athletic Greens, Liquid I.V., Koia, Khloud, Purely Elizabeth, Kaizen, Protein Pints, Pop Tarts, Laird Superfoods, Crisp Power, Poppi, Olipop, Culture Pop, C4, Bloom, Ballpark, Essentia, Path Water, Open Water, Icelandic Glacial, DADDL, Behave, Warheads

Were they flops – or just ahead of their time? In this episode, the hosts dig into one of the food and beverage industry's most intriguing debates: whether discontinued products failed because they were poorly conceived, or because the market simply wasn't ready. From drinkable soups and early functional shots to better-for-you snacks and non-alcoholic cocktail concepts, they revisit ideas that may have been too forward-thinking for their moment.  The conversation expands into how today's shifting trends, like functional ingredients and alcohol-free innovation, could give these once-shelved products a second chance at success, where timing, not taste, may have been the real barrier. Show notes: 0:20: A Week Away. Real Chocolate Debate. Never Had A Shot/Ahead Of Its Time. Chips & I.V. – Ray gives a final call to register for Taste Radio's NYC meetup. Melissa highlights The Hershey Company's plan to return all Reese's and Hershey's products to classic milk and dark chocolate recipes by 2027, sparking a discussion about whether a shift back to "real" ingredients could reshape consumer expectations and premium chocolate demand. The hosts then explore discontinued products, debating whether they failed due to poor execution or were simply ahead of their time, including drinkable soup, better-for-you fruit snacks, non-alcoholic cocktails, and functional shots. They wrap with notable new products, including refreshed pita chip branding, a non-alcoholic "brew," and a quirky collaboration between Grillo's Pickles and Liquid I.V. Brands in this episode: Hershey, Reese's, Culture Pop, Feastables, Nantucket Nectars, Terranean, Just Ice Tea, Honest Tea, Poland Spring, Liquid IV, Grillo's, Fly By Jing, Fishwife, Justin's, Butterfinger, Tony's Chocolonely, Eat the Change, Welch's, Proposition Cocktail Company, Taki Mai, Spacho, Ahhmigo, Karma, Activate, Mello, Coca-Cola, GoodBelly, Cheribundi, Rhinestone, Poland Spring, Daily Crunch, Fly by Jing, Fishwife, Evergreen, V8, Superfoodio

Deals aren't slowing – they're stacking up. What explains five strategic acquisitions in under two weeks? The hosts break down the latest wave of CPG deals, including HOP WTR's sale to Constellation Brands and So Good So You's acquisition by a private investment group – just two of several recent moves. They explore what's fueling continued buyer activity and why non-alcoholic, functional, and better-for-you beverage brands remain especially attractive targets. Show notes: 0:20: Meet NYC. Good Hops, Good Investment. Pints Park. Frozen Dollars. Yoo Hoo! Yaza! – The hosts preview Taste Radio's upcoming NYC Meetup on April 16 and remind listeners that only registered attendees can join. They also unpack recent acquisitions of hop-infused beverage brand HOP WTR and wellness shot and energy drink company So Good So You, adding to a growing wave of CPG deals. The conversation explores rising demand for non-alcoholic, low-sugar, and functional beverages, along with the execution, focus, and timing required to build a successful brand. They also highlight Protein Pints' entry into a sports stadium as a case study in building awareness – from concessions to grocery shelves – and wrap with their product picks of the week, featuring indulgent coconut water, granola, globally inspired dips, and non-alcoholic cocktails. Brands in this episode: Huel, Monaco Cocktails, Dirty Shirley, HOP WTR, So Good So You, Hoplark, Spindrift, Athletic Brewing, Lucky Saint, Vive Organic, Kor, Suja, Sol-ti, Protein Pints, Hey!Hunger, Mason Dixie Foods, Zico, 100 Coconuts, Harmless Harvest, Yoo-Hoo, Harney & Sons, Good Mood, Culture Pop, Yaza, Cedar's, Spritz Society, Stellar Granola, Medase

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

This morning we have a new champion! Listen back to see who is now newly crowned

This morning we have a new champion! Listen back to see who is now newly crowned See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who will be our new defending champion? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who will be our new defending champion?

This morning we have a champion who is going for win #3 but will their reign of being our champion end today? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning we have a champion who is going for win #3 but will their reign of being our champion end today?

This morning Cassidy from Lakeland is going for win #2. She will etch her name in THEjoeSHOW's 'Pop Culture Pop Quiz' Hall of Fame if she goes on a major winning streak!

This morning Cassidy from Lakeland is going for win #2. She will etch her name in THEjoeSHOW's 'Pop Culture Pop Quiz' Hall of Fame if she goes on a major winning streak! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We play a pop culture quiz daily to kick off your morning. We are now searching for a new grand champion to win some awesome prizes and reign supreme in Tampa Bay.

We play a pop culture quiz daily to kick off your morning. We are now searching for a new grand champion to win some awesome prizes and reign supreme in Tampa Bay. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning we have our GRAND FINALE! Ashley will be taking on Julia to see who is going to be put at the grand champion spot!

This morning we have our GRAND FINALE! Ashley will be taking on Julia to see who is going to be put at the grand champion spot! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia is trying to go for win #18 this morning but Sarah from Riverview has something to say about it. Listen back to part one of our pop culture pop quiz this morning...

Julia is trying to go for win #18 this morning but Sarah from Riverview has something to say about it. Listen back to part one of our pop culture pop quiz this morning... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We go to a tie breaker round to determine whether or not Julia will get win #18 in our pop culture pop quiz! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We go to a tie breaker round to determine whether or not Julia will get win #18 in our pop culture pop quiz!

This morning our defending champion Julia has been going for all the records! She's only a handful of wins away from getting to the final boss (Ashley). Will she secure another win this morning? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning our defending champion Julia has been going for all the records! She's only a handful of wins away from getting to the final boss (Ashley). Will she secure another win this morning?

Julia has been playing every day for 2+ weeks on THEjoeSHOW - will se continue to rack up the wins and make sure that her prize pot expands? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia has been playing every day for 2+ weeks on THEjoeSHOW - will se continue to rack up the wins and make sure that her prize pot expands?

We give you chances to win prizes daily with the pop culture pop quiz. Will Julia continue to win and possibly take on Ashley? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We give you chances to win prizes daily with the pop culture pop quiz. Will Julia continue to win and possibly take on Ashley?

Julia from Pasco goes for win #14 this morning! LFG Julia!

Julia from Pasco goes for win #14 this morning! LFG Julia! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia from Pasco has been a truly unbelievable champion and she is looking to continue her streak in our pop culture pop quiz

Julia from Pasco has been a truly unbelievable champion and she is looking to continue her streak in our pop culture pop quiz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She is going where so few have gone before... will Julia from Pasco go to the distance yet again in our pop culture pop quiz! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She is going where so few have gone before... will Julia from Pasco go to the distance yet again in our pop culture pop quiz!

Julia goes for win #12 this morning!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia from Pasco is still killing it in our pop culture pop quiz... will she continue her winning ways? Or will she finally end her winning ways today? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia from Pasco is still killing it in our pop culture pop quiz... will she continue her winning ways? Or will she finally end her winning ways today?

Julia is looking to go for win #9 today! But will Cara finally get her first ever prize?

Julia is looking to go for win #9 today! But will Cara finally get her first ever prize? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia from Pasco is looking to get win #7 in our pop culture pop quiz this morning... will she rise to the occasion!

Julia from Pasco is looking to get win #7 in our pop culture pop quiz this morning... will she rise to the occasion! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia is looking to go for the record in our 6:50 pop culture pop quiz. Will her win streak continue this morning?

Julia is looking to go for the record in our 6:50 pop culture pop quiz. Will her win streak continue this morning? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning Julia from Pasco looks to get another W with our pop culture pop quiz... will she get the win or will someone finally take her down?

This morning Julia from Pasco looks to get another W with our pop culture pop quiz... will she get the win or will someone finally take her down? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia from Pasco is looking to get a third victory for our pop culture quiz! Will she win? Lets find out

Julia from Pasco is looking to get a third victory for our pop culture quiz! Will she win? Lets find out See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Paige from Lakeland going to lose this morning or will she pull out the victory for her 15th win in a row?

Is Paige from Lakeland going to lose this morning or will she pull out the victory for her 15th win in a row? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paige from Lakeland makes her move as one of the best champions in the pop culture pop quiz! Stream today's contest on the iHeart Radio App!