No Investors? No Problem. How Biolyte Bootstrapped Its Way To $22M.
Taste Radio
She went from selling hydration drinks out of the trunk of her car to building a $20M brand, without outside investors, industry experience or playing by the rules. In this episode, Jesslyn Rollins, the CEO of Biolyte, reveals how grassroots hustle, relentless sampling, and a medical-grade “IV in a bottle” helped her break into one of the most competitive categories in beverages, and why the brand is now ready to make its boldest move yet. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Jesslyn Rollins, CEO, Biolyte – At BevNET Live L.A. 2025, Jesslyn recounted Biolyte’s origins in 2016, when her...
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Why Uncertainty Could Be CPG’s Biggest Opportunity In 2026
Taste Radio
As 2026 approaches, the Taste Radio hosts explore why uncertainty may actually favor emerging food and beverage brands. From changing definitions of value and retailer innovation to AI-driven discovery and standout new products, the episode highlights where real opportunity is taking shape in CPG. Show notes: 0:25: NYE Scaries? Opps. Value ≠ Price. AI For Awareness. Creamy Hummus, Swedish Food & More. – The hosts reflect on year-end anxieties and optimism heading into 2026, discussing the realities of entrepreneurship, resilience through challenges, and reasons for confidence in the...
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Replay: Inside Poppi’s Early Playbook & The Moves That Led To A Big Exit
Taste Radio
Before you hit play, here’s the headline — arguably the biggest in CPG in 2025, and one you already know: PepsiCo acquired better-for-you soda brand Poppi for nearly $2 billion. What follows is a replay of a 2023 Taste Radio interview with founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, recorded back when Poppi was still firmly in disruptor mode — scaling fast, breaking rules, and taking direct aim at Big Soda. In the conversation, the Ellsworths trace Poppi’s evolution from a scrappy gut-health drink into a modern soda brand built for culture, not compromise. They discuss launching amid the...
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Candy Dates & ‘Noise Canceling’ Tonics. Is Niche The New Norm?
Taste Radio
Candy-coated dates, cocktails in pouches, collagen-infused beauty drinks and “noise-canceling” tonics. The latest wave of launches begs the question: is niche now the norm in food and beverage? Show notes: 0:25: ‘Base Mentality. BBL Winners. Regen For All. Bark-Tinis. Adult Capri Sun. Hippies & Santa.-- Melissa offers a 411 on Nombase, BevNET’s integrated platform that combines data tools, a partner directory, educational resources, and a weekly podcast. The hosts reflect on Brewbound Live, praising the event’s thoughtfully curated content, attendee engagement and upbeat...
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How Archer’s Aim Helps It Generate $300M In Annual Sales
Taste Radio
Archer’s journey to $300 million in annual sales has been driven by an unwavering focus on operational excellence. In this episode, founder and CEO Eugene Kang shares how disciplined execution, vertical integration, and precisely timed innovation transformed Archer from an upstart jerky brand into one of the fastest-growing meat snack companies in the U.S. Eugene unpacks Archer’s recent rebrand, how the company positioned itself ahead of the explosive growth of meat sticks, and the importance of building durable partnerships with retailers like Whole Foods. He also explains why patience...
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Big Wins, Big Names & Big Inspiration. The L.A. Events Delivered.
Taste Radio
The hosts recap a whirlwind week of back-to-back events in L.A., celebrating standout competitions, emerging brands, and generous mentorship from seasoned founders at Nosh Live and BevNET Live. From Projo’s big win in the New Beverage Showdown to celebrity cameos by Ryan Phillippe and Khloé Kardashian, the energy never let up. Show notes: 0:25: A Fickle Judge. Generous Sharks. Competition BTS. Mochi Magic. A “Dirty” Brand. – The hosts reflect on the high level of professionalism from their teams, enthusiastic attendee feedback, and the inspiring presence of seasoned founders who...
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How Hiyo Went From DTC Startup to Live Nation Partnership
Taste Radio
Hiyo’s founders turned a personal wake-up call into one of the fastest-growing adult non-alcoholic beverage brands in the country. Built on sharp strategy, standout design, and disciplined execution, Hiyo is now scaling nationally — including a newly inked Live Nation partnership placing the brand in major venues across the U.S. In this episode, we sit down with Hiyo’s three co-founders, Evan Quinn, Cygne Cooper and George Youmans, who discuss how this SoCal-born “social tonic” is redefining moderation, unlocking category whitespace, and proving that thoughtful focus can...
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Erewhon Delivers The Heat. Landmark Lawsuits & 7-Eleven Sandos.
Taste Radio
Nosh Live is buzzing — but did Mike snag that selfie with Khloé? On location in Marina Del Rey, the hosts sip on Erewhon’s spicy bone-broth hot chocolate, unpack two landmark lawsuits, and dream of their next visit to 7-Eleven (yes, really). They also serve up hot takes on everything from tempeh chips and plant-based cookie dough to “cultured” drinks and cheese crisps. Show notes: 0:25: Runway Ruckus. Excited About Events. Bones & Chocolate. S.F. & Costco File Suit. Eggs, Tempeh & Dough. – Travel mishaps hit Mike once again, but everyone’s amped for the L.A. events....
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Innovation, Localization & Logistics. A Blueprint For Global Brands.
Taste Radio
Bringing a hit international food brand to the U.S. sounds glamorous, but behind every success story is a maze of challenges most consumers never see. In this special crossover episode of Taste Radio and , Lucía Conejo-Mir of Ines Rosales and Jennifer Donnellan of Lakrids by Bülow reveal the real work behind breaking into the American market. From reinventing packaging and pricing to navigating cultural habits, supply-chain surprises, and the art of getting consumers to try something new, their stories are rich with hard-won insights and candid surprises. Show notes: 0:25: Lucía...
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Why We Need Pepsi Prebiotic… And Protein Marshmallows
Taste Radio
Prebiotic cola, plant-based (and AI-inspired?) pulled chicken and protein-packed marshmallows. The hosts crack open Pepsi’s new prebiotic cola and discuss whether a stevia-sweetened “functional” soda can win over classic cola fans. They also dig into Just Meat’s big win at Walmart and what it says about the future of meat analogs, and why protein marshmallows might actually work in your next s’more. Show notes: 0:25: Rotten Roaches. The BevNET Bowls. Cloying & Fibrous. Who’s Eating This Stuff? S’More, Please. – Jacqui explains why there is a bright red “biohazard” bag...
info_outlineFor a brand with a diminutive name, Small Town Cultures has big ambitions.
Based in upstate New York, Small Town Cultures was founded by entrepreneur Cori Deans in 2017. The company uses regional ingredients to make fermented foods that contain no vinegar nor added sugar. Packaged in clear glass jars with minimalist labels designed to showcase the vegetables’ natural color and crispness, Small Town Cultures sells a variety of probiotic-rich products, including its Red Onions, Turmeric Kimchi and Traditional Sauerkraut.
The brand is distributed nationally at a variety of natural, conventional and independent retail chains, including Whole Foods, Price Chopper, Earth Fare and Central Market.
Cori, who created the brand after struggling with a personal illness and later realizing the health benefits of fermented foods, has sought to build Small Town Cultures as a company that can expand the appeal and accessibility of gut-healthy products among consumers across the country.
In this episode, Cori discusses how her passion for probiotics led to the development of Small Town Cultures and how she sought to create a brand that stood out from both legacy and upstart players. She also talks about her response to actress/entrepreneur Jessica Alba’s DM on Instagram, how she manages the complexity of both production and sales and marketing, and how she assesses new retail and distribution opportunities for fermented foods.
Show notes:
0:25: Cori Deans, Founder & CEO, Small Town Cultures – Cori and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif speak amid NOSH Live Winter 2024, where the entrepreneur explains why she “did everything the opposite” when it came to package design and sought to make the use case for Small Town Cultures obvious and accessible. She also talks about how the brand’s logo was inspired by Nike, why she was “waiting for someone else to create a brand for me” before launching her company, and how she began the business in the kitchen of her sister’s restaurant. Cori also discusses the challenge in finding a co-packer that could make products to her standards, the target consumer for Small Town Cultures and why was determined to get the brand carried by conventional grocery chain Price Chopper. She also explains why she wishes that she had a co-founder, how she talks about the company to new and prospective hires, working with angel investor firm Point Positive and why she’s excited about every day.
Brands in this episode: Small Town Cultures, Once Upon A Farm