How Yaza Went National at Whole Foods Just Weeks After Its Launch
Release Date: 02/21/2025
Own & Infer – Behind The Scenes Of A ‘Perfect’ Brand Refresh
Taste Radio
After a challenging 2024, Lemon Perfect knew it was time for a bold reset. Founder Yanni Hufnagel led the charge with a reengineered bottle and improved formula, but the brand’s comeback wouldn’t be complete without a new look. Enter Paula Grant and creative studio Suite9C, tasked with developing a daring visual identity refresh. This is the story of how a brand turned setback into spotlight. Also in this episode: the hosts unpack Guayaki’s unprecedented rebrand to Yerba Madre and what it means for the category-defining brand. They also dive into Gopuff’s new GoXL product and whether...
info_outline
Elevator Talk: Joon, Scobucha, Hey!Hunger, Jozo, Fable Fish Co.
Taste Radio
The latest episode of Elevator Talk features leaders from Joon, Scobucha, Hey!Hunger, Jozo and Fable Fish Co. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Eleanor Hayden, the founder & CEO of Hayden Consultancy, who shared her thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants. She is joined by Ray Latif, the editor and producer of the Taste Radio podcast. Founders and CEOs of early stage food or beverage brands are invited to join future shows to pitch their products, discuss recent news and get...
info_outline
It’s Kind Of Wild, But Katie Lee Biegel Is Changing The Way We Drink
Taste Radio
What happens when a celebrated food personality brings her passion for clean eating to the wine aisle – and helps launch a brand that's redefining what’s in your glass? Katie Lee Biegel, the bestselling author, Food Network celebrity and co-founder of Kind of Wild wines, discusses her journey into the organic wine business and how she’s building a purpose-driven brand rooted in sustainability, transparency, and clean ingredients. Launched in 2021 by brothers Jordan & Adam Sager, Kind of Wild markets certified organic, zero-sugar, vegan-friendly wines with no harmful additives,...
info_outline
It’s Better For… Who? Plus, How To ‘Rethink’ Food Insecurity.
Taste Radio
They call it “better-for-you.” But better for who, exactly? And are trendy startups solving a problem – or just selling the illusion of one? The hosts dig in. We also revisit four interviews from Taste Radio’s NYC meetup, where leaders from innovative food and beverage organizations, including Rethink Food and The Goods Mart, shared insights on mission-driven business models and scaling with purpose. Show notes: 0:45: Deadlines & Agendas. Chasin’ Victory. NNE Is Next. Your Grandma’s A.I. BFY Candy & Vodka. It’s Redundant, No? The hosts note a fast-approaching...
info_outline
A Kroger ‘King’ Maker Reveals The Keys To Getting On Shelf – And Staying There
Taste Radio
Todd Davis, a seasoned Kroger executive who’s been with the retailer for over 30 years, has a sharp instinct for what makes a brand not just survive, but soar. As the category manager for natural, local, and multicultural brands at Kroger’s King Soopers and City Market banners, Todd has spent decades championing innovative products and the passionate founders behind them. But for him, it’s not just about the numbers – it’s about purpose, authenticity and impact. In this episode, Todd shares his strategy for identifying standout brands and why he’s especially driven to support...
info_outline
Scaling Your Tribe. The Komos Way.
Taste Radio
How do you cultivate a loyal following through organic growth and word-of-mouth buzz and without leaning on celebrity endorsements or splashy marketing campaigns? It’s the Komos way. In this episode, Ria Soler, the director of education and global advocacy for luxury spirit brand Tequila Komos, talks about how the company has focused on organic growth, thoughtful distribution and authenticity to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Show notes: 0:45: Sports Drink? Tawchy’s. More Investment, But Where? Jean Luc Picard. National Day Day. – Tequila is still booming, but is...
info_outline
Elevator Talk: Corpse Reviver, MAA • TE, The NA Beverage Company, Big D Energy Drink
Taste Radio
The latest installment of Elevator Talk features leaders from Corpse Reviver, MAA • TE, The NA Beverage Company and Big D Energy Drink. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Courtney O’Brien, the founder of The Outlier Initiative, who shared her thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants. She is joined by Ray Latif, the editor and producer of the Taste Radio podcast. Founders and CEOs of early stage food or beverage brands are invited to join future shows to pitch their products, discuss...
info_outline
Vision & Virality — How Sauz Became One Of The Hottest Brands In CPG
Taste Radio
Troy Bonde and Winston Alfieri aren’t selling your father’s ragu. Instead, the 25-year-old co-founders of Sauz, a bold, culture-forward pasta sauce brand, are reimagining what it means to build a modern CPG company from the ground up. And, it’s working. Launched in 2023, Sauz has quickly made a name for itself with an unconventional lineup of jarred sauces, including Hot Honey Marinara, Creamy Calabrian Vodka, Miso Garlic Marinara, and Brown Butter Alfredo. The inventive flavors, combined with a strong brand voice and sharp social presence, have propelled Sauz onto the shelves of...
info_outline
Funding Favors the Few. Chefs Favor the Simple.
Taste Radio
In a year clouded by economic uncertainty, you’d think investors would be clinging to their cash. But by the looks of things, maybe not? This episode also features an interview with acclaimed Boston-based chefs Jamie Bissonnette and Kenta Katagai as they take us behind the scenes of an unforgettable culinary collaboration. Show notes: 0:45: NYC In Full Effect. $30 Million For Ryl & Pop. Good Eat’n. Hark, I See Sweets! Cologne? I Wasn’t Listening. – The hosts recap the buzz from Taste Radio’s high-energy meetup in NYC, where over 100 CPG founders, investors, and industry...
info_outline
60 Startups. $7 Million. How Ignite20 Is Funding The Future Of CPG.
Taste Radio
Ignite20 isn’t just cutting checks. The new $7 million venture capital fund and hybrid accelerator is lighting a fire under the next wave of CPG innovators. Launched in February 2025, Ignite20 was born out of the Redwood Ventures Group and is also backed by early-stage VC firm Santatera Capital and food distributor RPM Food. Over the next three years, the fund will invest in 60 early-stage startups across the health, beauty, food, beverage, and pet care industries – targeting 20 promising brands per year. Each selected company will receive a $50,000 capital investment, along with hands-on...
info_outlineHow many brands can you name that secured national distribution at Whole Foods just weeks after launching? In this episode, we dive into one such success story: Yaza, a rapidly emerging brand of Lebanese-style labneh. We also test yet another "pizza wine" and chat about Hailee Steinfeld's angelic take on RTD cocktails.
Show notes:
0:25: Call It A Tease. See Y’all Soon. Oh, Yes We Did. Marvelous Miami. We’ve Had Our Fill. First Look. – Melissa Traverse is buckled in for banter and has a surprise in store for BevNET’s community. We’re all headed to Anaheim in a couple weeks – reach out beforehand. Domino’s collaboration with Yellowtail wine garners mixed reviews. We recap Taste Radio’s Miami meetup and spread love to those who attended. Ray casts doubt at the viability of another celebrity-backed beverage alcohol brand, Melissa speaks about digestives and Swedish treats, Jacqui has “blue tea” and John unloads a box filled with early-stage brands.
35:51: Interview: Christian Karim Khalil, Founder & CEO, Yaza - Yaza specializes in Lebanese-style labneh, a creamy, dairy-based spread that has long been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Launched in 2024, Yaza sets itself apart by emphasizing authenticity and health benefits, including high protein and probiotics. In this conversation, Christian shares how Yaza overcame early production challenges, why Whole Foods recognized the brand’s potential, and how he is strategically evaluating potential collaborations to fuel further growth and expansion.
Brands in this episode: Yaza, Yellowtail, Bang Energy, Milonga, Sky Barn, Fruga, Gorgie, Shōjō’s Dojo, Little Saints, Lemonicious, Seasa, Scobucha, Verse, MAA+TE, La Gringuita Cookies, Leisure Hydration, OWYN, Brooklyn’s Best, Hummii Snacks, Mela, Big Mama’s Foods, Frutero Ice Cream, Coconut Cartel, Casalu, Angel Margarita, Wilderton Apertivio, Chikka Chikka, Kolsvart, Wilderton, Kamana, Blue Durango, Cuddle, Nooish, Grounded, Chubbies, Cedar’s, Little Sesame, Fly By Jing