For Ryan Phillippe, The Real Drama Is In The Beverage Aisle
Taste Radio
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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....
info_outline
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...
info_outlineTony Abou-Ganim, a legendary figure in the world of cocktails and hospitality with nearly five decades behind the bar, is sounding an alarm for the industry he cherishes. “Where did the fun go?” he asks – a question that reverberates across the ever-evolving landscape of bars and beverage culture.
As the founder of cocktail platform Modern Mixologist, Tony’s career has been a masterclass in passion and perseverance. From his early days as a barback in small-town Michigan to becoming one of the most respected voices in hospitality, his journey is defined by innovation, excellence, and heart. A three-time champion on Iron Chef America, Tony helped launch the groundbreaking beverage program at the Bellagio Las Vegas. Today, he continues to shape the industry as a consultant for Royal Caribbean, high-profile venues, and leading beverage alcohol companies, where he lends his expertise to cutting-edge ready-to-drink cocktail development.
In this conversation, Tony reflects on his path in parallel with the evolution of cocktail culture – from the rise of craft mixology to the risk of elitism behind the bar. He explains why eliciting connection and joy is at the core of hospitality, shares his vision to revive his family’s historic bar, and offers insights into where the industry is heading – touching on everything from the sober-curious movement to the soaring price of cocktails, and what it truly means to brighten someone’s day, one drink at a time.
Show notes:
0:25: Tony Abou-Ganim, Founder, Modern Mixologist – On location at the 2025 Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival, Tony talks about formative experiences working at his cousin’s bar, The Brass Rail, and how, in a full-circle moment, he is now restoring it to its original 1937 charm. He also reflects on 45 years in the industry, and celebrates its evolution – from artificial mixers to fresh ingredients and artisanal presentation – while criticizing the rise of ego and elitism in cocktail culture. Tony discusses the classic roots of modern cocktails and why creativity lies in thoughtful reinterpretation rather than originality and how sober-curious lifestyles have yielded challenges and opportunities for bar culture. Tony also advocates for a return to the joy and spontaneity that once defined nightlife and why he advises aspiring beverage entrepreneurs to seek honest feedback and recognize that long-standing relationships are still the cornerstone of success.
Brands in this episode: