Be Timely. Be Great. Be Relentless. Why The GNGR Formula Works.
Release Date: 07/25/2025
Protein Is Everywhere. But Does It Belong Everywhere?
Taste Radio
The hosts dive into the sustained wave of protein-infused consumer products – from popcorn to mashed potatoes – and debate whether the market is approaching “protein fatigue” or merely scratching the surface of a macro trend driven more by marketing than science. They also recap Taste Radio’s high-energy meetup in San Diego, spotlighting several new and innovative brands showcased at the event. Show notes: 0:25: Free Tee. Nice To Meet Thee. MDR In DEC. Poppi To Popcorn. Protein ≠ Pumpkin Spice. Head High. – Ray encourages listeners to review Taste Radio on Apple Podcasts...
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Elevator Talk: FUZZEE, Rise Yaupon, Släcka, Lovely Bunch, Nordic Tree Water
Taste Radio
The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from FUZZEE, Rise Yaupon, Släcka, Lovely Bunch and Nordic Tree Water. In this installment, founders and CEOs introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week’s special co-host is Dr. Sebastian Dreher, the Venture Manager - North America for DöhlerGroup. He offers insightful questions, thoughtful feedback, and strategic perspective alongside regular host Ray Latif, editor and producer of the Taste Radio podcast. Early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs are encouraged to...
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How Halfday Went From Dorm Room To Disrupting A $9B Category
Taste Radio
What does it take to reinvent a legacy category for the modern consumer? In this episode, Mike Lombardo, the co-founder of better-for-you iced tea brand Halfday, shares the journey of transforming a college side hustle into a fast-growing challenger brand. Fueled by a mission to improve gut health without sacrificing flavor, Mike and his co-founder set out to reimagine iced tea for today’s health-conscious consumer. Mike opens up about the brand’s early missteps, and why putting flavor first became a non-negotiable product principle. He also shares how Halfday secured coveted shelf space...
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Chomps, Coffee & Cocktails. CPG’s Winners Are Culturally Relevant.
Taste Radio
Tips from trailblazing brands, strategies to captivate venture capitalists, the explosive growth of the RTD coffee category and much more. This packed episode features highlights from Taste Radio’s Chicago meetup and an in-depth look at Nutrabolt’s $200 million investment in Bloom Nutrition. The hosts also dive into the next wave of coffee innovation and examine whether energy or indulgence is driving consumer demand. Show notes: 0:25: DO Buy? Ninety Seconds. ‘Bolt & Bloom. A Tost. Coffee Talk. No Pistachio? – The hosts revisit Taste Radio’s Chicago meetup and preview upcoming...
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‘Shameless’ CPG: Why William H. Macy Is All In On Woody Creek
Taste Radio
When Oscar-nominated actor William H. Macy joined Woody Creek Distillers, it wasn’t a Hollywood deal – it was a neighborhood one. Living just down the road from the founders in Woody Creek, Colorado, Bill – known for starring roles in the hit TV series “Shameless” and iconic films “Fargo” and “Boogie Nights” – became a true partner in the craft distillery, not just its face. Now, he’s helping build a spirits brand rooted in authenticity, local sourcing, and uncompromising quality – all while writing songs about it and leading surprise ukulele performances at...
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Niche To National. The Brands Finding A Better Way To Scale.
Taste Radio
From college campuses to cannabis aisles, this episode explores how emerging CPG brands are carving out space in crowded categories. The hosts unpack Better Sour’s rapid retail expansion – including an exclusive Sprouts flavor and placement on United Airlines – while also spotlighting Toom’s strategic refresh that helped turn a niche garlic dip into a national brand. Plus, the challenges of adaptogen overload, and how design influences consumer trust. Show notes: 0:15: Joe Who? Better Breakfast. Too(m) Good. Old Gold? Stock & Shot. Review & Win. – Jacqui’s unfamiliarity...
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Elevator Talk: Juicybite, Send Bars, Date Smarter, Keya's Snacks, Elephant Green Chili Chutney
Taste Radio
The latest episode of Taste Radio’s Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Juicybite, Send Bars, Date Smarter, Keya's Snacks and Elephant Green Chili Chutney. In this installment, founders and CEOs introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week’s special co-host is Ken Collis, the founder and CEO of TLK Fusion. He offers insightful questions, thoughtful feedback, and strategic perspective alongside regular host Ray Latif, editor and producer of the Taste Radio podcast. Early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for...
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Nearing $90M & Surging. The Keys To Clio Snacks’ Scaling Strategy.
Taste Radio
How did Clio Snacks evolve from a homemade Greek yogurt bar created in a New Jersey garage into a national brand approaching $90 million in annual sales? In this episode, company CEO John McGuckin shares the strategic blueprint behind the brand’s explosive growth, from prototype to distribution in nearly every major grocery and mass retail chain across the U.S. On location at Clio’s 80,000-square-foot facility in New Jersey, John dives into how the brand is riding the wave of health-conscious snacking trends. He discusses the complexities of managing a vertically integrated business, where...
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Spindrift’s Shift & Seven-Figure Raises
Taste Radio
The hosts dissect Spindrift’s decision to discontinue its Spiked line and spotlight rising CPG stars Mooski and Painterland Sisters, each of which recently announced major funding rounds. They also preview upcoming Taste Radio meetups in the U.S. and U.K., before taking bites and sips of oat bars, cookies and a Patrick Mahomes-backed coffee brand. Show notes: 0:15: Shu-Cation. Spin-Cycle. Moo-Money. Meet-Up. Fruit-y Tea. – Ray is still MIA, but Mike is here to handle his responsibilities. The hosts discuss the discontinuation of Spindrift Spiked and speculate on the reasons behind the...
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Why Brightland Said ‘No’ to Whole Foods – Twice – And Grew Anyway
Taste Radio
Aishwarya Iyer built one of the fastest-growing premium CPG brands by doing what many startups overlook: putting product integrity, brand trust, and strategic timing ahead of rapid retail expansion. In this episode, Aishwarya, the founder and CEO of admired pantry staples company Brightland, shares how discovering a major gap in the olive oil industry sparked the creation of her mission-driven, design-forward brand. She dives into her philosophy of disciplined growth, reveals why she turned down Whole Foods twice, and explains why building a lasting business starts with knowing your customer...
info_outlineHow did GNGR Labs’ organic, cold-pressed wellness shots become a staple in New York City bodegas and land nationwide distribution at Wegmans? Founder Namik Soltan shares a story powered by purpose, product and unrelenting persistence. The hosts also unpack PepsiCo’s unexpected – and gutsy – announcement and explore how excellence fueled Tia Lupita’s acquisition.
Show notes:
0:35: Shot Hoarders. Hey, Pepsi. You Forget Something? Honoring Tia. Chomping At The Bit. Good Sips. -The hosts open by heaping praise on GNGR Labs’ shots, followed by a few laughs and questions about Mike’s recent “pen vacation.” The conversation pivots to PepsiCo, earning both some head-scratching and applause for its newly announced prebiotic sub-line under the flagship Pepsi brand. Ray then highlights Coca-Cola’s news of a new cola sub-line made with real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. Mike puts the spotlight on Feisty, a UK-based protein soda brand, before the team celebrates Vilore Foods’ acquisition of Tia Lupita. They commend founder Hector Saldivar for building a culturally authentic and better-for-you Mexican food brand from the ground up. Melissa teases an upcoming Nombase Podcast interview with Chomps’ head of merchandising, while Ray announces a live conversation with Chomps CEO Rashid Ali, set for Taste Radio’s Chicago meetup on August 14. Jacqui shares her take on Fermenteria’s hard water kefir, Mike highlights Kate Farms’ high-protein shakes and Corpse Reviver’s electrolyte tea, and Melissa rounds things out by introducing a rare and intriguing Japanese plum vinegar.
35:30: Interview: Namik Soltan, Founder & CEO, GNGR Labs – Namik talks about the origins of GNGR Labs spicy ginger shots, which he launched in 2020 at the outset of the pandemic and after a failed attempt at a previous beverage brand. He discusses how a focus on high-quality, undiluted ingredients, potent flavor and authenticity helped them stand out in a crowded market. Namik also explains how he recruited a team to help him initially self-distribute across New York City and emphasized the importance of timing and forming direct relationships with store owners. He also talks about the decision to launch shelf-stable RTD cans and why he loves working with Wegmans even though merchandising is somewhat of a challenge. Namik also explains that while not every partnership worked out, his brand’s growth has been organic and steady, driven by innovation and a deep understanding of the New York retail landscape.
Brands in this episode: GNGR Labs, Whims, Ayo Foods, Chomps, Goodmellow, Plift, Pepsi, Poppi, Coca-Cola, Squirt, Feisty Soda, Trip Drinks, La Costeña, Jumex, Totis, Justin’s, Lily’s, Fermenteria, Le Seltzer, Kate Farms, Corpse Reviver, Koyo Foods, Eden Foods