Best Refresh Reel Podcasts (2025)

1
Austin, Unfiltered. Hot Takes From CPG‘s OG City. 54:33

1h ago54:33

54:33

Big ideas, bold flavors, and unfiltered insights—welcome to Austin, where the future of CPG is being written in real time. At Taste Radio’s Austin Meetup, we sat down with trailblazers and trendsetters redefining how brands are built and scaled. From Better Sour co-founder Bella Hughes to Torchy’s Tacos founder Mike Rypka and Snaxshot’s Andrea Hern…

1
Scaling Tradition — The ‘Daughter’ Building A Cultural Food Empire 39:34

5d ago39:34

39:34

Dumpling Daughter isn’t just a food brand. It’s founder Nadia Liu Spellman’s heartfelt homage to family, culture and comfort. Her mission is simple but powerful: to make high-quality, restaurant-style comfort food accessible at home, while honoring the deep emotional ties that food can hold. Launched in 2014. Dumpling Daughter began as a beloved lo…

1
How Elavi Landed A Million-Dollar Deal With Costco 56:58

7d ago56:58

56:58

Michelle Razavi, the co-founder of Elavi, pulls back the curtain on how the brand landed a $1 million order from Costco just four months after the debut of its protein brownies. The hosts also discuss Chobani’s purchase of Daily Harvest and Via Verde Valle’s acquisition of A Dozen Cousins and how the latter may reflect a new paradigm in which found…

1
Elevator Talk: Hip Pop, Pari, Aqua Boost, Pablo’s Mate, Zenjoy 1:04:49

8d ago1:04:49

1:04:49

The latest installment of Elevator Talk features leaders from Hip Pop, Pari, Aqua Boost, Pablo’s Mate, Zenjoy. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Adam Louras, a principal with Mercenary, who shared his thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants. H…

1
‘Reel’ Change Is Here. How Seremoni Reimagined An Industry. 27:37

10d ago27:37

27:37

How do you build a globally scaled seafood company rooted in ancient Japanese techniques, humane animal treatment, and radical transparency – all before the age of 26? Meet Saif Khawaja, the founder and CEO of Seremoni, a startup that’s reinventing the seafood industry from the ground up. Launched in 2024, Seremoni is a vertically integrated compan…

1
Is There A Future For Plant-Based Meat? And, The Brilliance Of Boston’s Bina. 1:03:23

14d ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Is the plant-based meat boom going bust? Despite early excitement and big investments, some brands are in the midst of turbulent times and an uncertain future. The hosts weigh in. Plus, Babak Bina, co-founder of BCB3 Hospitality Group, shares how a deep commitment to guest experience and a love for cultural cuisine helped him develop some of the ci…

1
Make Drinking Culture Great Again? A Cocktail Icon Has Ideas. 34:49

17d ago34:49

34:49

Tony 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 Mixologi…

1
Own & Infer – Behind The Scenes Of A ‘Perfect’ Brand Refresh 35:57

21d ago35:57

35:57

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 …

1
Elevator Talk: Joon, Scobucha, Hey!Hunger, Jozo, Fable Fish Co. 1:04:08

22d ago1:04:08

1:04:08

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 …

1
It’s Kind Of Wild, But Katie Lee Biegel Is Changing The Way We Drink 18:34

24d ago18:34

18:34

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 …

1
It’s Better For… Who? Plus, How To ‘Rethink’ Food Insecurity. 56:29

28d ago56:29

56:29

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 mis…

1
A Kroger ‘King’ Maker Reveals The Keys To Getting On Shelf – And Staying There 32:04

1M ago32:04

32:04

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 passiona…

1
Scaling Your Tribe. The Komos Way. 1:05:42

1M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

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 gro…

1
Elevator Talk: Corpse Reviver, MAA • TE, The NA Beverage Company, Big D Energy Drink 51:52

1M ago51:52

51:52

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, questi…

1
Vision & Virality — How Sauz Became One Of The Hottest Brands In CPG 46:52

1M ago46:52

46:52

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 jarre…

1
Funding Favors the Few. Chefs Favor the Simple. 54:30

1M ago54:30

54:30

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 …

1
60 Startups. $7 Million. How Ignite20 Is Funding The Future Of CPG. 26:50

2M ago26:50

26:50

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 yea…

1
The M&A Train Keeps Rolling. And, How 'Jovi's Hampton Water Got Hot. 50:28

2M ago50:28

50:28

Is 2025 the year of the acquisition? The hosts highlight two more headline-grabbing deals announced over the past week: Hershey’s $750M purchase of BFY snack maker LesserEvil and the sale of watermelon water brand Mela to King Juice. We also speak with Jesse Bongiovi, who alongside rockstar father Jon Bon Jovi, co-founded Hampton Water Wine, a rosé…

1
Elevator Talk: E3 Energy Cubes, The Flavorsmith, Terranean, Sphere Snacks, Masala Gossip 1:04:54

2M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

The latest episode of Elevator Talk features leaders from E3 Energy Cubes, The Flavorsmith, Terranean, Sphere Snacks and Masala Gossip. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Elisa Croft, the co-founder of First Friday CPG, who shared her thoughts, questions and …

1
The ‘Real’ Story Behind Spindrift’s Stunning Success 47:34

2M ago47:34

47:34

Even after 15 years and a majority sale – reportedly valued at over $650 million – of the company he founded, Bill Creelman remains convinced that Spindrift is just at the beginning of a “real” revolution. Since launching Spindrift in 2010, Bill has built the brand into a powerhouse, generating nearly $300 million in annual retail sales, according …

1
How Datefix Landed A Dream Deal With Walmart... And What Comes Next 49:22

2M ago49:22

49:22

When Walmart calls, you answer. When the retail giant offers you shelf space in 2,700 of its stores, you say “yes.” But turning that opportunity into success? That’s where the real challenge begins. Alan Scholnick, the founder of Datefix, a date-based nutrition snack brand, talks about how its two-year development from nascent idea to Walmart shelv…

1
Startup To $800M Sale. How A Three-Word Mantra Guided Kevin McCray. 28:21

2M ago28:21

28:21

When Kevin McCray sold his namesake brand, Kevin’s Natural Foods, to Mars, Inc. for a staggering $800 million, it wasn’t just a milestone – it was the culmination of a business philosophy built on three simple words: humble and hungry. Now, with the launch of Wild Fox Foods, those same principles form the core of his new, better-for-you snack consu…

1
A Surprising Salvo On Artificial Colors. Plus, Ben Stiller... Pop? 38:44

2M ago38:44

38:44

Is West Virginia’s groundbreaking move to ban artificial dyes in food the pebble that causes an avalanche? And, is Ben Stiller really leaping into an already crowded pool for BFY soda? Lots to discuss. We also sit down with Dan Grim, the CEO of functional drink manufacturer Lucky To Be Beverage Co. Show notes: 0:45: D2, Not 3. Sign Up, Meet Up. Pit…

1
Elevator Talk: Herb & Orchid, Drop Needle Drinks, Fast Pickle, Edenesque, Nutrisurg 1:00:54

2M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

The latest installment of Elevator Talk features leaders from Herb & Orchid, Drop Needle Drinks, Fast Pickle, Edenesque, Nutrisurg. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Rebecca Bernard, the founder of Empire City Brand Builders, who shared her thoughts, questio…

1
Why A Financial Windfall Won’t Fulfill Caulipower’s Gail Becker… or Anyone Else 40:33

2M ago40:33

40:33

Gail Becker has a bold message for CPG entrepreneurs: if your brand isn’t built to truly improve the lives of your consumers, “you should stay the hell out.” As the founder of the trailblazing frozen food brand Caulipower, Gail has changed the way that millions of Americans think about comfort food. Caulipower offers gluten-free, better-for-you ver…

1
What Fueled Poppi’s $1.65B Payday? Plus, Musings From Miami. 1:08:52

2M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

Poppi just popped – big time. But was PepsiCo’s $1.65 billion acquisition driven by TikTok virality, perfect timing, or industry heavyweights like Rohan Oza? (Sorry, prebiotics, this one's not about you.) And now that the first major deal has landed, is the BFY soda space about to see a gold rush – or a bubble burst? The hosts break it all down. Pl…

1
Wild By Nature, Strategic By Design. It’s Why Wildwonder Is Surging. 35:18

2M ago35:18

35:18

Wild is woven into the fabric of her brand’s identity. But Rosa Li’s methodical, strategic approach to building a successful and respected CPG company stands in contrast to the untamed energy her products represent. Rosa is the founder and CEO of Wildwonder, a sparkling beverage brand that is infused with prebiotics and probiotics. Launched in 2020…

1
Elevator Talk: Big Mama’s, Cob, Tierra Negra, La Gringuita, Muria 1:03:30

2M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

Elevator Talk, BevNET's bi-monthly video series that highlights early-stage and disruptive food and beverage brands, is now part of Taste Radio! Beginning today, you can listen to the audio from every new episode via the Taste Radio feed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all of your favorite listening platforms. This edition of Elevator Talk features …

1
Introducing... Nombase! 11:42

2M ago11:42

11:42

We're launching something BIG at BevNET, NOSH, and Brewbound, and you're invited to be the first to see it! Introducing Nombase — a new digital community and directory built for the CPG world. Nombase connects CPG professionals with trusted industry partners, AI-powered insights, timely conversations, company announcements, and job opportunities — …

1
Did Expo West Actually Deliver? It Depends On Who You Ask. 31:04

3M ago31:04

31:04

We're not exactly at odds, but there's definitely some healthy debate among the hosts around how to assess Expo West 2025. And it turns out, we're not alone. The biggest question on everyone's mind: how do we truly evaluate innovation, and what does it mean for the future of the food and beverage industry in the near term? Show notes: 0:25: Burner …

1
Finding Whitespace – And A $600 Million Brand – In The ‘Wilderness’ 31:29

3M ago31:29

31:29

Dr. Pat Heist may not be the first rock musician to successfully launch and sell a spirit brand (shoutout to Sammy Hagar), but he could very well be the first to do so with a Ph.D. in plant pathology. Known as "Dr. Pat" to many, he is the co-founder of Wilderness Trail, a craft whiskey distillery based in Danville, Kentucky, renowned for blending m…

1
Evolution, In. Revolution, Out. Expo West 2025 In Review. 37:58

3M ago37:58

37:58

Expo West 2025… OK, it wasn’t a classic. It would be hard to characterize anything we saw as "groundbreaking." Perhaps, however, incremental improvements, global flavors and innovative collaborations are enough to keep the train rolling. For now, anyway. We also sit down with Carolyn Hamlet, the visionary founder and CEO of OKU, a trailblazing bran…

1
He’s Leading A ‘Green’ Revolution… And Slurping His Way To Victory 20:20

3M ago20:20

20:20

Twenty-five years ago, Mac Villarreal was navigating the high seas at the Olympic Games in Sydney. If all goes as planned, he'll soon be charting a new course, sailing into the sunset as a highly successful entrepreneur. Mac is the founder and CEO of I Eat My Greens, a refrigerated brand of chef-crafted, plant-based soups made from fresh, locally s…

1
Unpacking The Aura, Hiyo & Alani Deals. Plus, We Get ‘Fair’ & ‘Passionate’. 55:31

3M ago55:31

55:31

Aura Bora is acquired. Hiyo adds $19 million and a strategic partner. And Celsius drops $1.8 billion on Alani Nu. Oh, and Spindrift is back in the soda biz. Yeah, it’s been a busy week, and the hosts have lots to say. We also sit down with Alex Duong, the founder & CEO of Fair & Square and Lena Zhuravsky, the founder of passionfruit centric-beverag…

1
The Rockstar Entrepreneur. How Sammy Hagar Is Building His Next $100M Brand. 32:43

3M ago32:43

32:43

Sammy Hagar’s passion for tequila runs deep, but his commitment to earning and preserving the trust of his fans runs even deeper. Santo Spirits is where those two worlds meet. The iconic rock star, best known for his time as the frontman of Van Halen, made his mark on stage. But it’s in the world of consumer packaged goods where he truly built his …

1
How Yaza Went National at Whole Foods Just Weeks After Its Launch 54:02

3M ago54:02

54:02

How 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 T…

1
Black Founders Club, Ep. 2 - Navigating Identity, Opportunity & Legacy 42:46

3M ago42:46

42:46

In a candid and insightful conversation, Equitea founder and CEO Quentin Vennie and Greg Lowe II, the founder and CEO of coconut water brand 100 Coconuts, dive into the complexities of embracing their Black identity while navigating the business world. As part of the conversation, they discuss the dual reality of finding support and facing systemic…

1
How Emily Griffith Transformed An Overlooked Superfood Into A Beloved Brand 27:17

3M ago27:17

27:17

It’s the ultimate question every CPG founder must tackle: How do I make consumers truly care about my brand? The challenge grows even more complex when your brand is built around an ingredient that’s often misunderstood and overlooked. Emily Griffith, founder and CEO of Lil Bucks, a modern snack brand that champions buckwheat as its hero ingredient…

1
‘Death’ vs. Poppi. How Plink’s Patience Is Paying Off. 32:44

3M ago32:44

32:44

As you may have heard, some people are upset with Poppi. While the soda brand’s Super Bowl ad caused a bit of consternation, we have a different take on it… and that of Liquid Death’s controversial TV spot. This episode also features an interview with Luke Montgomery-Smith, the co-founder of Plink, a brand of flavored, electrolyte-infused tablets d…

1
‘Cream Will Rise To The Top.’ How Emily Heintz Is Raising The Bar With Sèchey. 39:21

4M ago39:21

39:21

Like the effervescent bubbles in her sparkling wine, Emily Heintz believes that true quality always rises to the top. Emily is the visionary behind Sèchey, a dynamic platform that includes a luxury dealcoholized wine brand, a dry bottle shop in South Carolina, and a thriving DTC business offering a wide range of alcohol analogs. Sèchey also curated…

1
Don’t Go To Expo West.* Why Are ‘Leisure’ Drinks Growing? 40:55

4M ago40:55

40:55

Someone has to say it: Expo West isn’t for everyone. One host makes a case on why some folks should skip the Super Bowl of CPG… while three others try to prove them wrong. We also sit down with Trevor Burns of Leisure Hydration, an emerging brand of electrolyte drinks making waves in Southern California. Show notes: 0:25: A Better Name. Han Jones &…

1
Intentional Growth. An ‘Accidental’ Exit. How Nona Lim Found Its Buyer. 32:00

4M ago32:00

32:00

Nona Lim describes the sale of her eponymous brand as “accidental.” The way in which she positioned the company for success and an eventual exit, however, was anything but. Founded in 2014, Nona Lim Foods made a name for itself as a brand of better-for-you, easy-to-prepare Asian meals, including fresh noodles, broths and stir fry kits. Nona, who fi…

1
Strategize Around Real, Familiar & Unique… Registers Will Ring 53:48

4M ago53:48

53:48

These days, keeping it simple is one way to be different. At a time when brands are packing their products with processed ingredients and novel sweeteners, some companies are taking a stripped down approach… and getting noticed. This episode, which features an interview with Stephanie McGregor, a veteran food and beverage executive and founder of p…

1
How This CEO Is Restoring An Iconic NYC Brand To Its Former Glory 26:31

4M ago26:31

26:31

H&H Bagels is a New York City institution. Jay Rushin wants to make it an American staple. Founded in 1972, H&H had long been admired as the place to get a quintessential New York City bagel. For decades, locals and tourists would line up at H&H’s storefronts to get their hands on the fresh, chewy bagels immortalized on popular television shows “Se…

1
How Upstarts Shined At A Final-ish ‘Fancy’ 36:00

4M ago36:00

36:00

Before the sun set on a final Winter Fancy Food Show, the event cast a light on a swath of emerging, innovative and better-for-you brands. The hosts highlight a few of their favorite products exhibited at the show, and how package design, ingredients, form factor and taste helped them to stand out. Show notes: 0:25: A First! Shifting Cities. Miami …

1
To Live Her Dream, She First Needed To Create ‘Absolute Trust’ In Her Brand 31:35

4M ago31:35

31:35

When Amanda Thomson launched Noughty Wines, a pioneering brand of dealcoholized wines, in 2019, she was, in essence, flying blind. There was no non–alcoholic wine category to speak of, little in the way of market research and certainly no blueprint on how to build the type of company that she envisioned. But Amanda, a former BBC journalist and broa…

1
$1.5 Billion For BFY Brands. Why They’re Worth It. Plus, ‘Mission’ In A Bottle. 53:56

4M ago53:56

53:56

What lessons can we extract from the acquisition of Simple Mills and majority sale of Spindrift, valued at nearly $1.5 billion combined? The hosts talk about what these better-for-you brands did right and what made them attractive to strategic companies and investors. We also sit down with Marcin Malyszko and Amit Singh, the co-founders of Mission …

1
The Human Connection Is A Lost Art. But Monte’s Has Mastered It. 26:15

5M ago26:15

26:15

One of PJ Monte’s early sales pitches startled a woman so much that she clutched her purse. A few weeks later, PJ’s tomato sauce was on the shelves of her husband’s influential grocery store. It’s one of dozens of stories that PJ, a streetwise, fedora-wearing entrepreneur, has about the development of Monte’s Fine Foods, makers of premium, clean la…

1
Is A Warning On Booze Misguided? Plus, The ‘Fatale’ Journey Of An NA Brand. 1:00:54

5M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

Is booze so bad that it should come with a warning label? The U.S. Surgeon General thinks so and has advised Congress to act. What, if any, impact would potential legislation have? The hosts discuss. This episode also features an interview with Julie Cielo, the founder of pioneering non-alcoholic cocktail brand Ferm Fatale, who talks about the succ…

1
Bo Knows… Beverages? Of Course He Does. 11:48

5M ago11:48

11:48

Bo Jackson, the multi-hyphenate sports icon and one of a handful of athletes to play both professional football and baseball, is tackling perhaps his biggest challenge yet – the beverage industry. Bo is the creator of Bo3.0, a brand of zero-sugar hydration powders formulated with ingredients that are designed to support joint, heart and immunity he…

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