Best ChefsBest Podcasts (2024)

1
Finding your niche within the food & beverage CPG industry with Kamaal Jarrett of Hillside Harvest 34:08

1+ y ago34:08

34:08

For new and emerging brands in the food & beverage CPG industry, finding success means setting yourself apart and filling a hole in the market. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Founder of Hillside Harvest, Kamaal Jarrett, about their line of Caribbean-inspired hot sauces. In this episode, we discussed why it is important for emergin…

1
Curating the world's first eCommerce platform for health & sustainability-conscious shoppers with James Ren of Thrive Market 33:44

1+ y ago33:44

33:44

As the world's first eCommerce platform for health & sustainability-conscious shoppers, Thrive Market has helped make healthier and more sustainable food & beverage, and grocery items accessible across the country. This week on Beyond the Shelf we spoke with the Director of Merchandising of Thrive Market, James Ren. On this episode, James shared wi…

1
Innovations in plant-based meat alternatives with Aakash Shah & Damian Felchlin of High Time Foods 35:41

1+ y ago35:41

35:41

Plant-based meat alternatives have been one of the fastest-growing trends in food & beverage for the past several years. However, with plenty of brands in the market, standing out takes careful planning and innovative products. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with Aakash Shah (CEO & Co-Founder) and Damian Felchlin (COO & Co-Founder) of High…

1
Harnessing the power of the lupini bean with Isabelle Steichen & Allie Dempster of Lupii 42:21

1+ y ago42:21

42:21

This week on Beyond the Shelf we spoke with Isabelle Steichen (Co-Founder & CEO) and Allie Dempster (Co-Founder & CMO) of Lupii. In this episode, Isabelle & Allie shared some insights into how they are utilizing the mighty lupini bean to create a line of protein- and fiber-rich plant-based products. We discussed some of the barriers that come along…

1
Using tech and coffee to foster community with Michael Sharon & Kal Freese of Taika 50:35

1+ y ago50:35

50:35

Although coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, there's a lot that most consumers don't know about the powerful bean. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with Michael Sharon & Kal Freese, the Co-Founders of Taika - makers of a line of coffee and caffeinated beverages designed to address some of the common concerns about tradi…

1
Creating unique and scalable beverage products with Tom Gibson & Scott Weddle of Flavorman 47:09

1+ y ago47:09

47:09

Once dominated by a handful of national brands, the beverage category has grown exponentially in the past few years. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Director, Flavor Architect and COO of Flavorman, Tom Gibson and Scott Weddle. Flavorman helps beverage brands formulate and develop products, ranging from energy drinks, seltzers, RTD …

1
Using functional ingredients to promote brain health with Jonathan Wolfson of Brainiac Foods 32:12

2y ago32:12

32:12

Functional ingredients are not new to the food & beverage world - but over the past few years, an influx of consumers are showing a growing interest in food & beverage products that don't just taste great but also serves a functional purpose. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Brainiac Foods, Jonathan Wolfson. F…

1
Why taste is key in better-for-you food & beverage products with Kristi & David Vartanian of TiDBiTS Candy 33:21

2y ago33:21

33:21

Better-for-you variations of traditionally indulgent food & beverage products have the unique challenge of overcoming shoppers' misconceptions about the quality n and taste of "healthy" products. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the founders of TiDBiTS Candy, Kristi and David Vartanian. On this episode, David and Kristi gave us some ins…

1
How to balance education and entertainment in social marketing with Vasa Martinez of Perfy & growthbuster 34:50

2y ago34:50

34:50

Most modern food & beverage brands utilize organic social marketing to some extent, but how many are actually getting the most out of their efforts? This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with Vasa Martinez of Perfy, growthbuster, and Outer Aisle. In this episode, Vasa gave us some background into his extensive history in the food & beverage indus…

1
What's changed in the protein/nutritional bar category with Jennifer Maxwell of JAMBAR 21:47

2y ago21:47

21:47

Now seen as a very competitive market, the protein/nutritional bar category has gone through many ups and downs. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Founder and CEO of JAMBAR, Jennifer Maxwell. As an industry veteran, Jennifer walked us through how the protein/nutritional bar category has shifted since she first created the iconic Powe…

1
Why brand education is important with Éva Pelczer of Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal 49:37

2y ago49:37

49:37

In any new or up-and-coming categories within the food & beverage industry, a certain amount of brand education is necessary. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Director of Brand Education at Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Éva Pelczer. In this episode, Éva took the time to clarify what the difference is between mezcal and tequila, …

1
Becoming a top-selling brand on Amazon with Alex French of Bizzy Coffee 40:16

2y ago40:16

40:16

For many food & beverage brands, finding success on Amazon can be a hit or miss. This week on Beyond the Shelf we spoke with the Co-Founder and CEO of Bizzy Coffee, Alex French. Bizzy Coffee is a top-selling brand on Amazon, and they just recently launched their coffee products in brick-and-mortar grocery retailers. In this episode, Alex shared wit…

1
Standing out in the crowded beverage industry with Paul Voge of Aura Bora 36:23

2y ago36:23

36:23

The beverage industry is an incredibly crowded market. Standing out on shelves takes more than just having a great-tasting product. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Co-Founder and CEO of Aura Bora, Paul Voge. In this episode, Paul shared some of the common struggles that brands in the beverage industry face, and how their creative b…

1
Increasing supply chain predictability with data-driven solutions with Amit Noam of AgriTask 25:50

2y ago25:50

25:50

With the current state of the global supply chain, having accurate and real-time data is important for any food & beverage brand when managing their ag-operations. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Chief Operating Officer of AgriTask, Amit Noam. In this episode, we discussed how AgriTask's innovative data-driven solutions help food &…

1
Utilizing sensory testing to develop products with Shawn Kapanke of Silver Spring Foods 25:44

2y ago25:44

25:44

Sensory testing is a vital aspect of any food & beverage brand's research and development process - but how can brands utilize their employees, their most trusted asset, to help with sensory testing and product development? This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Business Development Manager at Silver Spring Foods, Shawn Kapanke. Founded i…

1
Utilizing co-branded products to expand an iconic Taiwanese brand with Young Chang of A-Sha Noodles 34:11

2y ago34:11

34:11

Co-branded products can be a valuable tool for many food & beverage brands. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Founder & CEO of A-Sha Noodles, Young Chang. Young shared with us how his previous experience in the computer sciences and tech world allowed him to think outside the box in the food & beverage industry. We also discussed wha…

1
Why private brands need to be bold with Chris Faridniya of ChefsBest 46:56

2y ago46:56

46:56

This week, on a very special episode of Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with Chris Fardiniya, ChefsBest's Chief Business Development Officer. Last month, Chris had the pleasure of attending and representing ChefsBest at the 2022 Velocity Institute Innovation Expo + Conference, one of the largest gatherings for private brands, manufacturers, agencies, an…

1
Trends in health & wellness with Sarah Marion of Murphy Research 40:30

2y ago40:30

40:30

This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Director of Syndicated Research at Murphy Research, Sarah Marion. Murphy Research's State of our Health (SOOH) series is the largest syndicated health and wellness data tracker. They have been collecting data on consumer behaviors and attitudes around health & wellness, fitness, and nutrition since 2…

1
Improving your gut health with tasty beverages with Rosa Li of wildwonder 27:16

2y ago27:16

27:16

Gut health is a huge hot topic in the food & beverage industry. Kombucha and cultured products can be found in many different grocery aisles. However, a consistent hurdle for brands in this space is taste. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Founder & CEO of wildwonder, Rosa Li. wildwonder has created a line of delicious, gut-healthy, …

1
What does "grass-fed" actually mean with Julia Joseph of Maple Hill Creamery 33:44

2+ y ago33:44

33:44

Terms such as "organic", "grass-fed", and "natural" are used a lot in food & beverage marketing and branding - but what do these terms actually mean? This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Co-Founder and Head of Creative & Branding at Maple Hill Creamery, Julia Joseph. In this episode, Julia broke down the differences between "organic" an…

1
Sustainable online grocery delivery with Bentley Hall of Good Eggs 48:28

2+ y ago48:28

48:28

The online grocery delivery market has grown exponentially since 2020. With more shoppers discovering the convenience of home grocery delivery, there's a growing interest for online grocers who provide sustainably sourced and local food & beverage products. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the CEO of Good Eggs, Bentley Hall. Good Eggs i…

1
Creating a fan favorite ice cream brand with Ben Van Leeuwen of Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream 32:28

2+ y ago32:28

32:28

In the past few years, artisan ice cream brands have leveraged their unique and innovative flavor profiles and high-quality products to become a massively growing market across the country. This week on Beyond the Shelf presented by ChefsBest, we spoke with the Founder & CEO of Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream, Ben Van Leeuwen. In this episode, Ben ga…

1
Scaling a plant-based meat brand with Max Elder of Nowadays 38:38

2+ y ago38:38

38:38

Creating a plant-based meat brand that not only fills a void in the market but also serves a larger purpose, is the goal for many modern food & beverage brand managers. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Co-Founder & CEO of Nowadays, Max Elder. In this episode, Max shared with us how his background and experience in the Humanities hel…

1
Building a socially conscious brand with Rod Johnson of BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages 33:50

2+ y ago33:50

33:50

There is a growing appetite for socially conscious brands. Shoppers want great products that support their communities and initiatives that they care about. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Co-Founder of the socially conscious brand BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages, Rod Johnson. In this episode, Rod shared with us how he and his frien…

1
How local vertical farming can change the way we think about food with Eddy Badrina of Eden Green Technology 41:01

2+ y ago41:01

41:01

Accessing fresh produce is a constant struggle for many Americans. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the CEO of Eden Green Technology, Eddy Badrina. In this episode, we discussed their greenhouse systems and vertical farming technology that are helping to bring nutritious, fresh, and safe food to communities across the country. Eddy shar…

1
How tortilla chips are changing the way we think of water conservation with Josh Death of Kazoo Snacks 36:28

2+ y ago36:28

36:28

The food & beverage industry needs to talk about water conservation. Every year, massive amounts of water are used in the agriculture industry. Typically, this water is viewed as a byproduct of traditional food manufacturing methods, but a few brands are helping to change the way we view water conservation. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke w…

1
Innovation in the plant-based meat industry with Jody & Todd Boyman of Hungry Planet 32:01

2+ y ago32:01

32:01

The plant-based meat industry has grown exponentially within the past few years. With a few brands entering the foodservice space and releasing innovative new products - there's no doubting that the market will continue to grow. This week on Beyond the Shelf we spoke to the Co-Founders of Hungry Planet, Jody & Todd Boyman. In this episode, we discu…

1
Crisis Management with Jeff Hahn of TexHahn Media 34:19

2+ y ago34:19

34:19

Is your brand ready to handle a crisis? It's a bridge that we never want to cross, but a crisis management plan is an extremely valuable tool that all brands should have. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Owner & Principal of TexHahn Media, Jeff Hahn. Jeff provided us with some valuable insights into what food & beverage companies sh…

1
What we should know about sustainability in the food industry with Kathryn Bernell of reHarvest Provisions 35:39

2+ y ago35:39

35:39

As we enter 2022, sustainability in the food industry is a huge hot topic. This week on Beyond the Shelf we spoke with Kathryn Bernell, the CEO & Founder of reHarvest Provisions. Kathryn shared her journey to create a line of smoothie pops made from whole fruits and veggies that would otherwise be considered "waste". She gave us some valuable insig…

1
How to create a gut-friendly product with Alex Corsini of Alex's Awesome Sourdough 31:13

2+ y ago31:13

31:13

Gut-friendly products have been on the rise for the past few years. With shoppers increasingly interested in improving their wellness through food, many have turned their attention to their gut health. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Founder of Alex's Awesome Sourdough, Alex Corsini. In this episode, Alex gave us a rundown of how t…

1
What's next for the private label industry with Christopher Durham of Retail Brands Institute 28:31

2+ y ago28:31

28:31

The growing popularity and success of the private label industry are changing the way that shoppers view grocery stores. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the President of the Retail Brands Institute, Christopher Durham, who gave us some invaluable insights into the world of private brands/private labels/store brands. In our interview, h…

1
The power of experiential marketing with Daniel Yaffe of AnyRoad 42:11

2+ y ago42:11

42:11

Curating unique customer experiences is a vital marketing tactic for most modern brands. Virtual and in-person events help brands create stronger and lasting relationships with customers. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with Daniel Yaffe, the Co-Founder and COO of AnyRoad. In our interview, Daniel shares how experiential marketing is changi…

1
Why it's important for small businesses to say "no" with Meghan Lynch of Six-Point Creative 36:04

3y ago36:04

36:04

Maneuvering through the food & beverage industry as a small family business is extremely tricky. It takes practice and sometimes failure to really find your space and your market. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Founder & CEO of Six-Point Creative, Meghan Lynch. In this episode, Meghan shares some valuable insights into what they b…

1
Exploring the versatility and complexity of bitters with Genevieve Brazelton of The Bitter Housewife 38:49

3y ago38:49

38:49

Despite being considered a bar staple, bitters are often a very misunderstood product. What exactly are they? And how has the market for them changed over the past ten years? This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Co-Founder and CMO of The Bitter Housewife, Genevieve Brazelton. In this episode, Genevieve gave us some much-needed insights …

1
What has caused the recent cocktail boom with André Darlington 38:07

3y ago38:07

38:07

The recent cocktail boom has marked a significant shift in the beer, wine, and spirits industry. Focused on complex flavor profiles and international-inspired ingredients, this recent resurgence has been a long time in the making. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with author, journalist, and cocktail connoisseur, André Darlington. His latest…

1
The importance of accurate nutritional labels with Sonia Couto of MenuSano 31:09

3y ago31:09

31:09

Nutritional labels are not only an extremely important resource/tool for consumers but also for food manufacturers. With a growing demand for more transparency in the food & beverage industry, having access to thorough nutrition analysis can help companies better inform their customers. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with Sonia Couto, the …

1
Innovation in the Protein Bar Category with Mark & Chris of Buddha Brands 45:35

3y ago45:35

45:35

The protein bar category has always been a challenge for brands to enter. Between finding space on overcrowded shelves, and the challenge of keeping up with consumer interests - the protein bar category is increasingly tough to stand out in. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Founders of Buddha Brands, Mark Cigos and Christopher Magno…

1
Can better-for-you products be indulgent with Sydney Chasin of Chasin' Dreams Farms 26:57

3y ago26:57

26:57

Typically, better-for-you products are often characterized by their functional properties but often aren't seen as indulgent. Although great strides have been made in the industry to make better-for-you products that taste great, overcoming that long-standing stereotype is a battle that many brands are tackling. This week on Beyond the Shelf presen…

1
What's new in the vitamin and supplement industry with Michael Vercelletto of Church & Dwight 30:05

3y ago30:05

30:05

In this very special 100th episode of Beyond the Shelf presented by ChefsBest, we spoke with the Marketing Director of Vitamins, Minerals and, Supplements at Church & Dwight, Michael Vercelletto. In this episode, Michael shared with us how Vitafusion and L'il Critters have continued to share their core value of providing delicious vitamins for all.…

1
How a social strategy can drive business with Nicole Hamzeloo of Thrive Collective 34:10

3y ago34:10

34:10

Creating a social strategy that works for your brand takes quite a bit of trial and error. This week on Beyond the Shelf we spoke with Nicole Hamzeloo, Founder and CEO of Thrive Collective Co. In this episode, Nicole shared her best practices for emerging food & beverage brands that are looking to create a social strategy to help drive traffic to t…

1
What happens to produce that's not marketable with Ben Moore of The Ugly Company 38:07

3y ago38:07

38:07

It's no industry secret that grocery stores only sell fruits and vegetables that are aesthetically appealing to shoppers. Favoring produce with limited to no blemishes or discoloration, typically only the "best looking" produce is available for shoppers - but what happens to all the fruits and vegetables that are deemed "unmarketable?" This week on…

1
How is saffron harvested? with Mohammad Salehi of Heray Spice 26:25

3y ago26:25

26:25

Known as one of the most expensive spices in the world, there's much about saffron that Western cultures often misunderstand. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the CEO & Co-Founder of Heray Spice, Mohammad Salehi. In this episode, Mohammad shared with us how their business is bringing equity to Afghani farmers through promoting sustainab…

1
How customers can help create new flavor profiles with Brian Tate of Oats Overnight 27:44

3y ago27:44

27:44

Innovation products are often a risky move for food & beverage brands. Even with substantial market testing and research, your core customers may still not be receptive to new flavor profiles. But what if you could use your most dedicated customers to help beta-test new products? This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the Founder & CEO of Oat…

1
Why innovation is key in the hard seltzer category with Nate Medow & Zeke Bronfman of SESH 31:39

3y ago31:39

31:39

The hard seltzer category has exploded in the past two years. With dozens of national and regional brands on shelves and new products launching every month, the category has become highly competitive. However, the category seems to be lacking in variety and innovation in flavor profiles and ingredients - until now. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we…

1
Navigating Ad Claims: Episode 3 with Pamela Deese of Arent Fox 32:32

3y ago32:32

32:32

This week on Beyond the Shelf, we finish our conversation with Pamela Deese, Partner at Arent Fox in Washington DC. Last week, in episode 2, we discussed what happens when brands make claims that are not or cannot be substantiated, and how ad claim laws and regulations apply to social media advertising. This week is all about awards and certificati…

1
Navigating Ad Claims: Episode 2 with Pamela Deese of Arent Fox 37:23

3y ago37:23

37:23

This week on Beyond the Shelf, we continue our conversation with Pamela Deese, Partner at Arent Fox. In last week's episode, Pam gave us an overview of what ad claims are, who makes them, and what is needed to make them. This week, we discussed what happens when brands make claims that are not or cannot be substantiated. Pam shares how the National…

1
Navigating Ad Claims: Episode 1 with Pamela Deese of Arent Fox 26:48

3+ y ago26:48

26:48

This week on Beyond the Shelf, we are extremely excited to release the first episode of a 3-part series on Navigating Ad Claims with Pamela Deese, Partner at Arent Fox in Washington D.C. In this first episode, Pam gave us an overview of what types of claims can be made in advertising, who makes them, and what is needed to make them. She also breaks…

1
Why functional beverages are the future of the industry with Todd O'Gara of wanu water 22:34

3+ y ago22:34

22:34

This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the President and Founder of wanu water, Todd O'Gara. wanu water has created flavored, nutrient-infused functional beverages that help boost your energy and metabolism. In this episode, we discussed the history of the beverage industry including how sugary drinks gained popularity throughout the 90s and …

1
How wildfires affect the wine industry with Philippe Langner of Hesperian Wines 32:10

3+ y ago32:10

32:10

As one of the biggest wine producers in the country, every year California's wildfire season takes a huge toll on our local and national wine industry. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with Winemaker and the Owner of Hesperian Wines, Philippe Langner. In this episode, Philippe gave us some insights into how California wildfires affect the wi…

1
How to create a great tasting zero-sugar beverage with Jennifer Ross and Cristina Ros Blankfein of Swoon 27:05

3+ y ago27:05

27:05

Cracking the code of creating a zero-sugar beverage that still tastes great has been a challenge for many brands for many decades. This week on Beyond the Shelf, we spoke with the co-founders of Swoon, Jennifer Ross and Cristina Ros Blankfein. Jennifer shared her experience living with diabetes and how that led them to create a line of diabetic-fri…

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