Ray Latif
Ray Latif is the lead host, producer, and content editor of Taste Radio, BevNET’s flagship podcast and the go-to show for food and beverage industry insights. With 14 years of experience in the industry, Ray is a seasoned journalist known for his sharp interviews and in-depth coverage of trends, innovation, and news. He began his career at BevNET as an assistant editor, later advancing to managing editor of both the website and magazine. Since 2016, he’s been the driving force behind Taste Radio, overseeing everything from content strategy to production. Ray’s conversational style and meticulous research have earned him widespread praise from both guests and listeners. He has had the privilege of interviewing a diverse range of high-profile figures, including Patrick Mahomes, Jennifer Garner, Dan Aykroyd, Kobe Bryant, Padma Lakshmi, and Brad Paisley. His ability to connect with entrepreneurs, celebrities, and industry leaders has made Taste Radio a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving world of food and beverage.
Posts by Ray Latif
Taste Radio: Why Plant-Based Ham Doesn’t Need to Taste Like Ham, According to the CEO of Tofurky
Tofurky CEO Jaime Athos discussed the origins of the plant-based meat brand and how it has evolved over its nearly four decades on the market. Athos also spoke about current challenges in the plant-based meat category/market, executing and learning from a brand revamp, the reason that Tofurky has resisted acquisition offers and why he believes that plant-based ham has to taste great, but doesn’t have to taste exactly like… ham.
Fancy Food Show: How Incubators Are Supporting Next-Gen Food & Beverage Brands
Within the show’s “Incubator Village,” the Specialty Food Association showcased 11 food and beverage incubators from across the U.S., along with their portfolio brands.
Watch: Meet A ‘Fresh’ Class of Brands from Expo West
BevNET’s Ray Latif switched gears from sipping to snacking to meet some of the entrepreneurs from the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace tent at Expo West.
Taste Radio Ep. 78: Koia Co-Founder On How to Tell When You’ve Got a Winner
Episode 78 of BevNET’s Taste Radio podcast features a conversation with triple-threat Chris Hunter, who is the co-founder of plant-based protein drink brand Koia. In our interview, Hunter discussed his history of spotting innovative brands and helping them get to their next phase of growth. We also explore the newest trend in food allergies
Taste Radio Ep. 77: An Impossible Interview With Plant-Based Meat Innovator Pat Brown
In this week’s episode of Taste Radio, Pat Brown, the founder and CEO of Impossible Foods, sat down to chat about the creation of and business strategy behind Impossible Burger, as well as his vision for the future of plant-based meat.
Taste Radio Ep. 76: Bill Creelman Discusses Spindrift’s Crafty Strategy; MCT’s Moment
On this week’s episode of Taste Radio, Spindrift founder and CEO Bill Creelman discussed why the brand is pursuing a “craft” identity in an unexpected category, and how the company has taken a careful approach to retail partnerships and investment. This episode is presented by Algarithm Ingredients.
Taste Radio Ep. 75: Grandy Oats’ Founders on Why Authenticity Matters; The Evolution of Plant-Based “Meat”
Taste Radio Ep. 75 features an interview with Aaron Anker and Nat Peirce, who are the co-founders of organic granola maker Grandy Oats. We also explore the growing market for plant-based meat in the latest edition of Why is This a Thing? And we chat with Cindy Kasindorf, the co-Founder of Remedy Organics in this week’s Elevator Talk. This episode is presented by Virun.
Taste Radio Ep. 74: How Matt Thomas Built One of The Fastest Growing Kombucha Brands in the U.S.
In this week’s episode of Taste Radio, presented by Virun, Matt Thomas, the founder and CEO of Townshend’s Tea Company and Brew Dr. Kombucha, explains how the company uses formulation and flavor to differentiate itself from competitors.
Taste Radio Ep. 72: Biena Bets on Big Future for Whole Food Protein; High Brew Coffee Takes Us For a Ride
In episode 72 of Taste Radio, we feature a conversation with Poorvi Patodia, who is the founder and CEO of Biena, a fast-growing maker of roasted chickpea snacks. She discussed why Biena attempts to operate more like a tech firm than a food company, as well as her decision to launch a co-branded line of snacks with Weight Watchers.
Taste Radio Ep. 71: Intelligentsia’s Doug Zell Thinks ‘Quality Will Always Find an Audience’
In this week’s Taste Radio episode, Doug Zell talks about “chasing perfection with the hope of never catching it,” and how that concept guides the core mission of Intelligentsia, the super-premium coffee retailer and roaster he co-founded 22 years ago.