Taste Radio: How Can Premiumization Define a Rich Career?
Taste Radio: How Can Premiumization Define a Rich Career and When to Say No?
This week’s episode of Taste Radio features an in-depth interview with veteran CPG executive Joth Ricci. Over a 17-year career, Ricci has held roles with a variety of food and beverage companies and related businesses. Previously Ricci was president of Stumptown Coffee Roasters when the company was acquired by Peet’s Coffee and Tea as well as managing director at investment and advisory firm First Beverage Group.
BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero recently traveled to craft food and beverage hub Portland, Oregon to meet with Ricci, who is currently the president of Adelsheim Vineyard. As part of their wide ranging conversation, Ricci discussed when entrepreneurs need to say “no,” his path from coffee beans to wine grapes, and how premiumization has impacted certain categories. Ricci also discussed his views on the reasons Portland has emerged as an incubation hub for innovative food and beverage trends.
Also included in this week’s episode: Brewbound editor Chris Furnari and assistant editor Justin Kendall joined us to discuss recent M&A deals in craft beer, an industry that like natural food, has seen and uptick in investments and acquisitions.
Show notes:
1:08: Intro: We’re at Whole Foods. We’re at Whole Foods. Wait, Is There an Echo In Here? — Monday marked a new day for Whole Foods. The natural retail giant, whose acquisition by Amazon was approved by shareholders and federal regulators last Thursday, touted lower prices for many of its “best-selling staples” including organic bananas, salmon, organic eggs, almond butter, and grass fed beef. Amazon’s influence was promoted on product signage and sales displays for its Echo hands-free smart speaker. The hosts discuss their take on the updates.
6:53: Interview: Joth Ricci, President, Adelsheim Vineyard — BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero recently traveled to Portland, Oregon. and met with Joth Ricci, a veteran CPG executive.
41:39: Segment: A discussion with Brewbound editor Chris Furnari and assistant editor Justin Kendall join on recent M&A deals in craft beer.
1:00:59: Elevator Talk: Deborah Aiza, Founder, Sweet’Tauk Lemonade — Sweet’tauk is a brand of organic, cold-pressed lemonade based in Montauk, N.Y.
Brands in this episode: Adelsheim Vineyard, Stumptown Coffee, Jones Soda, Starbucks, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Dry Sparkling, Ninkasi Brewing, Funky Buddha, Magnolia Brewing, Anchor Brewing, Hiball, Alta Palla, Sweet’Tauk Lemonade.
For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions contact podcast@bevnet.com.
