Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST Now on YouTube!📽 Subscribe and Watch Here!😁💃📢I talk🎙️with Yanick Arakelov Co-Owner of Silk Road Wines  🍷 and Keaton Maddox, Director of Communications! They stop by and discuss Silk Road WInes and Yanick's journey from being born in the country of Georgia to opening Silk Road Wines in Orlando, FL. 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏😋 🥂"Part 2" focuses on the History of the "Silk Road" and why it was important to name their winery after this important part of history. We also taste through 4 wines:Yanick and his team created all their own brands and labels. They source from family wineries that are experts in the varietals they produce.The Silk Road Wine name represents the "Silk Road" which was part of a network of trade routes that connected the world with goods including wine and many other goods.   Wines Tasted   🍷  😋  🎉 Manavi $14.99 Dry White from Kakheti Khikhvi Qvevri $25.99 Amber 6 months in qvevri from KakhetiSaperavi Reserve  $45 Dry Red from Kakheti  Alazani   $13.99  Semi-sweet red wine from Kakhetihttps://silkroadwines.com/Check out this amazing Wine Pairing Wheel that shows tasting notes of each wine and what varietal they most taste like that you know.Georgia WinemakingWinemaking tradition dating to 6000 BCE (8,000+ Years)500+ Indigenous Grape Varietals100,000 family wineries (2,400 produce commercially)Kakheti Region is responsible for 95% of Georgia's output, eastern, mountainousFerment grapes on their skins in qvevri for years resulting in amber colored wine - 60 Minutes's Segment on Georgian Winemakers  🍷 - New York Times feature on Silk Road Wines- Wine-Searcher article on modern winemaking styles in Georgia featuring Yanick- Blog on pairing Georgian wines with traditional holiday foods- Blog on Modern Georgian winemaking- Free Education Resource all about Wines of Georgia- Konstantin Baum - Master of Wine Explains Georgian Wine#wine #GeorgianWines #fnbinnovation #thirstythursdaysNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

This week is all about agave spirits from Mexico in honor of Cinco de Mayo! 📢I talk🎙️with Shad Kvetko Co-Owner of Las Almas Rotas, which in the beginning, started with mezcal enthusiasts in the friend circle.  🎇 🎉 🍸✨ 👏This conversation is about the love for agave spirits and how their amazing margarita (and cocktails because they truly are amazing)  helped put their landmark spot in the record books.  Shad has an unbelievable amount of knowledge on agave spirits made in Mexico. He's traveled there several times over several years and has this unwavering love for it. The most memorable feeling you leave after having a conversation with Shad is his love, appreciation, and loyalty to brands that have family production and the purity of a blanco tequila, the puritan of all tequilas.  He only has 2 or 3 NOM's in his inventory. Yes, it's really that important and the certified additive free is a real thing and it means so much to so many. I love that they have dug their heals into frozen margaritas because we all know it's cheap tequilas with a lot, a lot, of sugar. Well, not here my friend. It's high-quality tequila in their amazing frozen margaritas. Just so you know, I'd never ever ask for a frozen margarita, mostly because of the sugar and the unknown ingredients. Also,  we discuss current events happening in the industry as well as the history and background of every agave spirit exported to the US.Shad's knowledge blew Sam and I away and we've been in the industry our entire careers. I'd put Shad up against anyone who claims they know everything when it comes to agave spirits because if he didn't win the fight he'd be very, very close.Please check out Shad's article on Arizona and it's agave spirits history.#mezcal #LasAlmasRotas #fnbinnovationNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on 📽 YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here! 😁💃https://www.youtube.com/ @ThirstyThursdaysat3PMEST 📢I talk🎙️with Brian Rosen, Chairman of  Growth Beverage which owns 4 entities helping innovative brands accelerate through funding, incubation, and points of distribution in 6 states.  🎇 🎉 🍸✨ 👏Brian’s father was tuned into the Chicago market before prohibition and was awarded the first alcohol retail license after prohibition ended. These Rosen gentlemen learned and understood how to perfect retail and did so for decades and developed Sam’s over time. They encapsulated innovation as part of their growth strategy. They knew if a customer stayed more than 17 minutes, they would add $100 to their cart. They also knew if they could get them to have a glass of wine or two with maybe a cheese plate, they would increase their margin and customers would stay for 38 minutes.Brian, a highly educated individual, grew up running the largest, most innovative retail store in Chicago, and the biggest in the country. If you were to put Specs, Total Wine, and a wine bar together you would get a closer picture of the concept he and his brother and father built together. Yes, they were the precursor to your shopping experience as you know it today.Brian then applied these skills to his passion for helping smaller innovative brands. The business has given him so much he wants to give back the 2nd half of his career.His skilled team helps brands develop faster with capital, sales, and marketing at all the right times for optimum growth.What Brian and his team are doing fits right in my wheelhouse and I look forward to watching their continued success.1) BevStrat multimillion company and sold to MHW2) InvestBev ($300 Million AUM private equity in bev alc) (5th fund)3) Sprout Beverage - win $100k for your brand4) Algoma Capital ($100 Mill separate fund distilleries and brand owners that need credit but do not give up equity)Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe to be notified of all new episodes!NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST Now on YouTube!📽 Subscribe and Watch Here!😁💃📢I talk🎙️with Yanick Arakelov Co-Owner of Silk Road Wines and Keaton Maddox, Director of Communications! They stop by and discuss Silk Road WInes and Yanick's journey from being born in the country of Georgia to opening Silk Road Wines in Orlando, FL. 🎇 🎉 ✨ 👏😋 🥂60 Minutes's Segment on Georgian WinemakersBorn in Tbilisi the capital of Georgia, Yanick migrated to the United States and has served in our military and continues to serve today. In 2009, he joined the  82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army and has continued to serve via Florida Army National Guard, US Army Reserves and currently working part-time at the Defense Logistics Agency.Yanick and his team created all their own brands and labels. They source the various varietals from family wineries that are experts in the varietals they produce.The Silk Road Wine name represents the "Silk Road" that was part of a network of trade routes that connected the world with goods including wine and many other goods.   Georgia WinemakingWinemaking tradition dating to 6000 BCE (8,000+ Years)500+ Indigenous Grape Varietals100,000 family wineries (2,400 produce commercially)Kakheti Region is responsible for 95% of Georgia's output, eastern, mountainous Ferment grapes on their skins in qvevri for years resulting in amber colored wine- Georgian Wine Pairing Wheel- New York Times feature on Silk Road Wines- Wine-Searcher article on modern winemaking styles in Georgia featuring Yanick - Blog on pairing Georgian wines with traditional holiday foods- Blog on Modern Georgian winemaking- Free Education Resource all about Wines of Georgia- Konstantin Baum - Master of Wine Explains Georgian Wine#wine #GeorgianWines #fnbinnovation #thirstythursdaysNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here!📽  Now on YouTube!  😁💃https://youtu.be/H0VYRwUPItE📢I talk🎙️with Rick Hewitt  Founder & CEO at Unicorn Distillery! They make a vodka and a tequila with butterfly pea flowers, which when poured is a deep beautiful purple color. When mixed in cocktails with various ingredients the colors can change to purple and pink! We made three cocktails showcasing this effect, as well as, layering with ginger ale to show the layering effect of these fun spirits. 🎇 🎉 🍸✨ 👏Rick discusses his journey of creating their unique vodka and tequila brands using butterfly pea flowers. The conversation covers the discovery of the flower, FDA approval, and the decision to focus on tequila and vodka. Rick shares his background in the craft beer and tech industries and the lessons he learned. The discussion also touches on the experience trend in the beverage industry and the distribution plans for Unicorn Distilling. The conversation concludes with a transition to the tasting portion of the episode. 😋 🥂 🍻   Rick then shares his journey in the beverage industry and the challenges of building a brand. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on quality and pricing, as well as, building a minimum viable audience.  Rick Hewitt from Unicorn Distilling discusses the journey of creating their unique vodka and tequila brands using butterfly pea flower. The conversation covers the discovery of the flower, FDA approval, and the decision to focus on tequila and vodka. Rick shares his background in the craft beer and tech industries and the lessons he learned. The discussion also touches on the experience trend in the beverage industry and the distribution plans for Unicorn Distilling. The conversation concludes with a transition to the tasting portion of the episode. Rick discusses the trends in the industry, such as the rise of RTDs and low/no alcohol options. He also highlights the value of mentors and resources in the industry. Outside of work, Rick enjoys hockey and boating. He shares his outlook for 2024, including plans to expand into new markets and attend industry events. Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe to be notified of all new episodes! Unicorn Distillery started the year with an article in Forbes :https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeanettehurt/2024/02/23/unicorn-distillery-delightfully-disrupts-the-vodka-tequila-categories/?sh=6e744fdb4530Ending with a press release about our WSWA Gold Medal, San Diego & Scottsdale launches, and fleetwide expansion with Princess Cruises :https://finance.yahoo.com/news/unicorn-distillery-sets-sail-partnerships-133800824.html?guccounter=1NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here!Kelley Jones 📽  Now on YouTube!  😁💃https://youtu.be/H0VYRwUPItE📢I talk🎙️with  Kelley Jones Principal of Kelley Jones Hospitality, which focuses on F&B operations for on-premise venues, and President and CEO of Hospitality Alliance, a hospitality management, development, and consulting firm for the on-premise world from start to finish. 🎇 🎉 🍸✨ 👏He started out at Pussers Rum 😋 and helped grow and open several locations which was the precursor to his career in the restaurant business. He had just opened his 106th restaurant at our recording in September 2023! He then jumped over to China Grill Management for nearly 5 years as Director of Development and Operations. He has many experiences in the on-premise world, including being President of Light Group, where he dipped his toe into nightlife establishments.🥂 🍻  Kelley is so engrained in the business and operations side that if I were to open a new concept, he’d be my first phone call. He’s buttoned up on every level from conception, to funding, and understanding the brick and motor development to operations. When it comes to cocktails on their menu, he lets the bartender create one for each spirit, but they must be made within 30 seconds. Wow! 😲For those of you looking for advice on restaurant 🍽 management, you don’t want to miss this episode!Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe to be notified of all new episodes!NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here!📢I talk🎙️with  Laura Becraft and Lauren Ward 🎇 Co-Founders of Brazen Imports & Consulting! 🎉 🍸✨ 👏 I feel honored they chose the Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST podcast to talk about their new venture for the first time from a media-based perspective. We are a bit less formal with the opening so we are discussing what we are drinking as Laura has a delicious bloody mary made with  The Original Pickle 🥒 Shot and then we just flow right into the conversation. I would love your feedback on your thoughts. Laura and Lauren have a client called John King Co-Founder & Owner of The Original Pickle 🥒 Shot. They refer to him throughout the episode so I wanted to make sure you are familiar with whom they are referencing. I interviewed John on November 9th, 2023. Or catch it on YouTube!  📽 🎉 Also super exciting is their announcement of their Brazen Trails Foundation on the Thirsty Thursdays podcast just in time for Women's International Day on March 8th! Check out their website for additional details! You could be selected to be the next candidate for their foundation. https://www.brazenimports.com/trails We talk about how they started their new venture and why they named it Brazen Imports & Consulting, as well as, many industry insights. They both have such a well-rounded experience and advise others to try as many different positions in our industry to maximize your potential and be ready for whichever may come your way!These ladies have experience in every corner of our business and have so much to offer their clients. I'm very excited for these talented ladies and wish them both continued success.  Be sure to catch our Live Happy Hour celebrating women in our industry around the world on March 21st! Join our event posted on LinkedIn! You can call in and speak with us and celebrate  🍻 together with your favorite cocktail!  🥂 🍻 You also need to check out the way we ended the podcast. I've been wanting a fun catchy way to finish the episode and Laura suggested Rapid Fire Questions,❓so we did with great success. Please do not miss out on this part! It's super fun.#womenownedbusiness #beverageindustry #killingit #fnbinnovationNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here! 📢I talk🎙️with Simon Ford 🎇 CoFounder of Ford's Gin   😋🍸✨ 👏Happy 12th Birthday today, February, 29th, 2024!! Ford's Gin and I both turn 12! :)Simon shares the story of how the gin was created, from the initial idea on a napkin to the final recipe. The journey took two and a half years of product development, testing different botanicals and refining the flavors. 😋🎉 The gin is a London  Dry Gin 🍸that is designed to work well in mixed drinks and cocktails. The recipe includes nine botanicals, with juniper as the backbone and other ingredients like coriander, angelica, cassia, grapefruit, lemon,🍋 orange, 🍊jasmine flower, and oris. 😋 😀 😁🎇👏 🌿The goal was to create a gin that could be a versatile and reliable choice for bartenders and consumers alike. In this part of the conversation, Simon discusses the process of creating the perfect gin recipe and the importance of taste and flavor. He also shares his favorite cocktails to make with ginger gin and the impact of adding water to gin. Simon talks about the complexity of gin flavors and the rise of gin in the UK.🎇👏 Simon shares his journey from working in wine shops to discovering cocktail culture and transitioning to a marketing role in the spirits industry. He highlights the importance of mentors and inspirations in his career and the impact they have had on his professional growth. Simon also discusses the pain points in the industry, such as the lack of support for hospitality workers, and the positive outlook for the future, including the evolution of hospitality and the increasing open-mindedness in the industry. He shares his passion for travel and experiencing different cultures, as well as his love for live music and living in Nashville, TN.Brown Forman 🥃  Acquired Ford's Gin in June 2019 through their purchase of The 86 Company.NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

📢  Now Available on YouTube! 📽 Please see Jonathan Neff's recording 🎙 Podcast. If you haven't had a chance to listen yet, do it now! NanoTech turned gluten-free brewer! 📽 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ThirstyThursdays3PMEST 📻 Audio or any podcast app or platform. https://thirstythursdaysat3pmest.buzzsprout.com/2105344/13747355-jonathan-neff-co-founder-managing-owner-of-neff-brewing-tulsa-okPreviously Posted on November 2nd, 2023📢  I’m speaking with Jonathan Neff Co-Founder, Managing Owner, and Master Brewer of NEFF Brewing located in Tulsa, OK. Jonathan is a NANO – Technologist and research scientist turned Fermentation expert,  due to his diagnosis of Celiac Disease*. If you have heard of it or know anyone with it, it’s an excruciating way of life if undiagnosed. But given that was back in 2012, not too many gluten-free brews existed then so he turned to home brewing.  Jonathan has a big brain for science at a micro level but his calling was brewing beer from the start. His first beer brewing contest wins were from regular beer he couldn’t even taste. How nano times a billion awesome is that?In 2017, Jonathan founded Oklahoma’s first and only dedicated gluten-free brewery and pub and they opened a year later. I was in Tulsa last Fall for a few weeks and enjoyed every bit of eating fried chicken sandwiches and fried pickles with delicious pain-free beers.  I do not have Celiac disease but I cannot eat gluten.Jonathan is a very impressive and brilliant guy and I’m excited about his future expansion, selfishly because he may be making his way to Dallas soon. Yes, his beers are gluten-free but were brewed for the craft beer enthusiast as each bear is “Brewed for Everyone.”Tune in next Thursday and have a great week!NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Hello 📢  Thirsty Thursdays Community!🎙Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST with Co-Hosts Jessie Ott & Samuel Anderson's Live Happy Hour! 😁 😍 🎇 🍻 🥂 "CBD" vs "THC" and the use of Adaptogens in the Beverage Industry! 🚀We have Guests Thomas Angel and Leigh Gall on to talk about both of their CBD & THC brands: Altitude Beverages & Happi 😋 🤗 👏 We talk about the landscape of this segment, how to navigate it, and why it's so important to the beverage industry.#CBD #THC #BeverageIndustry #innovation #fnbinnovationAltitude BeveragesInstagram      Facebook     LinkedIn      Twitter-X  HappiInstagram      Facebook     LinkedIn NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST on YouTube! Subscribe and Watch Here! 📢I talk🎙️with Jason Vego🎇👏 CEO & Co-Founder of BEVZ, an inventory & delivery 🚚 app 📝 for independent convenience store 🏪 owners!😁🍻  🥐 🍕 🌭 🍿 🌯 🍩   📽  Watch a Quick Video!My main focus at BEVZ is setting and executing the company strategy ✨and vision, 👀  building a strong culture, maintaining consistent and scalable company growth, and recruiting, retaining, and coaching a superstar ✨team. In this leadership role, I helped grow the business by 506% YoY and raise over $4M in funding. On a day-to-day basis, I oversee strategy and planning, business operations, financial planning and analysis, company budget and spend, and analytics. Within this role, I also focus heavily on all things HR and legal, including onboarding, contract development, compensation and benefits, and employee career development. I also own all fundraising efforts and investor relations, including pitch decks, one-pagers, and presentations. I'm also on the road (virtually and in-person) talking with and pitching current and future potential investors.  💲 Jason Vegohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jvego/"I'm an entrepreneur and startup expert focused on building strong teams, fixing the toughest problems I can find, and growing early-stage companies. I specialize in startup operations and finance, growth marketing, team management, and culture building. I've spent time in big tech, nonprofits, and startups...but I really love startups."✨ Investor Pitch: https://www.thepitch.show/120-bevz-a-tech-bro-walks-into-a-corner-store/😁 😍 🎇 🍺🍻 🥂 🤗 👏🧡🍷🚀PR Newswire articles Funding   Great StartNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Intro to Max and Annoucing this is the First FOOD INNOVATION PODCAST!!!I'm super excited to announce this is the first segment for Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST's FOOD INNOVATION! Very exciting so if you are or you know anyone that would be a great fit please be sure and let me know. Check out Max's Spices Perfect for Your Super Bowl Feast! Watch Max's Podcast on YouTube!Catch Max, his mom Pam and I cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs!Find Max on InstagramNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Thirsty Thursdays @3PM ESTSubscribe On YouTube! See our Updated KC Chiefs Cheer! Food Innovation Segment Announcement and Intro to Max Help Max, founder and entrepreneur, who happens to have Down syndrome, live an independent life by buying Max's three various spice mixes at www.themaxmix.com !!!From The Max Mix Team"Creating spice rubs as gifts for family and friends turned into a mission to live an independent life. Max is a young man with big passions and dreams who happens to have Down syndrome. In addition to wanting a fun and meaningful job he loves sports, music and earned a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do."Master Chef Max's Dirty Dip Recipehttps://themaxmix.com/blogs/news/maxs-dirty-dip-recipeMax's podcast is my first "Food Innovation" released during a "Special Segment" as part of the Thirsty Thursdays @ 3PM EST Podcast!  And will be released on February 1, 2024,!Shop now! and Follow Max on Instagram#TheMaxMix #Inspiration #DownSyndrome #triumph #founder #entrepreneur #independentliving #fnbinnovation**********************************************************************************************#ThirstyThursdays #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurlife #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurmindset #entrepreneurmotivation  @entrepreneur #entrepreneurjourney  @Youngentrepreneursforum #entrepreneurcommunity #inspiration  @creatorinsider #instagood #inspirationalquotes #inspirationalvideo #inspirationalstory #inspirationalstories  @Inspir   #inspirationalstoriesofsuccess #inspirationalvideos #inspirationdaily  #MaxMixAdventure  @spicyycam @SpiceEats   #SpiceUpYourLife #ChefMaxCrawford #SuperBowlCheer #SupportMaxMix #FoodInnovationPodcast #food #foodie #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover  @PeopleVsFood @BestEverFoodReviewShow @VillageFoodChannelOfficial   #foodblogger #2024  #MaxsDirtyDip #MaxMixJourney #SubscribeAndCelebrate #ThursdaysWithMax #SuperBowlSnacks #SpiceMixDelight #MaxMixCommunity #CheersToMax #MaxMixInspiration #downsyndrome #downsyndrom #downsyndromeawarenessmonth #downsyndromelove #downsyndromeawareness #chiefs #kansascitychiefs #kansascity #mahomes #kelce #kelcebrothers #kelceswift #patrickmahomes #traviskelce #traviskelcetaylorswift  @NonAlcoholRider @KansasCityChiefs @hbtCHNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

📢I talk🎙️with Karen Hertz 🎇👏 Chief Brewista and Founder at Holidaily Brewing Company;🍺100% gluten-free and the only certified 🍻  women-owned 👩 brewery in the US, distributed in Colorado, Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming, Texas, and California. It is currently the largest gluten-free brewery. 🍻 😋  As a two-time cancer survivor, she had to give up many foods but she wasn’t ready to give up beer. 😋 Since nothing in the market hit her tastebuds😋  she opened her brewery 🍺 in February 2016.  She was the 5th gluten-free brewery to open its doors. In their Golden, CO location, the brewery has food trucks and at the Denver Tech Center, they share space with Just Be Kitchen which servers gluten-free items and beyond.We tasted 4 beers 🍺on the podcast. 1) Favorite Blond Ale2) Riva Stout3) Fat Randy IPA (the name comes from Randy's Wipeout at Jackson Hole🎿)4) Big Henry Hazy IPAResourcesCraft Brewers ConferencePink Boots Society - started by  Terry FerindorfWBENC - Women's Business Enterprise National CouncilAtomic Habits by James ClearTraction EOS System (how you review people) Feeling Organized and Running your businessWebsite   Online store   Twitter   Instagram   Facebook   LinkedIn   YouTube#Beer #GlutenFree #fnbInnovationArticlesUSA Today colorado biz The Denver Post (24 Medals at World Beer Cup '23)NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Hello Thirsty Thursdays Community!🎙Thirsty Thursdays @3PM EST with Co-Hosts Jessie Ott & Samuel Anderson will have our first Live Happy Hour! 😁 😍 🎇 🍻 🥂 "Orange Wine" or "Amber Wine"We will discuss Orange & Amber Wine with Guests Andrew Nelson, of WarRoom Cellars & Keaton Maddox with Silk Road Wines, and Industry expert our favorite Brian Rosen with InvestBev! 🤗 👏 Wines TastedBonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Volant Silk Road Wines  tasted Kakheti Amber Sec & Khikhvi Qvevri#wine #innovation #fnbinnovationThe future is bright, Orange 🧡🍷🚀NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

📢I talk🎙️with Meagen Anderson who has had a significant and transformative journey, both personally and professionally. Her initiative in founding the AFicioNAdo Certification Program, focusing on Alcohol-Free and Non-Alcoholic (AFNA) beverages, reflects the growing demand for alternatives in the beverage industry. Her involvement with🌿 Hop Forward Consulting, which specializes in sustainable business solutions in brewing, non-alcoholic beer, hops, hemp, and cannabis applications showcases a commitment to diverse and innovative areas within the industry. The personal aspect of her journey, separating from alcohol and embracing a "journey to creativity and heightened consciousness," adds a unique dimension to her story. Meagen's journey is a testament to adaptation, resilience, and innovation in an evolving industry. Her experiences could provide valuable insights for others navigating similar paths or looking to explore new opportunities within the beverage sector.MentorsJim Koch, John Geist, Leigh Gall, Grant Wood, Dr Bill Simpson, Dr Keith Villa, his wife Jodi, and daughter Catherine, Lisa Hurwitz and Joe ReynoldsResourcesThis Naked Mind by Annie Grace, Good Beer Hunting, One Year No Beer, Transcendental Meditation,  Enneagram #MeditationJourney #AlcoholFreeLife #CreativityUnleashed #zeroproof #moderationmovement #fnbinnovationYT @ThirstyThursdays3PMESTNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Hello everyone and Happy New Year! In my last podcast release, I spoke about the changes in 2024. The first episode is considered a "Special Weekly Release". I spent time with experts in our industry in a roundtable format. They each chose a question to share with startup brand owners such as the CEOs and brand owners I have interviewed throughout the year. We are all big supporters and want to help see new brands succeed. These panelists are the experts, and each has some great advice as we start the new year.The Panelists & their Questions are:Brian Rosen, Chairman of Growth Beverage #1. Did you, your team, or even the beverage industry overcome any significant challenges this year?  It could be supply chain related, packaging, etc...  Gary Schneidkraut, VP of Business Development, Wine + Spirits of Protis Global#2. Did you have any key revelations that arose from your 2023 company reflections?  Matt Giese, COO of Funny Water#3. Were there any unexpected developments that diverged from what you thought were your anticipated outcomes? Taylor Foxman, Founder and CEO of The Industry Collective#4. What valuable insight did you gain in 2023, and how can it inform and benefit your strategies in 2024?  Ben Salisbury, President & Founder, of Salisbury Creative Group, & Wine Sales Stimulator#5. What does the adult beverage industry need to stop doing immediately, in your opinion?Ben Salisbury's Advice: Read Books to Understand How Products are Sold & How People BuyDaniel Pink How to Sell is HumanDonald Miller Building a Story Brand Audible BookGet ready as we jump right into the questions.#StartUp #fnbinnovationNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Happy Holidays & Find out All the Updates for Thirsty Thursdays in 2024! Thank you all for making 2023 an amazing year!Lots of great updates to look forward to in 2024!Watch on YouTube!  @ThirstyThursdays3PMESTNOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

Sam Anderson, Jessie Ott, and Heather Ransom discuss the growing importance of the No & Lo space in the beverage industry. We explore the shift in consumer attitudes towards mindful drinking and the rise of initiatives like Dry January. The conversation highlights the need for hospitality venues and big brands to respond to this sea change and provide inclusive options for non-drinkers. We also discuss the potential threat from big soda companies entering the No & Lo market. They emphasize the importance of creating experiences and differentiating craft beer to stay relevant in a crowded market. Overall, the conversation explores the opportunities and challenges in the evolving beverage industry. The conversation explores various aspects of the No & Lo (No and Low Alcohol) movement and its impact on the wine industry. It delves into the future of wine, the challenges of creating non-alcoholic red wine, and the changing experience of drinking. The conversation also discusses the need for restaurants to adapt to customer preferences and the rise of THC cocktails. Additionally, it highlights the competition from cannabis companies and the importance of building a network and community in the startup world. The conversation concludes with reflections on the personal journey and wishes for the new year.January 11th, 2024 Happy Hour Happy for All Crawl!NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!

This week, I’m speaking with Mary Collineau & Bryce Wiatrak at Vinalia Wine. This dynamic duo is creating one of the coolest businesses in the industry. I’m hooked. Mary, a financier turned wine lover, and Bryce, a wine writer, met in grad school and decided to take the entrepreneurial road with their love of wines from all corners of the world. They meet the most interesting people at these wineries through existing contacts or travel there themselves, which is amazing. They find exceptional value wines we do not normally have access to, all for great prices. The most expensive wine is $35! We tasted three wines on the Podcast that knocked it out of the park both in the flavor profile and the stories behind them, making each one of them special. Please visit vinaliawine.com and check out these amazing deals you cannot get anywhere else in our industry. If you are looking for a wine club to blow your mind, look no further. Mary and Bryce have done it like no other.  Wines tasted on the Podcast:Vinalia x Tóth Ferenc, Egri Bikavér SelectionDRINK IF YOU LIKE: Syrah, Châuteauneuf-du-Pape, Merlot, BordeauxVinalia x Domaine Poiron-Dabin, Berligou, France, 2019 $32DRINK IF YOU LIKE: Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Valpolicella, BierzoVinalia x Marof, Belo, Slovienia, 2018 $34DRINK IF YOU LIKE: Chardonnay, California Sauvignon Blanc, VermentinoThank you for listening and be sure to subscribe to be notified of all new episodes!Tune in next Thursday and have a great week!NOW ON YOUTUBE!!! Thank you for Listening! Join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Or join the Food & Beverage Innovation FB Group!