The Nombase Podcast

As brands grow, it's easy to focus on the next retailer, the next marketing initiative, or the next distribution opportunity. But sustainable growth starts with a deeper understanding of your brand identity, who it's for, and what makes it truly different.In this episode, Eric Ramstad of Farmwell Drinks, Shaakira DeLoach of Ginja Snap, and brand strategist Kelly Criswell of Mudge to discuss how emerging brands can build around a niche, attract the right consumers, and create a foundation for long-term growth.From rebrands and packaging decisions to demos, consumer feedback, and community building, the conversation explores the questions founders should be asking as they refine their positioning and prepare to scale.You will learn:• How to identify the consumers most likely to become loyal customers• Why simplifying your messaging can strengthen your brand and improve consumer understanding• How to use demos and direct customer feedback to refine positioning and packaging• What creates meaningful differentiation when competitors can copy your ingredients or category• How to evaluate whether your current positioning can support future growth and expansion

Cannabis beverage is a growing category but it comes with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. Success starts with what you can control, and in this category, that begins with the formulation. SoRSE Technology transforms cannabinoids into safe, stable, water compatible ingredients that make consistent commercial scale beverages possible. Michael Flemmens, Executive Vice President of Research and Technical Business Development at SoRSE, dives deep into the science, operations, and real world challenges behind building cannabis beverages that consumers trust and brands can grow.

With new regulations expanding the use of glass in spirits-based RTDs and growing consumer demand for clean, quality packaging, glass has reemerged as a strategic advantage. Join the Glass Packaging Institute, Jimmy Bruton of Via Carota, and Sandstrom Partners to learn why glass is non-toxic, inert, and the most sustainable material, especially when domestically made. Discover how glass affects consumer perception, protects product integrity, helps brands innovate and stand out, appeals to health-conscious consumers, and how to navigate its unique challenges.

Mike Farrell of The Forest Farmers, Michael Ham of Wild Orchard Tea, and Susan Hartman of Recoup Beverage share how their brands use sustainable maple to power innovation. They explore  how maple sap provides clean hydration, natural sweetness, and a functional base to beverage formulations.  Our panel will discuss regenerative farming, nutritional benefits, and how tapping trees helps preserve forest, offering valuable information for brands aiming to meet growing demand for transparency, wellness, and sustainability through maple as a standout ingredient. This episode is a paid collaboration with The Forest Farmers.

The NIQ On-Premise team shares their latest data on RTD beverage trends, highlighting the biggest opportunities for brands. Joining the conversation are Ben Tilton and Matt Crompton of NIQ On-Premise, along with Ferron Salniker, BevNET's spirits editor. Together, we’ll explore the size of the RTD opportunity, key consumer demographics, channels of note, and evolving preferences around convenience, quality, and value. We’ll also dive into emerging non-alcoholic RTD trends and strategies for brands navigating the on-premise landscape.

Ghia is taking the non-alcoholic market by storm and generating exposure with a thoughtful strategy that includes strategic out of home marketing. Melanie Masarin, CEO & Founder of Ghia, and Tom Shea of Adgile media explain how they decide when and where to put resources, how to track results (yes, it's possible!), tactical tips that help squeeze value from each campaign, and  specific techniques that drive brand awareness.

Join Kaitlin Morgan of SPINS shares RTD beverage data during our Community Call, where we'll uncover trends in functionality, sweeteners, and flavor. Discover the key industry indicators shaping the landscape, and delve into the essential themes to understand how brands and entrepreneurs can leverage this data for intelligent innovation.  Go to slack.bevnet.com/General Discussion channel for a companion presentation to this podcast or email MTraverse@bevnet.com

Beverage sales are hugely dependent on DSD networks, but if you don't know how to implement and manage the relationship, your product may be an afterthought to the team. Join Trent Moffat of Gotham Brands and JW Fischer of Nirvana Water for a discussion on what DSDs need to be successful, what you should expect, and how to manage the relationship for maximum placements and velocity.

You won't find a smarter, more experienced, or creative marketing duo than Mari Lee and Katie Geyer of Nutrabolt / C4. Find out how they choose events that support customer acquisition goals, activations that actually drive velocities in store, and a brilliant nugget of wisdom on how to find influencer partners that deeply resonate with your brand.