{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Time To Rethink THC\u2026 And DTC?","description":"One brand is preparing for a regulatory shakeup. Another just landed in Target with $24 million in fresh capital. The Taste Radio hosts discuss BR\u0112Z\u2019s bet on a future beyond THC, Stars & Honey\u2019s leap from DTC success to a nationwide Target launch, and how brands are reinventing Shirley Temples, protein bars, and Rice Krispie treats for a new generation of consumers. Show notes: 0:20: Fancy Talk. Strategizing For A Ban. E-Comm Insights. Why Buy? Shirley A Hot Trend. Aye, Captain. \u2013  Ray highlights the upcoming Summer Fancy Food Show and Taste Radio\u2019s Elevator Talk series before the hosts shift to a conversation about the challenges facing cannabis beverage brand BR\u0112Z. They discuss looming federal regulations that could severely restrict THC products and the company\u2019s efforts to expand with non-infused adaptogen beverages. The conversation then turns to protein bar brand Stars & Honey, which secured a nationwide Target launch and a $24 million investment from VMG Partners after spending years refining its direct-to-consumer business. The hosts discuss the brand\u2019s growth strategy, product positioning, and the broader appeal of flavor-forward protein bars. They also sample protein bar brand Samsara, praising its South Asian-inspired flavors, clean ingredient profile, and emphasis on taste over traditional nutrition-focused messaging. The hosts then discuss GT\u2019s Synergy Shirley Temple kombucha collaboration with Cheribundi, spotlight Lil\u2019 Bucks\u2019 buckwheat-based snack bars and note the rise of better-for-you alternatives to classic Rice Krispie treats. The episode wraps with a look at Protein Pints\u2019 new Protein Pops and a lighthearted farewell to longtime BevNET team member and \u201cSample Captain\u201d Colin Segrue as he relocates from Boston to the New York area. Brands in this episode: BR\u0112Z, Stars & Honey, Neutonic, Cann, Trip, Celsius, Olipop, Samsara, Mezcla, MOSH, GT\u2019s Living Foods, Cheribundi, Lil\u2019 Bucks, BTR Nation, Protein Pints ","author_name":"Taste Radio","author_url":"http:\/\/tasteradio.com","html":"