Welcome to another episode of the Food & Beverage Magazine Podcast! Today, the Editors of Food & Beverage Magazine bring you a comprehensive look at the boldest flavor collaborations, major industry events, and exciting brand expansions shaping the global hospitality landscape.

In this episode, we celebrate 40 years of innovation at the Bar & Restaurant Expo, and highlight upcoming culinary gatherings like Vegas Unstripped 2026 and The Venetian Resort's new storytelling-driven program, Culinary Crossroads. We also explore the newest hospitality concepts hitting New York, including Sushi by Bou's rock 'n' roll omakase experience and the ritualistic cocktail ceremonies debuting at The Eighth. On the product and flavor front, we discuss the "swicy" candy trend with Huer Foods and Cholula, the wellness applications of premium Mānuka honey, and Louisiana Fish Fry's new Cajun cooking series with Emeril Lagasse and Trombone Shorty. Finally, we take an inside look at Sugarlands Distilling's family-crafted brand growth and SUNSET's sustainable new tomato packaging.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the CPG Awards® by Food & Beverage Magazine. If you’re building a shelf-stable brand and want to get in front of real retail buyers who are looking for what's next, head over to cpgawards.com and submit your products today.

For more in-depth articles on all of these industry innovations, visit fbmagazine.com. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss a beat. Head over to fbmagazine.com today, and tell them we sent you!

Welcome to another episode of the Food & Beverage Magazine Podcast! Today, the Editors of Food & Beverage Magazine bring you a high-level overview of the most exciting restaurant expansions, executive chef appointments, and agricultural technology shifts shaping the industry.

In this episode, we explore dynamic new culinary footprints, including Sushi by Bou's rock 'n' roll-inspired East Village location and The Eighth Cocktail Lounge's New York debut. We also highlight exceptional resort dining at the reimagined Bodrum Edition, the World Equestrian Center's new Equestrian Manor, and welcome Executive Chef Robert Angelo Jr. to The Newbury Boston. On the product and agriculture front, we discuss the sweet new Häagen-Dazs and Vicky Bakery collaboration, Sugarlands Distilling's growth, and Taylor Farms' strategic acquisition of Equinox Growers.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the CPG Awards® by Food & Beverage Magazine. If you’re building a shelf-stable brand and want to get in front of real retail buyers who are looking for what's next, head over to cpgawards.com and submit your products today.

For in-depth articles on all of these spring travel destinations and industry innovations, visit fbmagazine.com. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss a beat. Head over to fbmagazine.com today, and tell them we sent you!

New Culinary Destinations & Leadership

• Caña at Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami: Executive Chef William Milian is anchoring the property's culinary identity with elevated, communal Cuban flavors and an award-winning menu.
• Luma at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne: Following a $100 million resort transformation, Executive Chef Patrizio La Gioia is showcasing authentic Italian cuisine cooked over a signature Josper oven, alongside a vibrant "La Dolce Vita" brunch experience.
• Leadership Updates: Chef Joaquin Estolano takes the helm at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells, bringing ingredient-driven cuisine to the Coachella Valley. Meanwhile, the industry celebrates the legacy of Culinary Director Franz W. Faeh, who is retiring from Gstaad Palace after a near 50-year career defining traditional Swiss cuisine.

Industry Innovations & Technology

• AI ROI in F&B: Operator Mamatha Chamarthi breaks down the billions being spent on AI in the food and beverage space, emphasizing that AI must be "decisively profitable" through cost savings and operational efficiency to be worthwhile.
• Foodservice Trends: A look into leveraging restaurant technology, guest data, and shifting beverage preferences like low-ABV drinks and functional beverages to enhance profitability.

Global Competitions, Awards & Philanthropy

• Bocuse d'Or Europe 2026: Denmark takes home the gold in Marseille, led by chef Christian Wellendorf, securing their spot in the Grand Final.
• Golden Taco Awards: TacoTuesday.com has launched a nationwide, community-driven search to crown America's local "Taco Legends".
• Aspen Snow Ball Gala: Highlights from the 4th Annual Gala supporting the Children's Oncology Support Fund (COSF), featuring honors for Goldie Hawn and critical fundraising for pediatric cancer research.
• Seasonal Retail: Crumbl drops its limited-edition Easter Bundl, driving communal, shareable dessert trends