Beverage Industry Top Stories, News, and Analysis

In a move that is certain to raise some eyebrows, John Cochran has departed as CEO of AQUAhydrate and taken the top spot at fast-growing Ole Smoky Distillery. Although it is unclear if the split was a mutual decision, the timing of Cochran’s exit is somewhat perplexing, particularly after several recent high-profile distribution wins for AQUAhydrate.

With fast-rising competitors marketing their bottles as an embodiment of sleekness and modernity, Evian felt the need for a change.

With fewer than 40 seats remaining, BevNET Live Summer ’13 is almost sold out! If you are interested in attending BevNET Live Summer ’13 on June 4 & 5 in New York City, register now! Our program, which will offer critical insights and information about cutting edge trends and growing opportunities in the beverage space, is sure to help you grow your business.

Billed as an “organic beet performance supplement,” Red Ace is — as you’ve probably guessed by now — made with beet juice concentrate. Packaged in a 2 oz. glass bottle, the product contains added guayusa, water, lemon juice and other flavors. All in all, we’re quite impressed with the formulation, flavor and branding.

There are only TWO WEEKS left until BevNET Live Summer ’13, which takes place on June 4-5 in New York City at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Space is filling up fast and the event is expected to be SOLD OUT within days. If you haven’t already done so, NOW is the time to register!

Watermelon and aloe are just about as perfect of a flavor pairing as there is, so it’s no surprise that ALO Comfort tastes as good as it does. Overall, it’s one that definitely lives up to the standard set by the other flavors.

The folks at Harmless Harvest just can’t seem to shake the innovation bug. Having launched the first 100 percent “raw” and organic coconut water two years ago and recently unveiled a unique cold brewed drink made with raw tea leaves, the company has introduced a new bag-in-box coconut water dispenser. The dispenser was jointly developed with Whole Foods Market, a key strategic retail partner for Harmless Harvest.

Amy Taylor, the VP/GM, Red Bull North America East, will add her views and observations to a panel on the role of culture at successful entrepreneurial beverage companies during this summer’s BevNET Live event. Ms. Taylor, who was previously VP Marketing, Red Bull North America, was a featured speaker at BevNET Live in December, 2011, discussing the role of earned media in brand building.

As winds of change sweep through the beverage industry, more and more CSD companies are realizing that they must adapt to a society ever more focused on health and wellness. Jones Soda is one such outfit and recently introduced a new line of natural sodas made with a proprietary blend of sweeteners. The drinks are quite good, although the packaging could use a bit more emphasis on their low-calorie formulation.

In the midst of dramatic leaps in the distribution of its organic energy drinks, Hiball is set to launch a first of its kind energy-infused organic coconut water — with a chocolate-flavored variety not far behind.

BevNET is pleased to announce that the final agenda for Beverage School NYC at BevNET Live Summer ’13 is now available for viewing. The intensive, half-day “Beverages 101″ session is open exclusively to attendees of BevNET Live who are new (or relatively new) beverage company entrepreneurs. There is no additional cost for the program, however, only a limited number of seats remain for Beverage School.

Traders Point Brewhouse’s Cold Brew Coffee comes in two varieties, Kenyan and Sumatra, based on the type of beans that are used in each product. Which one consumers prefer is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but both were made to the same standard. That said, both are top notch, with a thoughtfully crafted formulation and package.