A leading panel of industry experts and scientists selected Utirose™ for its excellence in criteria such as technical advancement, scientific merit, benefits to manufacturers and breadth of application.  Naturex was honoured to accept the award, during the ceremony held alongside Vitafoods.

Antoine Dauby, Group Marketing Director declared, “With Utirose™, Naturex is committed to helping decrease the number of women suffering from Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). As a new ingredient within the NAT life™ range, it is backed by in depth technical documentation and marketing support such as specific branding and dedicated website.”

Benjamin Voiry, Business Manager – NAT life™, added: “Extracted from hibiscus flower, Utirose™ helps to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections among women who are particularly susceptible to reoccurring episodes. Thanks to its unique composition, Utirose™ is the natural solution to relieve women from daily pains.”

About Naturex:

Naturex manufactures natural speciality ingredients for the Food & Beverage, Nutrition & Health and Personal Care industries. Headquartered in France, Naturex employs 1200 people and has 16 production units located in Europe (France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, England and Poland), the United States (New Jersey and California), Brazil, Australia, Morocco and India. In addition, the group has several sales offices worldwide.

“In another victory for Natural Products Association members and the industry, the Durbin amendment has been defeated with the U.S. Senate approving Senator Tom Harkin’s motion to table the Durbin amendment by a final vote of 77-20.

The Senate vote was a significant victory for the industry. Senator Durbin announced his intention to seek a vote on his amendment for the first time late Tuesday evening and worked hard to “whip” votes on his surprise amendment all day Wednesday and Thursday, including making several statements on the Senate floor.

Starting Tuesday night, NPA began working with our Congressional champions and fellow stakeholders to defeat the amendment. The efforts continued all day Wednesday as NPA coordinated with the other trade associations to ensure that every single Senate office was contacted and asked to oppose the amendment. NPA also reached out to its powerful grassroots network, which responded with a flood of outreach to Capitol Hill. Finally, today all five trade associations came together and issued a joint statement expressing our united opposition to the amendment.

NPA would like to thank all of the members who reached out to their senators to urge them to oppose the Durbin amendment. It is important that we all remember that the regulation of dietary supplements remains a hot topic for members of Congress. We must remain engaged because these issues are likely to be revisited.”

For more information, visit www.NPAinfo.org.

Natural Products Association

The Natural Products Association (NPA), founded in 1936, is the largest and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the natural products industry. NPA represents over 1,900 members accounting for more than 10,000 locations of retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. As the leading voice of the natural products industry, the NPA’s mission is to advocate for the rights of consumers to have access to products that will maintain and improve their health, and for the rights of retailers and suppliers to sell these products. Visit www.NPAInfo.org.

Find NPA on Facebook: Natural Products Association and The Natural Seal.

Follow NPA on Twitter: NPA National, NPA Natural Seal and NPA California.

Follow NPA on LinkedIn. Join the Natural Products Group and the Grassroots Action Network.

Natural Products Association: 1773 T Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20009

Opt out by emailing “unsubscribe” to mkeaton@npainfo.org.

Distributors and retailers have their own specific responsibilities when it comes to getting categories built, and doing it right requires trust, communication, and an understanding of which jobs and expenses are the responsibility of a single party and which can be shared among all the stakeholders.

As part of the BevNET Live program on Tuesday, June 5, four experts who have had first-hand roles in establishing entrepreneurial beverage products will discuss the roles and responsibilities of brand-building.

Wearing the hats of entrepreneur, distributor, category management expert, and retailer, respectively, will be Mark Rampolla, the founder and CEO of ZICO coconut water; Gerry Martin, the VP of Marketing at Polar Beverages; Tom Fox, a partner at CM Profit Group; and Andy Steele, the founder of Anonymous consulting. Their discussion will each outline the breadth of the job at hand for each member of the team.

For entrepreneurs — and distributors and retailers as well — the notion of teamwork is hard to imagine when looked at from the lens of sales contracts and delivery invoices. Nevertheless, at its best, in an environment in which each of the stakeholders handles their responsibilities reliably, it can allow for a feedback loop of shared ideas and careful timing that can quickly accelerate product and category growth.

By showing the margins that each party must observe, then, this panel will help show entrepreneurs how to get there.

There is only limited seating remaining for BevNET Live’s 2012 New York event. Secure your spot by registering now.

NEW YORK, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Today, POWERCOCO and Five Time NBA All-Star New York Knick Carmelo Anthony announced a partnership where Anthony will take on an active role as executive vice president of innovation at POWERCOCO, The Next Generation Sports Drink®.

Anthony, an investor in the company, was inspired to join POWERCOCO, a natural sports drink, due to his desire to educate athletes everywhere about the benefits of natural hydration. In his new role, Anthony will work with POWERCOCO’s executive committee on the evolution of the brand, product functionality and flavor development. Anthony will become the face of the brand and will utilize his experience as a professional athlete to spread awareness about the benefits of natural hydration.

“After many years as a professional athlete, I’ve become more aware of the ingredients I put into my body to perform at my best,” said Anthony. “There is no question that the natural ingredients and low sugar formula of POWERCOCO is the best choice to keep me hydrated on and off the court. I am proud to help introduce The Next Generation Sports Drink as a part of the POWERCOCO movement.”

“Most consumers would be shocked if they took the time to realize how much sugar exists in other sports drinks,” said Steve Vasquez, president of POWERCOCO and 20-year veteran of the beverage industry. “It is clear that Carmelo shares our mission for delivering a better sports drink to the market. The POWERCOCO team is looking forward to the perspective that Carmelo will bring to our brand as more than just an investor.”

POWERCOCO was founded by Tyler Beuerlein, a former professional baseball player in the New York Mets minor league system. After becoming frustrated with the many high calorie, sugar and sodium-laden sports drinks on the market, Beuerlein wanted to “create a healthier drink for athletes without compromising efficacy or great taste.” As someone who relied on sports drinks for optimal performance, Beuerlein was inspired to create a product that capitalizes on the natural benefits of coconut water, while using a third of the sugar found in the average sports drink.

POWERCOCO is now available for purchase in the New York City area at Duane Reade, Walgreens and various other locations; in Arizona at all Hi Health locations; and nationally at Amazon.com.

About POWERCOCO
POWERCOCO is The Next Generation Sports Drink with a formula that combines natural coconut water and electrolytes, while also being low in sugar and calories. The company aims to bridge the opportunity gaps between conventional Sports Drinks and functional, Coconut Waters in the beverage industry. POWERCOCO is available in four great tasting flavors: Lemon Lime, Tangerine, Grape, Tropical Berry. To learn more about POWERCOCO, please visit www.powercoco.com, Twitter @drinkPOWERCOCO and Facebook www.facebook.com/POWERCOCO.

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)

“O.N.E. Ambassadors are more than celebrities,” observes O.N.E. Marketing VP Chris Cook, “they are people who perform at exceptionally high levels, while living fulfilling lives, exhibiting deep concern for people and serving humanity in meaningful ways. Erin is a world-class athlete in a very demanding sport and a devoted mother of four young children. In addition to teaching inner city kids in the US how to play volleyball, Erin is playing a leading role in supporting young women in Turkey to learn volleyball and to form internationally competitive teams. We are thrilled to that Erin is serving as an Ambassador for our MOVE campaign!”

“I’m so excited that ONE is able to shine a light on beach volleyball, and these aspiring and inspiring girls and young women,” effuses Erin. “Initially, I thought my role was to come and be an example to this women as they begin their journey with beach volleyball, but I soon realized that they’re the true examples, the real heroes. In the USA, women athletes are honored and given great resources live their dreams, but here, in Turkey and many other places, women who believe in sports have to fight for everything they have. Every day they practice hard and self motivate just for a chance to be noticed and for that moment when they can be embraced and honored for their efforts. My job is to support and encourage these girls, help build their confidence, teach what I know, and watch them take beach volleyball to the next level, as they grow up to be strong role models for generations to come.”

“I am thrilled to work with O.N.E. to inspire people to MOVE!” comments Erin. “We share a passion for living life to its fullest, while supporting others to do the same. O.N.E. Coconut Water has been an essential ingredient in my volleyball training for years. Now O.N.E. is providing fuel for my other passions – teaching inner city kids how to MOVE in healthy ways and inspiring girls and young women to pursue their dreams.”

Erin joins two-time defending Olympic Gold Medalist (400m and 4x400m), sprinter LaShawn Merritt, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu master Rener Gracie and Yoga instructor Alex Crow as O.N.E. Ambassadors, inspiring and educating people or all ages to MOVE. DRINK. And GIVE – for their health, fitness and well-being, and for the good of all.

Erin Gray will be playing in the Florida Open Pro Beach Volleyball Tournament this weekend in Ft Lauderdale, Florida this weekend. DATE: May 25 – 27, 2012 LOCATION: Next to the Sheraton Hotel Ft. Lauderdale (Hotel address: 1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

About O.N.E. Coconut Water

O.N.E. exists to foster excellence and well-being, through its beverages and engaging educational campaigns. O.N.E. inspires people to MOVE into life, DRINK to fuel their inspired journey, and GIVE with everything they’ve got – to live life to the fullest, while serving the greater good.

O.N.E. Coconut Water is available in over 50,000 retail outlets including Whole Foods Market, Publix, Kroger Stores, Safeway, 7 Eleven, Cost Plus World Markets, Vitamin Shoppe and on Amazon.com.

IZZE® Beverage Company Celebrates its 10th Birthday with Limited Time Flavor

MONROVIA, Calif., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Break out the bubbly…juice, that is. IZZE® Beverage Company is celebrating ten years of delivering delicious, all-natural sparkling juice beverages to fans everywhere!

To mark the momentous occasion, IZZE is bringing back a fan-favorite flavor – Sparkling Lemon – just in time for the summer sun. The distinctive pairing of refreshing lemon flavor with sparkling water is sure to be a sweet one, with a little zip in every sip. Sparkling Lemon will be available exclusively at Whole Foods starting in May. But while the days are long, IZZE Sparkling Lemon will only be available for a limited time this summer, so you’ll want to be sure to pick up this refreshing goodness before it’s gone.

“IZZE was founded on the belief that pure, simple ingredients provide the ultimate refreshment and ten years later we continue to stay true to that mission,” said Joe Culella, director of marketing, IZZE Sparkling Juice.

“Lemon was one of the original flavors when IZZE first came to market in 2002, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our ten years than to bring back a flavor our community loves.”

Let There Be Lemon

IZZE always stays ahead of the game with its flavor innovations. According to a U.S. Bell Flavors & Fragrances study, the No. 1 beverage flavor forecasted in the top ten flavors for the food and beverage industry in

2012 was lemonade. IZZE Sparkling Lemon provides a refreshing, uplifting taste without added sugar or artificial flavors to keep the summer months delicious and cool the natural way.

In addition to Sparkling Lemon, the full IZZE line up offers a variety of options and bold flavors to meet everyone’s desires for the summertime.

Fruit juice brought to life with a splash of sparkling water, IZZE is a mouthwatering alternative to soda – free of caffeine, refined sugars and artificial flavors. Low-calorie IZZE esque, with only 50 calories per bottle, is the ideal guilt-free refreshment. For those looking to add a little more sparkle to their day, IZZE Fortified provides an extra boost of vitamins to keep you going. Whether you serve it over ice or mixed in cocktails, IZZE’s delicious flavors offer a refreshing alternative to the expected.

IZZE Lemon is available nationwide exclusively at Whole Foods Market for a limited time. Fans can pick up their other favorite IZZE flavors at retailers including SuperTarget, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Vons and Safeway as well as in select grocery stores, delis and casual and fine restaurants.

To find IZZE near you, check out the Find IZZE retail locator on IZZE.com.

Join our community, like us on Facebook and follow @IZZE on Twitter to learn more about exciting IZZE news or use #GetBIZZE to join the conversation.

About IZZE Beverage Company

IZZE Beverage Company was founded in 2002 by two friends who set out to create a distinctive natural beverage while contributing to a higher purpose and is based in Boulder, Colo. First introduced in four unique Sparkling flavors, IZZE has since expanded to include IZZE Fortified, low-calorie IZZE esque and IZZE Sparkling Natural Soda. It is sold nationally in Target, Starbucks and Whole Foods Market as well as in a variety of grocery stores, delis and restaurants across the country.

IZZE’s philanthropic focus is to improve people’s lives through education and to encourage literacy by providing books and educational opportunities to those in need. IZZE brings this focus to life through a partnership with Global Education Fund. For more information, visit www.IZZE.com.

Cobá to Kick Off Whole Foods Aguas Frescas Launch Starting in the Pacific Northwest, Florida and Rocky Mountains

Los Angeles, CA – True to its natural roots, Cobá has recently launched in three Whole Foods Markets regions.  Those regions include the Pacific Northwest that covers the Oregon and Washington states, Florida statewide from Pensacola to Miami as well as the Rocky Mountain Region encompassing Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Kansas.

The two companies share ideological similarities, Whole Foods’ core values include a dedication to quality and unique products, customer satisfaction, and win-win partnerships among suppliers and its markets. For its part, Cobá’s social mission initiatives include increasing awareness in the arts, promotion of entrepreneurship amongst youth and aiding in diabetes awareness and prevention.

While the natural connection is the most obvious, the launch in these three regions also creates a unique opportunity for growth into the emerging Latino market.  Not only are aguas frescas a staple amongst Latinos, but also the ready-to-drink format (RTD) and authentic flavor of Cobá will set it apart on the Whole Foods Market shelves.  For more information on Whole Foods or to find a location near you please visit: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/.

CEO, Ventura shared, “the (Whole Foods) launch represents a great opportunity for the company to define the language of the aguas frescas category, in turn strengthening our pioneering position and further validates the category in the beverage space.”

Cobá is a downtown Los Angeles based beverage company that first launched in Northern California.  Its co-founders, Stanford Business School graduates Arnulfo G. Ventura and Jose L. Domene, were inspired while attending school in Palo Alto to create their very own RTD aguas frescas when they realized aguas were not more readily available in the San Francisco Bay Area.  For more information on Cobá please visit: http://www.drinkcoba.com/.

Following an FTC Judge’s recent ruling that POM Wonderful deceptively marketed health claims in ads for its pomegranate juice products and must end all claims about the health benefits and performance of its drinks, the company has launched a new media campaign touting “its right to legally advertise the general health benefits of its products.” POM has faced a significant amount of scrutiny and negative publicity in the days after the ruling and hopes the campaign will re-characterize the decision as a favorable one for the company.

In the new print and online ads, POM utilizes specific quotes from the judge’s ruling that support the company’s ability to share scientifically validated information about the health benefits of pomegranate juice, and, in particular, its positive effect on prostate health, a key element of POM’s marketing.

In one ad titled, “FTC v. POM – You be the judge,” POM includes the following statement from FTC Chief Administrative Law Judge Michael Chappell: “Competent and reliable scientific evidence supports the conclusion that the consumption of pomegranate juice and pomegranate extract supports prostate health, including by prolonging PSA doubling time in men with rising PSA after primary treatment for prostate cancer.”

Stewart A. Resnick, the President of Roll Global, the parent company of POM Wonderful, stated that the company, “will continue to share the valuable health information of [its] products with consumers, and have decided to share with consumers these benefits using direct quotes from the FTC Administrative Law Judge’s ruling.”

Here is POM’s statement regarding the new campaign:

FTC Administrative Law Judge Ruling Affirms POM Wonderful’s Right to Advertise Health Benefits

Los Angeles, CA (May 24, 2012) - POM Wonderful, following the FTC Administrative Law Judge’s ruling issued on Monday, May 21^st, 2012, is exercising its right to legally advertise the general health benefits of its products, affirmed by the Judge, in an advertising campaign launching today. In POM’s campaign, the Company will illuminate the facts and opinions stated in the ruling from the Administrative Law Judge of the FTC.

The media campaign from POM Wonderful will consist of full-page advertisements in   newspapers such as the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, as well as online, home-page takeovers of CNN, the Huffington Post, and the homepage and health pages of the New York Times online.

“We will continue to share the valuable health information of our products with consumers, and have decided to share with consumers these benefits using direct quotes from the FTC Administrative Law Judge’s ruling,” said Stewart A. Resnick, President of Roll Global.

This week, the FTC issued a press release that oversimplified the ruling, which found a fraction of POM’s advertisements misleading.  The FTC critically failed to mention that out of 600 print and outdoor advertisements disseminated, the court found less than 2% of those misleading.  POM is appealing those findings.

The FTC’s objective was to shut down all of POM’s health benefit advertising and to use POM to impose a new standard of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies and preapproval by the FDA on all food companies desiring to make health claims. In these efforts, the FTC failed.

Contrary to headlines in the media that have over-simplified and in some cases, mischaracterized, the ruling, POM Wonderful is not under an order to halt advertising of the science that supports the health benefits of the pomegranate and 100% pomegranate juice. Health benefit claims ranging from its prostate and erectile health claims to general claims about the benefits of antioxidants found in pomegranates and pomegranate juice were deemed to be supported by “competent and reliable scientific evidence” in the ruling.

In this new advertising campaign, POM is encouraging consumers to be the judge. The true significance of this ruling is that companies like POM Wonderful can share valuable scientific information and research with consumers; information that gives consumers the opportunity to make healthier choices.

700% in-store growth includes two new lines of all natural beverages

SEATTLE, WA (May 21, 2012) — For the last 12 months, the soccer crazy consumers in the Pacific Northwest have been able to find Golazo Mango-Limón All Natural Sports Energy at Quality Food Centers. Golazo, a Northwest startup, successfully launched the brand at QFC in spring 2011 offering a healthier, All Natural alternative in a category plagued with artificial, high-calorie options. With phenomenal flavor and half the sugar of competing energy beverages, this single product exceeded store expectations for QFC within the first year of being available for purchase.

Based on the success of the last 12 months, Golazo is proud to announce the expansion of their offering at QFC’s 65 stores to include their full portfolio of 8 beverages made with the best All Natural, non-GMO ingredients. Mango-Limón All Natural Sports Energy will be joined by three new Sports Energy flavors, Mango-Limón Sugar Free, Mandarina (mandarin, pronounced Man-Da-Reena) and Jamaica (Hibiscus punch, pronounced Ha-My-CA) Punch, alongside the All Natural Sports Hydration line. The Sports Hydration line, made with coconut water and containing half the sodium of the leading sports drink, is offered in four Latin-inspired flavors – Mango-Limón (mango lime, pronounced Man-go Lee-Mone), Mandarina, Limonada (lemon-lime, pronounced Lee-Mone-Ahh-Da) and Jamaica Punch.

“QFC is the premier mainstream grocery retailer in the Pacific Northwest and one of two major Kroger banners in the geography. We are thrilled to expand our current partnership with them and look forward to providing QFC customers with our new Sports Energy flavors and Sports Hydration product line. With soccer at a fever pitch from Seattle to Portland, the timing could not be better!”, said Richard Tait, co-founder and CEO of Golazo.

About Golazo

At Golazo, Inc. we are on a mission to create the world’s passion brand for soccer. We Fuel Futbol™ with beverages that use the best all natural ingredients with Latin-inspired flavors and functionality designed for the pitch. With the ball as our compass, we will create a platform for human potential and the belief that everyone is Born to Score™. Our All Natural beverages are available at more than 1000 retailers across the Northwest, including QFC, Whole Foods Market, PCC, Metropolitan Market, AmazonFresh, New Seasons Market, Zupans, Bales, Fiesta Foods, and Amazon.com.

Fans Can Enter to Win Great Prizes by Uploading Their Shasta FlavorStyle Tricks

CARSON, Calif. (Monday, May 21, 2012) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has reached a new and exclusive partnership with Shasta Beverages, Inc., with Shasta® kicking off the relationship as the club’s official soft drink. One of the most iconic flavored soft drink brands in Southern California, Shasta, with their more than 30 delicious flavors, has been a family-trusted favorite for over 123 years.

“Shasta is excited to partner with the world-renowned LA Galaxy for the 2012 season,” said Abbey Glaser, Director of Brand Management at Shasta Beverages, Inc. “Our Flavor of Champions promotion, together with the Galaxy’s community outreach initiatives, will bring the fun and flavor of freestyle tricks to both our most loyal and newest fans.”

Shasta is the title sponsor for the Galaxy’s soccer-tricks team, the Galaxy Futboleros, and will be featured at all Galaxy home games and various events.  The Galaxy Futboleros, ‘Flavored by Shasta’, will be outfitted in boldly-colored uniforms that correspond to delicious Shasta flavors and will take part in a series of in-game and halftime promotions.

The Galaxy Futboleros have also created a series of unique and skillful tricks that were inspired by five of the most popular Shasta flavors. Videos illustrating the Cola Kick Trick, Orange Flip Lift, Body Twist, Zazz Cabeza and Tiki Trap can be found online at www.shastaflavorstyle.com.

The partnership also includes a comprehensive, multi-channel digital initiative for Shasta that will be communicated online, at the stadium and at sampling events, as well through Shasta packaging and in-store Shasta displays. The digital campaign features an original Facebook application, Shasta-branded mobile ‘SnapTags’, and FlavorStyle Trick videos performed by the Galaxy Futboleros. The Facebook application will allow fans to upload videos of themselves performing their favorite FlavorStyle soccer tricks. Monthly winners will be chosen by Galaxy players to receive a variety of Galaxy and Shasta prizes. Winners will also have their videos displayed online and on the DiamondVision jumbo screen at Galaxy home games. At the end of the season, the Galaxy Futboleros will select one of the monthly winners as a grand-prize winner to receive $1,000 and a six-month supply of Shasta.

“We are excited to partner with a creative company like Shasta and to be a part of an innovative retail program that includes the Galaxy brand on Shasta packaging throughout Southern California grocer outlets,” said Bill Pedigo, Senior Vice President of AEG Global Partnerships.

Mobile SnapTags, powered by Spyderlynk, will appear on select packages of Shasta along with featured Galaxy players and the Galaxy logo. Consumers can scan each of five different Shasta SnapTags to instantly view fun soccer trick videos performed by the Futboleros on their mobile devices. Shasta SnapTags are uniquely branded and accessible to anyone with a camera phone and encourage users to LIKE Shasta on Facebook.

The Galaxy are back in action on Wednesday, May 23 when they take on the San Jose Earthquakes at The Home Depot Center. That game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. (PT) and can be seen live in English on KDOC and in Spanish on KWHY. For more information about this game or to purchase tickets to any Galaxy home game, please visit the club’s official website at www.lagalaxy.com.

About Shasta

Since its founding in 1889, Shasta has been a beverage industry pioneer and family-trusted staple in America, with over 30 unique, innovative and distinctive soft-drink flavors. Shasta has a flavor for everyone from innovative and distinctive soft-drink flavors ranging from new California Dreamin’ and Fiesta Punch to such familiar favorites as Crème Soda and Root Beer.  For more information, please visit www.shastapop.com, or Shasta Soda on Facebook and Twitter.

Shasta is part of the National Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ:FIZZ) family of iconic brands. National Beverage is highly innovative as a pace-setter in the changing soft-drink industry, featuring refreshment products that are geared toward the lifestyle/health-conscious consumer.  Shasta® – Faygo® – Everfresh® and LaCroix® are aligned with Rip It® energy products to make National Beverage . . . America’s Flavor•Favorite – soft-drink company.  Visit www.nationalbeverage.com.

About SpyderLynk

SpyderLynk is a mobile activation and marketing platform company. SnapTags, Social SnapTags and Buy-it-Now SnapTags are SpyderLynk’s proprietary 2D Mobile Barcode solutions enabling marketers to use meaningful logos and icons as interactive marketing tools. Consumers with smart or standard camera phones can use SnapTags placed on packaging, advertising, signage or screens. A smart, algorithm-driven platform powers campaigns ranging from simple to sophisticated accelerating purchase cycles and driving marketing results. Brands such as Coke Zero, Revlon, L’Oreal, MillerCoors, Warner Brothers, Toyota, Bud Light and others are using SnapTags to activate best in class marketing, accelerate their social connections and enable mobile commerce. Based in Denver, Colorado, SpyderLynk was founded in 2006 and can be found online at www.spyderlynk.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and through the #SnapTag hashtag.

Video Captures The Metamorphosis

TARRYTOWN, N.Y., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Kraft Foods just launched the new Capri Sun juice drink Big Pouch with an over-the-top Facebook page featuring an attention-grabbing stop-motion monster video.

For years, Capri Sun juice drink fans have asked for a larger version of the classic childhood drink. The new Capri Sun Big Pouch is a bigger, redesigned version of the original foil pouch, now with 11.2 ounces, a sleek new shape and a recloseable cap.

“This is a significant milestone for Capri Sun. For the first time, our intended consumer may be old enough to engage with us through social platforms like Facebook,” said Wilfred de Guzman, Brand Manager (aka “Pouch Master”) for Capri Sun. “Capturing the attention of 13-to-15-year-olds isn’t easy; we knew we needed to build an experience for them that was deserving of their attention and passion for the product.”

In partnership with social engagement agency SS+K, the online campaign focuses on a video posted to the “Capri Sun Goes Big” Facebook page. The video features a classic Capri Sun pouch going through an unusual transformation. Left unattended in the fridge, the pouch twists and morphs in stop-motion, becoming something big, intense … and a little bit monstrous.

Leading up to the launch, the Capri Sun Goes Big Facebook page stoked enthusiastic speculation on the size of the Big Pouch. Over the course of several weeks, the team used fun photos of Capri Sun pouches the size of hot-air balloons, elephants and skateboard ramps. A pouch-shaped graphic fills up as the launch date nears, teasing the reveal of a pouch that’s new, bigger and more exciting than ever.

So far, in the last three weeks, the page has generated more than 48,000 new likes, with an average of 2,500 a day, even though the product has only been in stores for the last few days.

The new Capri Sun Big Pouch is sold individually and comes in three great flavors – Fruit Punch, Maui Cooler and Strawberry Kiwi. It can be found on displays in select U.S. supermarkets at the suggested retail price of 79 cents per pouch and will be available for a limited time.

About Kraft Foods

Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE: KFT) is a global snacks powerhouse with an unrivaled portfolio of brands people love. Proudly marketing delicious biscuits, confectionery, beverages, cheese, grocery products and convenient meals in approximately 170 countries, Kraft Foods had 2011 revenue of $54.4 billion. Twelve of the company’s iconic brands – Cadbury, Jacobs, Kraft, LU, Maxwell House, Milka, Nabisco, Oreo, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Tang and Trident – generate revenue of more than $1 billion annually. On Aug. 4, 2011, Kraft Foods announced plans to divide and create two independent public companies: a high-growth global snacks business and a high-margin North American grocery business. The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of 2012. A leader in innovation, marketing, health & wellness and sustainability, Kraft Foods is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor’s 500, Dow Jones Sustainability Index and Ethibel Sustainability Index. Visit www.kraftfoodscompany.com and www.facebook.com/kraftfoodscorporate.

Layout: Listings are arranged alphabetically by brand/company name. See the sample listings below. Please note that the corresponding contact information for each listing will be made available in table format in an appendix.

You can create and purchase your listing in the guide using this online form:

http://www.bevnet.com/mvc/guides/2012_BevNET_Water_Guide

Deadline: JULY 11, 2012. Incomplete registrations will not be refunded. Expected publish date of the guide is August 15, 2012.

If you have any questions, please contact John Fischer at jfischer@bevnet.com / 857-472-3071

For Each Keeper Springs Sold, Omni to Donate Additional Funding to the Waterkeeper Alliance

DOVER, Mass. and IRVING, Texas, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — This summer, guests of Omni Hotels & Resorts will have the opportunity to support oceans, lakes, rivers and bays throughout America by simply purchasing Keeper Springs™ Natural Spring Water, which donates 100 percent of its profits to help protect and preserve America’s waterways.

Included as part of Omni Hotels & Resorts new “Art of Water” cocktail menu, for each purchase of Keeper Springs, a further donation by Omni will be made to the Waterkeeper® Alliance, a global environmental movement uniting nearly 200 Waterkeeper organizations around the world and focusing citizen advocacy on the issues that affect waterways from pollution to climate change.

“The issue of clean water always moves to the forefront in summer,” said Chris Bartle, co-founder of Keeper Springs. “We are thrilled that Omni Hotels & Resorts wanted to partner with us as part of their commitment to sustainability. It’s great to see a company who has many properties near some of our greatest waterways give back and make sure our waterways are safe and clean for future generations to enjoy.”

Keeper Springs will be available poolside at Omni Hotels & Resorts across the country through Labor Day.

About Keeper Springs

Founded in 1999, Keeper Springs Natural Spring Water was launched by environmental lawyer and advocate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and two friends, John Hoving and Chris Bartle, with one mission: to help support, protect and restore our nation’s waterways by donating 100 percent of profits to this cause. The brand Keeper Springs is named to honor the keepers of the Waterkeeper® Alliance, environmental heroes who fight to protect waterways all over the world from polluters and degradation. To date, Keeper Springs is proud to have raised more than $1 million to support America’s waterways.

Keeper Springs uses only 100 percent natural and sustainable spring water, sourced and bottled locally, and keeps our carbon footprint to a minimum by using LEED-certified bottling plants. In addition, Keeper Springs uses bottles made from 50 percent recycled PET…and is working towards a 100 percent recycled PET bottle. Keeper Springs also supports the most comprehensive recycling legislation and has spent over a decade helping to fight for better regulation, tough penalties and solutions. Keeper Springs is available at beverage retailers on the Eastern Seaboard, and is expanding distribution on the West Coast. For more information, visit http://www.KeeperSprings.com.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences that take guests on “A Total Departure” to 50 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company’s “Power of One” associate empowerment program. The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations and travel publications. To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

Weiland, a high-energy, intensely focused natural and specialty products broker, will offer a presentation on the ways that emerging beverage brands can enter the marketplace with immediate impact and quick presence in the public consciousness. He will share tips on taking advantage of seasonal reset opportunities and how suppliers and brokers work hand-in-hand to launch products effectively.

This presentation on brand-building will be valuable to all conference attendees, including those who work with broker networks and DSD houses alike. Weiland’s ability to understand what makes brands work and thrive in the marketplace is what has allowed Presence Marketing to grow into the only independently owned, national natural-products brokerage in the U.S., but his enthusiasm for the space is what will make his talk a can’t-miss event at BevNET Live.

Only a few seats remain for BevNET Live, which will take place on June 4 and 5 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan. You should register now.

About BevNET Live

BevNET Live’s June 2012 New York City event will be held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan on June 4 and 5. BevNET Live is a two-day forum for beverage entrepreneurs, suppliers, distributors, retailers and investors to gather, speak, exchange ideas through interactive panels and lectures, and enhance their marketing and product development strategies through our Beverage School. Attendees can tap the expertise of investment professionals who can help groom them to attract money, business owners with inspiring success stories, and the BevNET.com community, which has spent a decade dedicating itself to careful reporting on the fast-moving beverage industry.

About Bill Weiland

Growing up as one of 13 children, Bill learned how to have his voice heard at an early age. He now has two children of his own – Bill, who joined the Dynamic Presence team in 2009, and Molly, an energetic teenager who is active with cheerleading, dance, and taste testing new products.

He developed an interest in natural foods during his mid teens when he lost a bet… his sister wagered $10 that he couldn’t go a full day without eating candy. When he broke down at 3:00 in the afternoon and ate a Jolly Rancher, he decided to start exploring healthier food options.

He started working in a natural food store when he was 16 and began reading books on nutrition and healthy living at a fervent pace. Paavo Airola, Norman Walker and Paul Bragg were some of the early natural food enthusiasts who influenced his lifestyle choices, along with the inimitable Dr. John R. Christopher, an early pioneer in herbal medicine.

After nearly a dozen years of working in the Natural Products Industry, in varied roles within the sales and retail sectors, he launched Presence Marketing in January, 1990.

He is surrounded by a dedicated cast of creative and intelligent people who carry out the mission of bringing healthy products to consumers, with great energy, passion, and resolve.

With nearly 35 years of industry experience, he is uniquely qualified to lead Presence Marketing/Dynamic Presence during booming as well as unstable economic times.

His passion for sustainable agriculture, healthy foods and integrated medicine are key drivers behind his commitment to continue building Presence Marketing/Dynamic Presence, the only independently owned, national – natural products brokerage in the United States.

For Mika Manninen and Helena Lumme, moving to the U.S. from their native Finland was a dietary culture shock. The couple longed for a number of all-natural, non-GMO foods and beverages that were only available in Europe, and, in particular, a drink made with oats. However, the Finnish ex-pats – both veterans of the consumer goods world – also sensed opportunity. While U.S. consumers were gradually shifting toward healthier lifestyles, oat-based products were missing from equation. In 2008, the couple founded Simpli, a company that manufactures and imports a range of oat shakes and oatmeal products.

After three years in development, Simpli splashed onto the market with a well-received debut at Natural Products Expo West 2011. The company’s oat shakes were touted – and applauded – for their on-trend, healthy qualities; the drinks are low-calorie, high in fiber, dairy-free, and contain no added sugar.

Only two weeks after launching at Expo West, Simpli signed a national distribution deal with natural foods powerhouse Kehe, and United Natural Foods (UNFI) picked up the brand a short time later. The brand’s shakes have since gained a significant amount of traction within the natural foods channel with Simpi positioning the drinks within the rapidly growing dairy alternative category, and focusing on a core message of health and wellness. Simpli Oat Shakes are now distributed in over 500 stores including Whole Foods locations in the retailer’s Northern California and Rocky Mountain regions.

Simpli’s first-to-market oat drink and rapid ascent within the natural foods channel, particularly as a dairy alternative product, has not gone unnoticed. The oat shakes sparked a growing number of number of new entries onto the market including Sneaky Pete’s Oatstanding beverages, Oatworks, and Naked’s Fruit Juice & Oat Smoothies – all part of a rising tide of investment and innovation into the nascent oat category.

In this video, BevNET Editor-in-Chief Jeff Klineman speaks with Manninen and Lumme about the Simpli brand, and how oat-based drinks have become a legitimate category for companies to invest in. Lumme also discusses how Simpli plans to increase education about the benefits of oat drinks as a way to develop a more consistent consumer of its products.

ORANGE, N.J., May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — LycoRed Limited, a leading developer and marketer of ingredients for food fortification, dietary supplements and food coloring, announced today that the company’s production of Tomat-O-Red®, the only FDA-approved, all-natural lycopene red color additive, has doubled in the past month to meet growing market demand among food and beverage manufacturers.

“We are pleased to offer a natural, vegan-friendly red food color additive, especially given the recent public outcry over the use of cochineal extract, which is derived from beetles,” said Morris Zelkha, president and CEO of LycoRed. “With this increased demand and interest in Tomat-O-Red, production levels are continuing to ramp up daily, and we are also fielding a flood of inquiries from food and beverage wholesalers and manufacturers of all sizes, about the product’s many attributes and benefits.”

LycoRed, a science-based Israeli company with more than 15 years of experience, uses a patented process to produce Tomat-O-Red, an antioxidant-rich lycopene compound, from California-grown, non-genetically modified (GMO) tomatoes. In addition to being vegan, Tomat-O-Red is kosher and halal certified as well as considered a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) ingredient.

Tomat-O-Red comes in a range of red-based colors, has a long shelf-life and remains stable under a variety of food processing conditions, including temperature, light and pH variations. The color additive is suitable for many types of food and beverage applications including milk, yogurt, ice cream, surimi, chewing gum, and confectionery products, among others.

The global market for lycopene, both as a color additive and nutritional supplement, is expected to grow substantially in the next few years. It is estimated that the worldwide market for lycopene could reach $84 million by 2018, up from $66 million in 2010, according to a September 2011 BCC Research report.

About LycoRed

LycoRed Ltd. is a science-based manufacturer of nutrients for use in dietary supplements, medical foods, functional food and beverages and nutricosmetics. The company also offers microencapsulated ingredients, vitamin and mineral premixes, natural colorants, and cosmeceutical products. The company provides fortification solutions, such as dairy products, beverages and powder drinks, bakery products, confectionery and snacks, breakfast cereals, nutritional bars and meat substitutes. Founded in 1993, LycoRed operates as a subsidiary of Makhteshim Agan Industries Ltd. The company is headquartered in Beer Sheva, Israel with subsidiaries in Yavne, Israel; Ayleford, United Kingdom; Orange, New Jersey; Schaffhausen, Switzerland and Changzhou, China. For more information, please visit www.lycored.com. For information specific to Tomat-O-Red, visit www.lyco-colors.com.