Coke has reaped millions of dollars in cost savings from its acquisition of major bottlers including Coca-Cola Enterprises; now, to build share, it plans to apply many of those saved revenues behind advertising and promotion, according to a report on the company’s earnings call published in the Wall Street Journal.

Coke beat analysts’ expected earnings per share on solid global volume growth  and cost savings, but missed gross margin expectations, possibly due to commodity prices, according to Wells Fargo Analyst Bonnie Herzog.

Coke volume sales were up 3 percent, although some analysts expressed concerns that those increases were driven by unsustainable pricing increases.

PepsiCo has been cutting jobs and boosting marketing; it will announce its earnings on Thursday.

Goldin: Bubbling in Better Homes

HINT Fizz recently introduced a Peach flavor to go with Blackberry, Watermelon, and Strawberry-Kiwi.

Release is below:

HINT Fizz Wins a 2012 Better Homes and Gardens Best New Product Award

February 6, 2012 (San Francisco) – HINT Fizz wins a 2012 Better Homes and Gardens Best New Product Award in the Beverage category. This revolutionary sparkling water is the first of its kind, offering natural, calorie & preservative free unsweetened carbonated refreshment available in HINT’s top selling flavors of Blackberry, Watermelon, Strawberry-Kiwi and introducing Peach for the first time. The 2012 Best New Product Award winners were determined from the BrandSpark International/Better Homes and Gardens American Shopper Study that surveyed more than 66,000 independent consumers who voted in 67 categories.

“There is nothing like HINT Fizz on the market,” said Kara Goldin, CEO of HINT Water. “As both a mom and the founder of HINT I’m always looking for new products that are healthy and hydrating while not compromising on flavor.  Consumers told us ‘This is not sparkling water with flavor, its unsweetened sparkling water,’ and we’re happy that HINT Fizz has won this award in such a competitive category.”

Known as “The People’s Choice Awards” for consumer products, the Best New Product Awards are North America’s pre-eminent gauge of habits, trends and key insights into the minds of consumers. “Thousands of products are launched every year – no wonder Americans look to independent consumer endorsements like the Best New Product Awards,” says Robert Levy, President of BrandSpark International, the market research firm responsible for developing and managing the Best New Product Awards. “Winning a Best New Product Award means that many  independent consumers have purchased and endorsed HINT Fizz as the best in its category.”

Like the original HINT Water, HINT Fizz offers delicious and refreshing, unsweetened refreshment.  For those who prefer carbonation, HINT Fizz unsweetened sparkling water is the clear path to ditching soda. With a more mainstream taste profile than flavored seltzers and delicious, well-rounded flavors, HINT Fizz is reigniting carbonated beverages, this time for the better.

Launched in 2003, the Best New Product Awards have grown to become the most credible Consumer Packaged Goods awards program in North America, operating for the past nine years in Canada and for four years in the United States. “Because the award is 100% consumer-voted and not juried by a panel, when consumers see the Best New Product Award logo on packaging or in advertising it’s like receiving a direct endorsement from thousands of everyday shoppers,” adds Levy.

For more information about the Best New Product Awards, please visit www.BestNewProducts.biz.

About HINT Inc.

HINT, whose mantra is Drink Water, Not Sugar® is the brainchild of Kara Goldin, a San Francisco mother of four who was seeking a refreshing, unsweetened and no calorie beverage to give her family. Her simple solution – HINT Essence Water. Launched in 2005, Kara developed HINT in response to the growing wall of sugary juices and sodas. HINT is at the heart of a healthy lifestyle™, and is available in many delicious flavors including Blackberry, Watermelon, Pomegranate-Tangerine, Mango-Grapefruit, Strawberry-Kiwi and Raspberry-Lime. HINT Essence Water can be found in fine grocery stores and retailers all over the United States or purchased online at www.drinkhint.com. The latest addition, HINT Fizz is available nationwide at specialty grocery stores. More information is also available at www.facebook.com/drinkhint.
About BrandSpark International

BrandSpark International is an independent market research and brand strategy firm with a strong grasp on consumer segmentation, innovation, new product research and global consumer trends.  BrandSpark developed the Best New Product Awards program to be the most credible consumer voted awards program for Consumer Packaged goods.   www.BrandSpark.com

About Better Homes and Gardens

Reaching nearly 40 million readers every month, the Better Homes and Gardens brand extends across the web, tablet, mobile, broadcast, broadband and numerous licensed products, serving and connecting women who are passionate about their homes and the lives they create there.  Better Homes and Gardens inspires women to dream and gives them the confidence to move from dreaming to doing.  For more information, visit www.bhg.com

DENVER, CO – The Pulse Beverage Corporation (“Pulse”) (OTCBB: PLSB), makers of Cabana™ 100% Natural Lemonade and Pulse® brand of NutriPurpose™ beverages, today announced it has secured six more distributors in Wisconsin and Wyoming to expand its rapidly growing distribution network for its products and current sales of Cabana™ 100% Natural Lemonade.

In addition to the Master Distributor Agreement recently announced with Bernick’s Beverages, which covers sections of Wisconsin, Pulse has added to its reach through: Webb & Gerritsen, covering ten counties in Wisconsin; Kay Beer Distributing, covering northeast Wisconsin; and Lee Beverages of Wisconsin, covering 21 Wisconsin counties. Webb carries more than 40 product lines including Snapple™, Dad’s™ Root beer, Xing™ Tea and Skinny™ Water. Bob Rake, CEO of Webb, commented, “It was an easy decision to bring on Cabana™ as it’s a quality product in the fastest growing beverage sector. Cabana™ will greatly compliment our natural teas and sodas.” Paul De Grave, GM of Kay, commented, “We are excited to introduce Cabana™ to northeast Wisconsin. We are sure this great tasting, lower calorie, 100% natural lemonade will be a winner among demanding Packer fans.”

In addition to previously announced Dr. Pepper 7-Up of the West, which covers the western part of Wyoming, Pulse has secured three more distributors in Wyoming: Metz Beverages, servicing northeast Wyoming; Stoval Beverage, servicing mid-state Wyoming; and Rocky Mountain, servicing southeast Wyoming.

Paddy Sheya, VP and National Sales Manager for Pulse, said, “With the addition of these six new distributors, Cabana will be available through the majority of Wisconsin and Wyoming. I am most excited about the reputation of these distributors; they all are known in the industry for supplying quality products and services, a major asset in building any brand.”

Details of the Company’s business and agreements can be found as part of the Company’s continuous public disclosure as a reporting issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) EDGAR database.

About The Pulse Beverage Corporation (OTCBB: PLSB)

The Pulse Beverage Corporation is an emerging growth beverage company that manufactures, distributes and markets Cabana™ 100% Natural Lemonade and is preparing to launch its PULSE® brand of beverages originally developed by a major healthcare company. For more information: www.pulsebeverage.com or email info@pulsebeverage.com.

From Weinstein’s experience starting and growing brands, to Reda’s work helping incubate and distribute them in the wilds of New York City, to Riley’s role in handling store approvals and merchandising at grocery, the three speakers form an exciting cross-section of the beverage industry that all entrepreneurs will encounter as they battle for success.

And the battle of success is what BevNET Live is all about, as the perennially sold out conference comes to New York for the fourth time. Featuring an expanded exposition area, as well as the ever-exciting New Product Showdown, as well as the high-level networking and strategy sessions for which the conference is known, BevNET Live will once again demonstrate why it is the most important event on the beverage entrepreneur’s calendar.

The two-day event will feature a roster of speakers and panelists who are interested in sharing strategic and operational insights that it would normally take a lifetime to learn. For those who are devoting their lives to the beverage business, this is an incredible way to enrich your knowledge and range of contacts in the entrepreneurial community.

BevNET Live will be held on June 4 and 5 at the Metropolitan Pavilion, a meeting and event space at 125 W. 18^th Street in New York City.

Early registration is available through April 15. Questions regarding registration or sponsorship inquiries can be directed to the BevNET Sales Team at 617-231-8888 or sales@bevnet.com.

Joey Cannata, the EVP of sales and distribution for the company, the third of the “big three” energy drink independents that also include Red Bull and Monster, told BevNET today that he believed the brand had likely passed the $1 billion retail number over a 12-month period trailing the middle of 2011, but offered numbers to back up his assertion that for the entire year.

Rockstar retail volume was at about $759 million for the full year of 2011, according to Symphony/IRI numbers offered by Cannata — which covers mass, drug, grocery and convenience chains excluding Wal-Mart and many independents.

Those accounts are more than enough to push Rockstar into ten figures, however, Cannata said. Last week, PepsiCo introduced three new $1 billion beverage brands as well.

“Wal-Mart is our number-one large format mass account,” he said. Without that giant account, as well as many small independent grocery and convenience stores, and the company’s military sales, among others, he said, the IRI numbers represent less than 70 percent of Rockstar’s overall retail sales volume.

Break out the dancing girls! We're at $1 billion!

“We’re a billion-dollar brand, no question,” Cannata said. “One could argue we passed it in the second half of 2010.”

The latest Nielsen Co. report, shared by Wells Fargo and Co. analyst Bonnie Herzog also showed that Rockstar ended the year burning brighter than the competition.

Rockstar saw solid huge dollar sales increase for the 52-week period ending on Jan. 21 — up nearly 18 percent over the previous year. The increase was second only to red-hot Monster Beverage Corp., which was up nearly 22 percent, but left Red Bull in the dust — the bull was up 14 percent year-over-year. It should be noted that all three major independent brands outpaced the energy category’s overall growth — which was still a very impressive 12.2 percent overall.

Rockstar’s fourth quarter was even more impressive, however, as it blew past its competition in the 12-week period ending Jan. 21 — up a whopping 25 percent over the same period from the previous year.

Much of that growth came from the addition of independent Pepsi distributors, Cannata said, particularly in the Southeast and South Atlantic states.

“They’re doing a great job of it,” he said. “They’re signing on and they’re really seeing Rockstar as the future of their energy portfolio.”

While there are still vestiges of its old DPSG and independent network in place, Rockstar is largely distributed by PepsiCo, Inc., while rival Monster goes mostly through the Coca-Cola Co. Inc. but also through a network of Anheuser-Busch/InBev distributors. Both companies saw gains that had to cheer their distribution partners, whose own energy portfolios remain in free-fall, both down about 14 percent.

So what drove the outstanding quarter — and year — for Rockstar? Certainly, in looking at the numbers, promotion played a big part, as the  Nielsen report shows an aggressive promotional strategy throughout the year (11 percent vs. 5 percent for the category average ) but the volume boost for the company was significant.

Cannata downplayed the notion that the end-of-year promotion had been in place as an overly aggressive attempt to grab share, however, saying it was not a change from the company’s normally scheduled discounting program.

The idea of buying Rockstar at 2 for $3 as a price point may have simply been too appealing for some customers to turn down, he said.

“We have a robust calendar, but maybe our ‘take rate’ is just going up,” he said. “It gets pretty high when you run what was certainly an attractive price point.”

New York, February 1, 2012/

SchoolTube was generated in 2007 and has developed into the nation’s largest moderated video-sharing website. Reaching over 2 million students in over 40,000 schools, SchoolTube provides a safe environment for students, teachers, and administrators to post all academically sound videos as well as any other clips that are suitable for school viewing.

“Featuring a contemporary and relevant brand like WAT-AAH! that kids are just magnetically drawn to was an easy decision for us,” says Carl Arizpe,  Founder of SchoolTube. “The positive message WAT-AAH! consistently pushes out to kids about health and wellness will not only generate viewers to our site but produce healthy changes in all of our partnered educational facilities. We could not be more pleased with this partnership, and we look forward to the future developments.”

On May 3, 2011 WAT-AAH! was named the exclusive beverage partner to Beyonce’s “Move Your Body” Flash Workout, supporting Michelle Obama’s “Let’ Move!” initiative. WAT-AAH! has since been committed to continuing the efforts of this global and historic movement through its “Move Your Body” Challenge campaign encouraging kids to keep active every day through practicing Beyonce’s instructional dance routine. WAT-AAH! is inviting students to submit their own videos of this routine to the WAT-AAH! channel on SchoolTube.

“SchoolTube is a great platform for kids to broadcast their talents, creativity, and intelligence,” says Rose Cameron, CEO of WAT-AAH! “It makes learning fun for kids using the technology that already appeals to them. We are thrilled with this partnership, and believe combining these two worlds will positively effect the youth and contribute to a healthier and brighter future.”

About WAT-AAH!

WAT-AAH! is a line of functional water for kids free of sugar or sweeteners of any kind. Since 2008, the brand has been convincing kids to drink water as opposed to sodas or sugary drinks. WAT-AAH! is available across the US in over 7500 stores/supermarkets as well as 2,000 schools/districts.http://www.wat-aah.com. For More Information Please Contact Christine Widga at christine@wat-aah.com, 212-627-2630.

About SchoolTube

SchoolTube is a media-sharing website for students and educators. It is safe, world-class, free, and nationally endorsed by premier education associations. Its categories include academics and education, contests, green and environment, science, animals and wildlife, conventions, health and wellness, sports, arts and entertainment, elementary, history, student clubs, autos and vehicles, films, music, technology, careers and tech. ed., food, news and journalism, travel and places, community and public service, funnies, people, and weather. All student-created materials posted on SchoolTube must be approved by registered teachers, follow each school’s guidelines, and adhere to high standards.  For more information, please visit www.schooltube.com.

It took just four months from organic espresso /coconut water blend Coco Café to go from independent, entrepreneurial beverage company to a strategic piece in the coconut water chess game. The company, which had its first production run in September, had bids from two different potential investors by the end of December and moved into the Vita Coco offices by the end of January.

The two companies announced the deal today, with Vita Coco taking what CEO Michael Kirban called a “significant majority” of the Coco Café business for an undisclosed amount of money.

Brian McCaslin and Elan Eifer, the founders of Coco Café, called the deal “the best of both worlds,” citing the strength and depth of Vita Coco’s production lines and its ability to cater to influencers and create word of mouth buzz.

“We’ve always admired Vita Coco from afar, and the opportunity to work with Mike was appealing,” Eifer said. “We also see how crowded the coconut water category is getting, and we think that, after time, the company with the best production – Vita Coco – will last.”

Kirban said he felt the need to act swiftly after meeting McCaslin and Eifer at December’s BevNET Live, (an offer from another potential investor, First Beverage Group, was also on the table) and said his company had acquired Coco Café for several reasons: it provides a double-edged sword when it comes to retail placement, it offers a chance to broaden his company’s category footprint without diluting the Vita Coco name, and the economies of scale that Vita Coco brings to the smaller brand mean that it can quickly increase its profit margin while adding new routes to market with little sweat for the larger company. The fact that it gives Vita Coco some cover when dealing with the emerging Zico Chocolate SKU doesn’t hurt, either.

“I want to take this head-to-head with the Starbucks Frappuccino,” Kirban said. “It absolutely gives us an entree into indulgence, but it brings in a functional aspect that lets us play in a whole new part of the store.”

As part of the acquisition, Coco Café’s headquarters have shifted from Santa Monica, where its founders began by selling the product on the beach, to New York, where they now have space — the “Coco Café Corner” — in the Vita Coco offices.

Coco Café will retain its own branding and look distinct from Vita Coco, he added, but will have the opportunity to be merchandised with coconut water and RTD coffees like Coke’s IllyCaffe brand and the category-killing “Frap.” Additionally, the coffee in Coco Café will remain organic and Fair Trade and with new two new SKUs in planning  – with a possible debut at the Natural Products Expo West show in March -  the initial play for the brand will be to build in the specialty/natural category and introduce one or two markets for DSD.

Kirban said he wants McCaslin and Eifer to run Coco Café as an independent entity, albeit one that is using Vita Coco coconut water (there will be a “made with Vita Coco” badge featured somewhere on the package) for supply and is using the sales — and eventually, the distribution — resources of the larger company to get the brand into circulation.

The result, according to Kirban, could be fast and impressive growth. While Vita Coco had taken four years to hit $5 million in revenue, he said, he believes that Coco Café might hit that number this year due to the maturation of the category and the new distribution advantages the company will have. The interest in the company was apparent when both First Beverage and Vita Coco were trying to invest.

“This is much more of a mainstream play than even Vita Coco was when (co-founder) Ira Liran and I started,” Kirban said. “It’s much more of a mainstream flavor and taste.”

Here is the IBWA’s statement in full:

NEWS RELEASE

February 2, 2012

College Bottled Water Ban Fails Students

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) says that a decision by the University of Vermont to ban the sale of bottled water, while at the same time mandating that vending machines contain 1/3 healthy beverages, sends a contradictory and confusing message to its students. The decision also restricts freedom of choice for students to choose one of the healthiest beverages available in vending machines.

“The university has failed to understand that bottled water is most often an alternative to other packaged drinks, which are often less healthy, and is not necessarily an alternative to tap water,” says Chris Hogan, IBWA Vice President of Communications.

“Research by owners of vending machines shows when bottled water is not available in a vending machine, people choose other packaged beverages, which may contain sugar, caffeine and other additives. They don’t necessarily go looking for a drinking water fountain,” says Mr. Hogan.

IBWA notes the irony that the university-wide ban coincides with a mandate that vending machines contain 1/3 healthy beverages, while obviously excluding bottled water as a healthy beverage.

“It’s a misguided attempt to deal with a waste issue, that would be better addressed through improved recycling rates of all packaged drinks,” says Mr. Hogan. “Bottled water containers are the most highly recycled containers in curbside programs, and the EPA has calculated that plastic bottled water containers make up just 0.03% of the U.S. wastestream. So, getting rid of bottled water on campus will not make a significant improvement to waste issues.”

“Instead, students will turn to other packaged drinks, which still require proper recycling collection facilities,” he said. “I would encourage students, if they want to make a real difference for the environment, to focus their efforts of improving recycling rates of all beverages, not single out one the healthiest drinks on the shelf.

“Stocking the vending machines with teas and enhanced waters as an option to sugary drinks does nothing to help a student looking for pure clean safe water that does not have a the taste of chlorine.  Removing the students’ freedom to choose packaged water is a serious issue. Telling students that they can or cannot buy bottled water is a step backwards, especially with the growing rates of obesity and diabetes in the U.S.”

Mr. Hogan speculated whether UVM administrators would now face similar backlash from its students as the state of Vermont faced from its workers when it attempted a similar ban last year.  In June 2011, Vermont Gov.

Peter Shumlin (D) postponed a state bottled water ban after workers voiced concerns over access to drinking water.

“Many, many state employees have brought forward logistical and other concerns that I think we carefully need to consider before we trigger on this policy,” said Secretary of Administration Jeb Spaulding (D).

“There were enough situations raised (by employees) that we, in good conscience, couldn’t ignore them,” said Spaulding. “We’re at a point where our state workforce, over the last few years, has been under a great deal of stress, with fewer employees doing the same amount of work, and taking pay cuts. It’s important, as an employer, to do what you can to support the morale of your team.”

IBWA yesterday released a new YouTube video addressing the college bottled water ban issue. To view this video click or cut and past this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy5p7at7vf0&list=UUcXQ2ToCG65c7GrYHLxGW-A&index=1&feature=plcp

UBS also noted its expectations for continued growth of the Monster brand beyond 2012. UBS believes that Rehab, a tea and lemonade mix, will strengthen the long-term potential for Monster by giving the company “a viable foothold” in the massive ready-to-drink tea category. UBS also pointed out substantial areas for the growth of Monster products in underdeveloped East Coast markets, and continued opportunity for distribution gains in the Northeast and Atlantic states.

With new funding in hand, Jones will look to dramatically expand its retail presence and the availability of its products in 2012. Jones completed the creation of a national distribution network last year, and the boutique soda company has secured retail authorizations from a number U.S. chains in 2012, including Safeway, Winn-Dixie, Publix, Ralph’s, Shop-Rite, Kum & Go convenience stores as well as all U.S. military commissaries.

Here is the official press release about the registered direct offering:

SEATTLE, WA–(Marketwire – Feb 2, 2012) – Jones Soda Co. (NASDAQ: JSDA), a leader in the premium soda category and known for its unique branding and innovative marketing, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with institutional and accredited investors to sell common stock and warrants in a registered direct offering with gross proceeds of approximately $3.2 million.

“The proceeds of this equity financing will support our cash flow as we continue our mission to increase sales and distribution and improve the bottom line,” said Bill Meissner, CEO of Jones Soda. “We believe that we are headed in the right direction, and these funds, combined with our current cash and our previously announced $2 million credit facility, significantly enhance our financial position and will further enable us to work towards sustainable profitability.”

In connection with the offering, the Company will issue an aggregate of 6,415,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase up to an additional 3,207,500 shares of common stock. The securities will be sold in units at a price of $0.50 per unit, with each unit consisting of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase 0.5 of a share of common stock. The warrants will have an exercise price of $0.70 per share and are exercisable for a five-year period commencing six months after issuance.

The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about February 6, 2012, subject to customary closing conditions, at which time the Company will receive the cash proceeds and deliver the securities.

Rodman & Renshaw, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rodman & Renshaw Capital Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RODM), acted as the exclusive placement agent for the offering.

The common stock and warrants are being offered by the Company pursuant to an effective registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A prospectus supplement relating to the offering described above will be filed with the SEC.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities may only be offered by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus supplement and related prospectus can be obtained directly from Rodman & Renshaw, LLC at placements@rodm.com or (212) 356-0549, or by mail at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10020, or from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

About Jones Soda Co.
Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Jones Soda Co. markets and distributes premium beverages under the Jones Soda, Jones Pure Cane Soda^® and WhoopAss Energy Drink^® brands and sells through its distribution network in markets primarily across North America. A leader in the premium soda category, Jones is known for its variety of flavors and innovative labeling technique that incorporates always-changing photos sent in from its consumers. Jones Soda is sold through traditional beverage retailers.

But apparently things have really accelerated for the Los Angeles-based espresso/coconut water blend, as Vita Coco, the country’s best selling coconut water brand, has swooped in to make an investment in Coco Café.

According to Vita Coco CEO Michael Kirban, the new product will be able to employ some of Vita Coco’s production and distribution routes, while also offering the first generation company a counterpoint to rival Zico’s well-received Chocolate variety.

More to come, but the release is below.

Cuckoo for Coconuts… and Coffee

Vita Coco invests in Southern California beverage start-up

Best selling coconut water company takes stake in new coconut water coffee drink: Coco Café

February 2, 2012 – New York, NY – Vita Coco, the nation’s largest coconut water brand, has made an investment in a California-based beverage start-up called Coco Café, which produces a ready-to-drink beverage of fresh coconut water and organic, fair-trade espresso with milk.  The announcement was confirmed today by Vita Coco co-founder and ceo Michael Kirban.

Vita Coco, launched in 2004, is one of the fastest growing independent beverage brands in the U.S.  The brand sells seven flavors of coconut water at over 35,000 retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Kroger, Walmart, Costco and Amazon.com.

Coco Café, started by friends Brian McCaslin and Elan Eifer on the beaches of Santa Monica, California in 2011 has, according to Kirban, “enormous potential to be the next breakout beverage brand.  Coco Cafe adds a new layer of coconut water-fueled functionality to the coffee category and expands the appeal of coconut water for all beverage consumers.”

“I see a lot of myself in these two entrepreneurs: they have a simple concept based on great taste and authenticity, with huge potential to broaden the category,” continues Kirban.

Kirban should know: just eight years ago Vita Coco was itself a two man (Kirban and co-founder Ira Liran) start-up in Brooklyn, New York.  Today, the Vita Coco brand is the national sales leader of fresh coconut water, arguably the hottest beverage category of the past two years that has already seen acquisitions made by, and new coconut water products developed by, both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.

Coco Café co-founder Brian McCaslin says “Vita Coco was our inspiration when we started the Coco Café brand.  It’s a great compliment that Mike took early notice of our efforts and an even greater compliment that we can now call Mike and his team our partners.”  McCaslin and Eifer will be able to leverage the best of Vita Coco’s production and distribution networks and marketing expertise to grow the Coco Café brand.

Concludes Kirban: “Coco Café will have an impact not just on the coconut water category, but also in ready to drink coffee.  This brand is one to watch.”

About Vita Coco

Vita Coco® is the brand that started America’s craze for fresh coconut water.  Informed consumers, pro-athletes, yogis and nutritionists as well as in-the-know celebrities and influencers have all become quick and loyal fans of coconut water, swearing by the Vita Coco brand for its delicious flavor, hydrating properties and replenishment benefits.  Award-winning Vita Coco, which counts Madonna amongst its investors, is one of the most sought-after products in the beverage aisle.  Visit www.vitacoco.com for more details.

BALA CYNWYD, Pa. February 2, 2012—

“Our transaction with Ironridge has allowed us to substantially reduce our accounts payable by over $1,250,000” said Michael Salaman, CEO of Skinny Nutritional Corp.

Ironridge Global Partners, LLC is a private equity firm that assists public companies in financing operations and expansion. By supplying innovative financing solutions and flexible capital, Ironridge Global seeks to unlock the full potential of cash-constrained businesses. The firm’s core objective is to propel high growth companies in building faster growing and more profitable enterprises.

The Skinny Water® lineup features eight great-tasting flavors, including Acai Grape Blueberry (Hi-Energy), Raspberry Pomegranate (Crave Control), Lemonade Passionfruit (Total-V), Orange Cranberry Tangerine (Wake Up) and as part of its ‘Sport’ line: Blue Raspberry (Fit), Pink Berry Citrus (Power), Kiwi Lime (Active) and Goji Black Cherry (Shape). Every bottle of Skinny Water® has key electrolytes, antioxidants, and vitamins and has zero calories, sugar, and sodium, and no preservatives, with all natural colors and flavors.

ABOUT SKINNY NUTRITIONAL CORP.                                                                                                                                                                                                       Headquartered in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., Skinny Nutritional Corp., the creators of Skinny Water®, a zero-calorie, zero-sugar, zero-sodium and zero-preservative enhanced water with key electrolytes, antioxidants, and vitamins. Skinny Water comes in eight great-tasting flavors that include Acai Grape Blueberry, Raspberry Pomegranate, Orange Cranberry Tangerine and Lemonade Passionfruit, and as part of its ‘Sport’ line: Blue Raspberry, Pink Berry Citrus, Kiwi Lime and Goji Black Cherry. Skinny Nutritional Corp. also expects to launch additional Skinny-branded beverages. For more information, visit www.SkinnyWater.com and  www.facebook.com/skinnywater.

Deal enables expansion of the company’s global flavor ingredient platform and raw materials supply chain

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Pacific Flavors, a leading developer and manufacturer of natural and organic-compliant fruit flavors, announces a strategic capital investment by Asia’s leading agribusiness group, Wilmar International Limited. Blue Pacific Flavors joins Wilmar International Limited’s group of associated companies.

Blue Pacific Flavors will maintain all domestic production of flavors and ingredients for its U.S. clientele from its headquarters manufacturing facility and R&D center in City of Industry, Calif. The company will continue all global operations including its facilities in China, offices in Malaysia, South Korea and the Philippines. Donald Wilkes remains unchanged in his role as CEO and Chairman of Blue Pacific Flavors’ Board of Directors.

Headquartered in Singapore, Wilmar’s business activities include oil palm cultivation, oilseeds crushing, edible oils refining, sugar milling and refining, specialty fats, oleochemicals, biodiesel and fertilizers manufacturing and grains processing. The company has more than 300 manufacturing plants and a distribution network throughout China, India, Indonesia and some 50 other countries.

Wilmar’s Chairman and CEO Kuok Khoon Hong and Chief Scientific Advisor Professor Chua Nam-Hai join the Blue Pacific Flavors’ Board of Directors.

“Wilmar’s supply chain enables us to expand our capabilities and distribution in whole fruit and grain based food flavoring and natural food ingredients,” said Blue Pacific Flavors CEO Donald F. Wilkes. “The dynamics of this partnership will exponentially grow our Chinese and Southeast Asian manufacturing footprint and distribution to a wide range of new customers, while also supporting our North America business and core customer base.”

The investment allows Blue Pacific Flavors to focus on continuing its leadership in true-fruit and whole food flavor creation while strengthening capabilities in natural flavors and extracts. In addition, the investment will provide significant capital resources and the potential to expand basic flavor research platforms as well as an existing licensing partnership with The New Zealand Institute of Plant and Food Research Ltd.

“Our shared values and passion for innovative, high quality whole food ingredients and natural products will provide many new and exciting growth opportunities as we meet the needs of the evolving, health conscious consumers,” added Wilkes.

About Blue Pacific Flavors, Inc.

Since 1993, Blue Pacific Flavors has been a leader in technology driven flavor creation combined with food and beverage application intellectual property solutions. The company’s flavor capabilities range from creative development to new product development and duplication. Blue Pacific provides its customers an international spectrum of innovation, expertise and tradition for quality, service and value. Industries served include the food, beverage, dairy, bakery, confectionery, prepared food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical specialties sectors. The company uses only the finest natural and synthetic raw materials available and manufactures all products under Kosher and Halal supervision, as well as GRAS and FEMA guidelines. Blue Pacific Flavors follows GMP and AIB guidelines and certification. For more information, visit www.bluepacificflavors.com.

About Wilmar

Wilmar International Limited, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Singapore, is today Asia’s leading agribusiness group.  Wilmar is ranked amongst the largest listed companies by market capitalisation on the Singapore Exchange.

Wilmar’s business activities include oil palm cultivation, oilseeds crushing, edible oils refining, sugar milling and refining, specialty fats, oleochemicals, biodiesel and fertilisers manufacturing and grains processing. At the core of Wilmar’s strategy is a resilient integrated agribusiness model that encompasses the entire value chain of the agricultural commodity processing business, from origination and processing to branding, merchandising and distribution of a wide range of agricultural products. It has over 300 manufacturing plants that are supported by its own fleet of vessels serving an extensive distribution network covering China, India, Indonesia and some 50 other countries. The Group is backed by a multinational workforce of more than 88,000 people.

Wilmar’s portfolio of high quality processed agricultural products is the preferred choice of the food manufacturing industry, as well as the industrial and consumer food catering businesses. Its consumer-packed products occupy a leading share in its targeted markets. Through scale, integration and the logistical advantages of its business model, Wilmar is able to extract margins at every step of the value chain, thereby reaping operational synergies and cost efficiencies. Wilmar remains a firm advocate of sustainable growth and is committed to its role as a responsible corporate citizen.

In September, Chief Marketing Officer Paul Fuegner left the company – and while the company has not yet filled the role, it has also not yet executed a strategy to fill the position with brand managers for its different product lines.

Additionally, late last year, the company’s president, Robert Nitisco, a former Red Bull executive, departed after two years with the company. He was replaced by Kevin McClafferty, who had been general manager and Marley’s SVP of Sales and Distribution.

Behind McClafferty – a skilled CPG veteran whose hard driving “land grab” style has has helped the company rapidly gain accounts and distribution – Marley had a surprisingly successful 2011, moving past 100 distribution outlets and selling more than one million cases.

But there is still an organizational vacuum on the marketing side following Fuegner’s departure four months ago. Fuegner, who joined Marley after holding similar positions at Diageo and SKYY Spirits, said he had left because a promised move to Miami…

Fuegner stated that his departure stemmed from Marley’s insistence that he relocate to Detroit, where the beverage company is headquartered.  Fuegner, who had been commuting from his home in the San Francisco Bay area, said that when he joined the company in 2010, he was led to believe that Marley was planning to move its operations to Miami. While Fuegner said that he was willing to uproot his family for a move to South Florida, Detroit was not an option.

“It’s not what I signed up for,” Fuegner said.

Nevertheless, Fuegner said that the split was “amenable,” and wished Marley “nothing but success.” Fuegner is now in the midst of a finding another marketing role within the beverage industry.

Kevin McClafferty, who was promoted to president of Marley Beverages in December, called Fuegner, “a good guy,” and though he declined to say whether Fuegner’s resignation was amicable, he noted that he never comments on employee departures.

Despite the fact that Marley has been without a CMO for the past four months, McClafferty said that he doesn’t see the need to fill the position anytime soon. Instead, Marley will appoint individual brand managers to handle marketing for each of its three drink lines. Though he gave no definite timeframe for the new hires, McClafferty said that the company would look for mid-level managers with 5-8 years in marketing and brand management, beverage industry experience, and a firm grasp of new media and social marketing.

Additionally, McClafferty said that the company will eschew traditional, high-end marketing in favor of a ground-up, street-level sales strategy for what he considers to be an “urban brand.” McClafferty explained that Marley will invest in brand demos and point of purchase marketing for its coffee line and localized events and promotions for its relaxation line.

“We’re trying to keep things ‘unsophisticated,’ if you will,” McClafferty said. “We’re trying not to overthink the brand. We want to allow it to dictate where we spend our marketing dollars… matching our target demographic with [individual] product attributes.”

Despite the fact that Marley appears to paring down its marketing budget, McClafferty stressed that the company is not taking any cost-cutting measures. He said that Marley was simply focusing on “slow growth” by carefully selecting new markets and penetrating each fully before moving on to the next.

“We’re being prudent, but not tightening belt,” McClafferty said. “It’s about trying to take advantage of what brand gives us… and build strong and slow as possible. We want to make sure that we are making smart investments.”

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/

West Coast Chill Pure Energy Drink is based on natural ingredients and contains no sugar, no caffeine, and no artificial colors or flavors.

This beverage features the EPA Stratospheric Award winning Microcool® technology, developed, patented, and licensed by Joseph Company International, which is eco-friendly using CO2 reclaimed from the atmosphere, and activated carbon ascertained from a renewable vegetable source. An activation button on the can allows the beverage to drop 30 degrees within minutes. The Chill Can does not require any energy and eliminates the need for any refrigeration as it CHILLS ON DEMAND ™ ANYTIME ANYWHERE. “The Chill Can will revolutionize the beverage industry, and the way the consumer perceives a cold drink,” according to Joseph Company International CEO, Mitchell J. Joseph.

Part of West Coast Chill, Inc.’s “Greening Efforts” will include recycle bins specially made to RECAPTURE the cans for REUSE in an effort to reduce their carbon foot print.

West Coast Chill Pure Energy Drink is scheduled to launch the end of the first quarter of 2012. It will be available initially in certain selected convenience stores in Southern California and Las Vegas.

West Coast Chill, Inc. is licensed under the authority of Joseph Company International.

As anyone who has worked through bubble tea, aloe drinks, or Orbitz knows, there is so far only a small market for heterogeneous beverages. So it’s really your call if you want to go into the biz.

But here’s the link.

Here is the press release announcing the partnership between the two companies:

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — BODYARMOR® SUPERDRINK™ launches its partnership with Big Geyser, one of New York’s largest independent non-alcoholic beverage distributors to exclusively serve the five boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, as well as Westchester, Long Island, Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Big Geyser, founded in 1986, as the first eastern distributor of Crystal Geyser Water, has grown into one of the largest distributors of premium non-alcoholic beverages and snacks in the country. BODYARMOR® SUPERDRINK™ is honored to be represented by Big Geyser, a recognized brand-builder of leading non-alcoholic beverages. Big Geyser distributes brands from some of the largest beverage manufacturers in the world, including the Coca-Cola Company, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and Nestle.

John Kenneally, Executive Vice President of BODYARMOR® SUPERDRINK™ stated, “We could not have partnered with a better distributor in the New York market. Big Geyser will play a vital role in placing BODYARMOR® SUPERDRINK™ on retail store shelves with their accessibility to advance retail chain authorizations, execution of retail activation programs, and attention to merchandising detail.” While the pre-release of BODYARMOR® in Westchester County and Long Island has already exceeded expectations with 1,500 new accounts including key retail chains in just 30 days, the recent launch in New York City gained over 2000 accounts in a single week.

“At Big Geyser, we are committed to partnering with great brands that we believe in and fully support. We believe that BODYARMOR® SUPERDRINK™ is poised to rekindle excitement in the functional beverage category and are fully committed to engaging the necessary brand building programs to gain critical shelf placement throughout the city of New York, Long Island and Westchester County,” said Jerry Reda, C.O.O. of Big Geyser. Big Geyser distributed products are routinely placed in leading retail chains such as Whole Foods, Duane Reade, 7-Eleven and Hess Convenience Stores, among others in New York City.

About Big Geyser Inc.

Big Geyser, the premier and largest independent, nonalcoholic beverage distributor in New York is a family owned and operated distribution company founded in 1986. With more than 25,000 accounts within its territory, Big Geyser represents brands from Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Nestle and other leading companies. Big Geyser has established itself as the “Go To” beverage distributor in the influential New York metro market and maintains a premium portfolio of brands. Big Geyser directly services all channels of trade in the five boroughs of New York City, Nassau, Suffolk County, Long Island and Westchester County. Big Geyser prides itself on building brands and has cultivated an enduring reputation in distribution, delivering an unsurpassed level of customer service, operating 7 days a week 24 hours a day. http://www.biggeyser.com