NEW YORK —

Celebrating its fifth year in the marketplace this May, WAT-AAH! continues to spread its positive message of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and playing an influential role in the fight against childhood obesity. The brand leads the organization of the “Move Your Body” campaign, one of the most popular and successful initiatives supporting the First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! program. With “Move Your Body,” WAT-AAH! recruits and encourages schools year round to regularly utilize the exercise routine, recorded and choreographed by Beyonce for Let’s Move!, and on the first week of May, the company spearheads its nationwide anniversary celebration. This year, a PSA video kicked off  a very successful campaign, which resulted in over 300,000 students and a number of entertainment and sports celebrity participants, national media coverage generating over 120 million impressions and most importantly, a formal acknowledgement and congratulatory letter from the First Lady Michelle Obama for the “Move Your Body” initiative and the company’s dedication to promote the health and wellness to today’s kids.

The brand is committed to building positive imagery around health and drinking water. Through relevant consumer touch points like music, sports, entertainment and social media, WAT-AAH! has made drinking water less boring and “cooler” in the eyes of children. Some of WAT-AAH!’s major initiatives have included product integration in The Wanted’s highly anticipated music video, “Walks Like Rihanna,” and several unique and popular social media initiatives such as the “Blame It On The SUG-AAH!” contest, “Show Me WAT-YOU-GOT!” kid-talent competition and “WAT-AAH! Ride” for the teen skateboarding crowd. Additionally, WAT-AAH! was recently recognized by Billboard Magazine as one of the brands leading the trend in promoting healthy beverages with music celebrities. The brand has partnered with celebrities such as Nick Cannon, Carly Rae Jepsen, Mindless Behavior, Austin Mahone, Willow Smith, Jonas Brothers, Disney’s Bella Thorne and many others. Furthermore, WAT-AAH! has been growing it’s NFL/NBA partnerships and has worked alongside athletes such as Marques Colston of the New Orleans Saints, Pat Peterson of the Arizona Cardinals, Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions, Steve Nash of the Los Angeles Lakers and Lou Williams of the Atlanta Hawks to promote charities focusing on health, education and physical activity.

“The growth and acceptance of our brand in the market is strong and means one thing, that today’s generation of kids do want and will choose healthier options. If it is marketed the right way, they will even go for the most boring product of all — WATER,” says Rose Cameron CEO and Founder of WAT-AAH!. “We are motivated to keep going and to continue our relentless approach to champion what we believe is the most important agenda for the children of this country today — their health,” she adds.

Forbes Magazine recently covered the brand in the article, “A New York Mom Outsmarts Coke and Pepsi,” pointing out its timely health proposition, smart marketing and growing success at the retail level including schools. In fact, WAT-AAH! is one of the fastest growing functional bottled water brands in the industry, experiencing an annual growth rate of over 230%. Founded by Rose Cameron, WAT-AAH! was created after she learned an alarming fact that today’s generation of kids are predicted to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents due in large part to childhood obesity. Inspired by her two boys and armed with 20+ years of experience in brand building and developing successful national marketing campaigns for various industries, they worked together to design WAT-AAH!’s screaming boy logo and its first line of functional products, which entered the market in 2008.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN.

Founded by parents who helped their daughter overcome the challenges of a severe gastrointestinal health condition, CocoKefir, L.L.C. is dedicated to producing probiotic solutions that enrich people’s lives, especially those who take their gastrointestinal health seriously. The company produces dairy free Tula’s® CocoKefir™ brand coconut kefirs and Tula’s® CocoYo™ brand dairy free yogurt-like probiotic pudding. The company’s products are currently distributed through natural grocers in 27 U.S. states and are available in all 50 U.S. states through the company’s website – www.cocokefir.com.

Body Ecology, Inc. was founded over 24 years ago by international bestselling author Donna Gates. Ms. Gates is recognized as a leading authority on digestive health. Her books include The Body Ecology Diet and Growing Younger: Anti-Aging Wisdom for Every Generation . She hosts the Body Ecology Hour with Donna Gates on Hay House Radio and regularly contributes to The Huffington Post and The Daily Love.

CocoKefir founder Michael Larsen said of this new partnership, “We are very happy to be partnering with Body Ecology and Donna Gates on this new product. My wife Holly and I have witnessed firsthand the profound improvements The Body Ecology Diet can provide and we hope we can help spread the word about this new way of looking at our health and the foods we eat.”

The launch of this new cobranded coconut kefir at the Autism One/Generation Rescue conference is timely as recent studies conducted by Dr. Derrick MacFabe at the University of Western Ontario¹ link gastrointestinal health to brain chemistry and behavior and work by Dr. Martha Herbert at Harvard Medical School² applies it to children with autism and ADHD. The conference will feature a presentation by Dr. MacFabe on his research as well as a presentation on fermented foods by Donna Gates.

MORE ABOUT COCOKEFIR, LLC

Established in September 2009 by Michael and Holly Larsen of Edina, MN, CocoKefir LLC is a leading producer of dairy free, gluten free, probiotic beverages made from raw fresh young coconut.  The company is dedicated to providing fermented food products of the highest quality that help enrich people’s lives, especially those suffering from gastrointestinal health issues. www.cocokefir.com

MORE ABOUT BODY ECOLOGY, INC.

The Body Ecology Diet (BED) shows you how to restore and maintain the important “inner ecology” your body needs to function properly and to eliminate or control the symptoms that rob people of the joy of living. The company’s products are all specifically designed to help people cultivate, nourish, cleanse and repair this abundant inner ecosystem (hence the name Body Ecology). www.bodyecology.com

MORE ABOUT AUTISM ONE

AutismOne is a nonprofit, parent-driven organization that provides education and supports advocacy efforts for children and families touched by an autism diagnosis, holding the largest and most comprehensive annual autism conference in the USA. The conference includes the most experienced, progressive clinicians and researchers who help individuals with autism and who make the most relevant discoveries, as well as educators, therapists, and advocates. AutismOne has also been involved in publication of original work and radio. www.autismone.org

MORE ABOUT GENERATION RESCUE

Generation Rescue is dedicated to recovery for children with autism spectrum disorders by providing guidance and support for medical treatment to directly improve the child’s quality of life for all families in need. www.generationrescue.org

Former AQUAhydrate CEO John Cochran

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. Nevertheless, Cochran is no stranger to the life of a nomadic beverage executive. Ole Smoky is his third stop since March 2011 when he stepped down as president of Fiji Water Company and became the CEO at Pabst Brewing Co. After a nine month stint with Pabst, he joined AQUAhydrate in January 2012.

At press time, neither Cochran nor executives at AQUAhydrate could not be reached for comment.

Here is Ole Smoky’s statement about the hire:

Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Appoints John Cochran as New CEO

Tennessee’s First Legal Moonshine Eyes Sales Growth And International Expansion With Hire Of Beverage Industry Expert John Cochran As CEO

GATLINBURG, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine announced today that beverage industry veteran John Cochran has been named chief executive officer (CEO) of the growing spirits brand. Known for leading remarkable growth of the Pabst Blue Ribbon brands, Cochran joins Ole Smoky after most recently serving as CEO of AquaHydrate.

Joe Baker, founder of Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine, stated: “John brings a proven track record of success with Pabst Blue Ribbon, a brand whose target consumer demographic very much aligns with that of Ole Smoky. While we’ve achieved tremendous growth with our current team, leveraging our heritage and local traditions, we’ve now reached a point at which we need to accelerate that growth and guide Ole Smoky into new territory. John is a beverage industry veteran, and his impressive work with Fiji and PBR make him the perfect choice for Ole Smoky’s next chapter. ”

Prior to joining Ole Smoky, Cochran was CEO of AquaHydrate where he spent the past year building the brand for the joint venture between Mark Wahlberg and Sean Combs. A beverage industry authority, Cochran built the Roll Global Fiji brand and developed the premium bottled water category, which he then applied to AquaHydrate, helping each brand achieve rapid success in a crowded category. Prior to his work with AquaHydrate, Cochran served as CEO of Pabst Brewing Company where he rebuilt and revitalized the company’s marquee brand, Pabst Blue Ribbon, transforming it into an iconic American brand.

“I am truly privileged to take on the role of CEO for Ole Smoky Moonshine,” said Cochran. “I absolutely love the product, and am energized by the emergence of moonshine as a more mainstream category. I have a personal affinity for craft distilling and believe that the authenticity of true American brands like Ole Smoky Moonshine connect with consumers in a powerful way. Ole Smoky is a true American success story, and the company has parlayed local traditions into a nationally-distributed brand that has created local jobs in East Tennessee and continues to support its Appalachian heritage. I’m look forward to introducing the Ole Smoky brand to new audiences and to growing the business, both nationally and internationally.”

About Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine

Based on a 200-year-old heritage of making moonshine in the Great Smoky Mountains, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine™ is Tennessee’s first legal moonshine. Based in Gatlinburg, TN, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine retails six flavors of moonshine made from local East Tennessee corn, then manufactured, bottled and shipped directly from the company’s famed distillery. The Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery, known as The Holler, is America’s most visited distillery and produces the brand’s signature 100 proof Original Moonshine, White Lightnin’™, Moonshine Cherries™, Peach Moonshine™, Apple Pie Moonshine™ and Blackberry Moonshine™. In true southern style, each Ole Smoky Moonshine flavor is inspired by the hand-crafted recipes of the Tennessee families who have been bottling moonshine in the smoky mountains for more than a century. Available in 48 states, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine can be found at local retailers and is sampled and sold at some of the biggest music and sporting events in the country.

For more information about Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine, please visit www.olesmokymoonshine.com.

Evian's new bottle

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

For the first time in 14 years, the naturally-filtered water brand has updated its bottle design. Evian, which is owned by the French food and beverage company Danone, has traded the contoured bottle for a smoother surface. The new bottle will debut in the U.S. in June with 330 mL and 500 mL sizes, and an advertising campaign is set for July. The news was first reported by The Associated Press (AP).

Evian’s decision to revamp the bottle was spurred by other high-end bottled water brands such as Voss and FIJI. These companies, which are known for their luxury-inspired, stylish packages, have gained market share at the expense of Evian.

According to SymphonyIRI, a Chicago-based market research firm, dollar sales of Evian dollar sales increased by just 1.55 percent over the past 52 weeks ending on Jan. 27 in the multi-outlet channel, which includes convenience stores, supermarkets, drugstores, mass market retailers, gas stations, military commissaries and select club and dollar chains. Meanwhile, dollar sales of Voss leaped by nearly 91 percent in the those retail channels over the same period of time.

“What the other waters did was put pressure on us to contemporize Evian,” Eric O’Toole, president of Danone Waters North America, said in the AP story. “We realized that our bottle had become a little bit old and dated.”

The bottle makeover further establishes that style matters in the bottled water category. In a recent article in BevNET Magazine, Ken Gilbert, the chief marketing officer of Voss, said that his company’s slender, glass bottle (which can also be found in plastic) allows consumers to instantly recognize the brand and associate the water with a luxurious lifestyle.

“There are companies who would kill to have an iconic bottle that’s recognized around the world,” Gilbert said.

Evian also has international plans for the new packaging. Japan and Canada will receive the new bottles at the end of the summer, while the arrival of the new bottles in Europe has yet to be announced, according to the AP.

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 (full agenda).  Additionally, attendees will also have ample access to connect with the dozens of beverage distributors, retailers and investors during the BevNET Live Expo, at Sampling Bar breaks, cocktail receptions and more.

Register for BevNET Live Summer ‘13 »

NEW YORK — 

About the new flavors:

• “The Victorian,” a modern take on the beloved classic. On the surface, it’s pretty simple. Just a good ol’, authentic sweet black tea. But dig deeper, and you’ll taste the difference. A blend so delicate, so unique, crafted with such fine detail – there is history to every drop. A 19th century gem, remixed for the 21st century.

• Lemon.  Believe us at Heart of Tea, this is lemon iced tea.  A selection of the world’s most delicate tea leaves, subtly tuned with the lightness of lemon.  A marriage of black tea and citrus, made for summer. Smooth, simple and refreshing.

Both new flavors are “perfection, made locally.”  Victorian and Lemon join the two current Heart of Tea flavors: Peach and Pomegranate-Orange.

All flavors are available at retailers throughout New York and have a suggested retail price of $2.49 / 14 fl. oz. bottle.

Additionally, starting this month, all Fairway Market locations in the New York area will carry Heart of Tea, the first time the brand has been available for sale in the legendary grocery chain.

Heart of Tea has also chosen its first distributor: Exclusive Beverage Distributors, Inc.  Says Heart of Tea founder Messi Gerami, “Exclusive has a stellar reputation for building brands and building sales in this region, and we’re thrilled to worked with them as we build the Heart of Tea brand on the East Coast.”

Heart of Tea is the latest entry into the bottled iced tea market.  The difference?  Flavor, authenticity and history.  Heart of Tea is all-natural and places an emphasis on higher quality tea leaves and natural tea flavor rather than pronounced sweetness, fruit or citrus.  The result is a truer tea flavor that isn’t overwhelmed by obvious added sugars or the tang of lemon.  Founder Messi Gerami has a long, family history in the tea business: his great grandfather was a tea farmer and exporter, as were his grandfather and parents.  Heart of Tea was started and is produced in New York.

SALT LAKE CITY —

In the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois’ Eastern Division, Judge Gettleman granted a motion by Play Beverages, LLC, CirTran Beverage Corporation and CirTran Corporation, denying a motion by Playboy Enterprises International, Inc., without prejudice. Playboy had filed on February 1, 2013, seeking to enjoin PlayBev and the CirTran companies from using the trademark, with the defendants counter filing on March 5.

Following Judge Gettleman’s ruling, a report for status and review has been set for October 17, 2013.

In 2012, CirTran’s beverage distribution revenues were up 39% from 2011, and accounted for 98% of its sales. CirTran has operations in Asia, including China, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as in the U.S., South America, Europe and Canada. To date, CirTran has operations in over 20 countries.

“The win last week in U.S. District Court continued CirTran’s very successful litigation on behalf of our beverage business,” said Iehab J. Hawatmeh, the company’s founder, chairman and president.

“Since December 2012, it has been win after win for our beverage business, with CirTran and our partners successful in all settled-to-date and court proceedings involving the Playboy Energy Drink-centric beverage business,” Mr. Hawatmeh said. “A settlement last month, he said, relieved CirTran of approximately $1.4 million in accrued royalties and other debt obligations claimed by former Play Beverages’ partners.

“Despite time-consuming and costly litigation, CirTran continues to move forward with our Playboy Energy Drink business in North America and around the world,” he said.

About CirTran Corporation

Marking its 20^th year in business, CirTran Corporation has evolved from its roots as an international, full-service contract manufacturer. From its headquarters in Salt Lake City, where it operates, along with its Racore Technology electronics manufacturing subsidiary, from an ISO 9001:2000-certified facility, CirTran has grown in scope and geography. CirTran’s operations include: CirTran-Asia, a subsidiary with principal offices in ShenZhen, China, which manufactures high-volume electronics, fitness equipment, and household products for the multi-billion-dollar direct response industry; CirTran Online, which offers products directly to consumers through major retail web sites; and CirTran Beverage, which has partnered with Play Beverages, LLC, to introduce and distribute the Playboy Energy Drink.

LOS ANGELES — 

“We’re pleased to bring Red Ace into the Vitamin Shoppe for our customers,” said Michael Martin, Category Manager for the Vitamin Shoppe. “Our customers are always looking for new and innovative products to help them with their health and wellness goals.”

Using nitrate-rich beetroot juice, Red Ace Organics is a performance supplement derived from organic beets, and is important for developing and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. In one small bottle, Red Ace is a completely natural way to amp up one’s endurance, and boost cardiovascular activity.

Consuming Red Ace daily will boost athletic performance by improving blood flow, and it can also assist in lowering blood pressure. Each bottle contains 3 organic beets, comprised of all-organic products, and has no added sugar. Red Ace helps to support cardiovascular health and increase stamina. This is not your mother’s borscht, Red Ace also contains organic lemon juice. Red Ace offers one of the most delicious and refreshing options in the supplement industry.

About Red Ace Organics

For athletes, there has never been a drug, substance, or steroid that could increase energy extraction from oxygen, until now. Red Ace Organic Beet Juice supplement is an all-organic product that research indicates will help athletes deliver oxygen and nutrients better through the body. Red Ace is currently available on-line and featured in over 200 organic and natural retail locations nationwide. Red Ace launched its retail footprint exclusively with Whole Foods Markets December 2012.

If you haven’t already done so, NOW is the time to register!

What is BevNET Live? The two-day business conference offers unparalleled educational and networking opportunities for beverage entrepreneurs of all stages, and features a roster of interactive panels and lectures, headed up by some of the most knowledgeable and successful professionals in the beverage industry.

Who will be there? Hundreds of attendees — including beverage companies, investors, distributors, retailers and suppliers — are already registered.

What’s on the agenda? Featuring with a keynote interview with AriZona Beverage Co. co-founder Don Vultaggio, BevNET Live Summer ’13 will highlight and explore cutting edge trends like high pressure processing (HPP), offer attendees crucial insight on growing opportunity for natural products in mainstream retailers, and identify paths to new, value-added investment. BevNET Live will also feature its unique sampling bar, which showcases dozens of the hottest beverage brands on the market, as well as the pulsating New Beverage Showdown competition.

Register for BevNET Live Summer ‘13 »

Or call 617-231-8834 or email jlandis@bevnet.com

LAS VEGAS —

TEAloe is a Ready-To-Drink, organic, fair trade brewed green tea combined with organic aloe vera bits, which add a juicy and, now, award winning, dimension to its combination of ingredients. TEAloe is also gluten-free and is made In USA.

The beverage was created by TEAloe LLC, funded by Gofredy Salazar and Diana Cruz, both industrial engineers with experience in the food & beverage and retail industries.

Available in four flavors, Original, Peach, Passion Fruit and Mint, the winner was TEAloe Mint in the RTD, Green-Flavored category of the competition’s 2013 Iced Tea Class. In all, almost 200 teas were entered in the competition’s Iced Tea class.

TEAloe is available at Safeway, The Fresh Market, Whole Foods Northwest region, South region and Florida as well as Raley’s. The growing TEAloe retail distribution is spearheaded by the beverage consultant, Jim Tonkin, and a sales force led by Mark Maggio with broker support by Presence Marketing.

The North American Tea Championship is an independent competition, judged by professional cuppers to distinguish the highest quality and best tasting teas commercially available in the North American marketplace.

To choose TEAloe as the first place winner, the judging panel assessed each submission through blind organoleptic analysis of characteristics including, flavor, body, color, clarity, and balance. The ratings of each characteristic were then used to calculate an overall numerical value on a 100-point scale and winners were determined by rank. TEAloe’s winning score was higher than any other tea in its category.

The North American Tea Championship is produced by World Tea Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc.

IRVINE, Calif. — 

“Orgain is ready-to-go for breakfast, as a post-workout shake, during illness, or as an energizing snack or meal replacement,” said Andrew Abraham, M.D., Orgain’s founder. “By offering a variety of flavors, we’re making it easier for consumers to meet their health goals.”

Orgain nutritional shakes provide perfectly balanced nutrition with 16 grams of organic protein, organic complex carbohydrates, organic fiber, a complete vitamin and mineral blend, and a blend of 10 different certified organic fruits and vegetables. It is free of soy, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, and is gluten-free. It comes in 11-ounce single serve, shelf-stable containers for $2.99 each.

Orgain is also available in a specially formulated children’s line, Orgain Healthy Kids. It is great for picky eaters, when kids are sick, and for snacks and lunch boxes. Available in Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry, each 8.25-ounce single-serve container is $2.39.

About Orgain

Founded in 2008 by Andrew Abraham, M.D., Orgain’s vision is to be the healthiest beverage company in the world by creating high quality products that revolutionize health and wellness. Dr. Abraham’s personal experience as a cancer survivor and practicing physician inspired him to formulate Orgain: nutritional shakes that are a wholesome blend of organic protein, organic complex carbohydrates, fiber and a synergistic immune and vitamin blend. Gluten-free, organic Orgain is a perfect choice for breakfast, as a post-workout shake, during illness or as a healthy snack between meals. A portion of net proceeds is given to cancer patients who cannot adequately meet their medical and nutritional needs.

KE‘AAU, Hawaii —

“In order to recover or proliferate the nanu again in the wild, it is vital that we plant seeds from a diverse genetic stock and not from a domesticated nanu which may no longer be adapted for wild conditions. This effort is a life’s work and labor of love and will require our continuing commitment and we thank our volunteers, cooperating state agencies and Hawaiian Springs,” said Susan Ching, Oahu Island Coordinator of the Plant Extinction Prevention Program.

The project marks the second major undertaking of Preserving Paradise, the Hawaiian Springs company’s conservation initiative dedicated to preserving Hawaii’s unique natural flora, fauna and ecosystems. Hawaiian Springs contributed money to construct barrier fencing around the last wild nanu on State Forest Reserve land on Oahu two years ago which protects it from animal threats and providing the PEP Program the opportunity to collect material from the plant to be used for out-planting and restoration. The nanu, endemic to Hawaii, is on the federal critically endangered species list.

Wild Hawaiian Gardenia (Nanu) saved from Extinction by Partnership of Hawaii Plant Extinction Program and Hawaiian Springs

“We feel a special connection to the nanu, it’s one of the native, endangered plant species featured on our bottles, and the planting is especially significant,” says Rick Hadley, Chairman and CEO of Hawaiian Springs. “The dedication of the expert botanists in the PEP Program is impressive and we’re honored to have a part in the next step to preserve the nanu in the wild for future generations.”

Hawaiian Springs Water, a premium natural artesian bottled water produced on Hawaii Island, added the Preserving Paradise emblem to its labels in August 2011, in hopes of raising awareness with consumers about the ecosystems of Hawaii, Hawaiian Springs’ conservation efforts and partnerships, and how consumers can support these partnerships in preventing the extinction of dwindling indigenous species.

About Hawaiian Springs

Hawaiian Springs began bottling its natural, artesian water in 1995 from a single, highly sustainable aquifer at the base of Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Each year, hundreds of inches of clean, arctic rain filters naturally through 13,000 feet of lava rock to the Kea‘au aquifer. At the facility on the Big Island of Hawaii, the distinctively shaped bottles of Hawaiian Springs are created then filled directly from the source. One of the finest natural waters available today, Hawaiian Springs delivers a moment of what makes Hawaii special with a fresh, slightly sweet taste. Hawaiian Springs Water was selected “Best of Hawaii 2012” by HAWAII Magazine and best local beverage brand in HONOLULU Magazine’s Reader’s Choice poll for 2012 and 2013. Hawaiian Springs is available throughout the Hawaiian Islands, as well as the U.S. Mainland, Canada and Asia, at leading supermarkets and natural food retailers such as AJ’s Fine Foods, BevMo!, Bristol Farms, Gelson’s Markets, Lucky Supermarkets, Mollie Stone’s, Mother’s Market, New Seasons Markets, SaveMart Supermarkets, Sprouts Farmers Market, Super Supplements, The Fresh Market, Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers and Whole Foods Market.

DENVER —

“This move is a great opportunity for the brand as we continue to expand and transfer our production to this facility,” said Mike Jaynes, Co-Founder and CEO of Hangover Joe’s Get Up & Go. “This allows us to manufacture in a much more efficient manner, and also maintain the increasing marketplace demand.”

Alongside the factory move, the company has also launched new retail placements outside of convenience and liquor stores, including large retail chains like Blockbuster video stores  plus Albertsons and H-E-B supermarkets. Popular demand and increased brand recognition led to the recent expansion into grocers nationwide.

In addition, Hangover Joe’s Get Up & Go has partnered with McLane Company, Inc., and Coremark two  of America’s largest convenience store distributors. The company has also formed new distribution agreements with certain divisions of Republic National Distribution Company, the second largest distributor of liquor in the United States. As a result, “The Hangover” Recovery Shot has been added to a myriad of chain convenience stores and liquor stores around the country, including Bradley’s in Colorado, Terrible’s in Nevada and Arizona and Allsup’s in New Mexico.

“As the hangover recovery industry continues to expand, we are excited to witness huge brand appeal and growth on all fronts,” explained Mike Malm, Co-Founder and National Sales Director of Hangover Joe’s Get Up & Go. “We are paving the way and advancing both our distribution and retail coverage. It has been very rewarding to watch the company progress here in the United States and globally.”

On May 24th, Hangover Joe’s will release a video commercial in theaters throughout the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Airing before feature films in the top 50 U.S. markets, the advertisement is expected to reach over 20 million viewers in the first week of distribution, and up to 50 million in all three countries combined. “This is the beginning of Memorial Day weekend, and there are many blockbuster films being released for the holiday, said Shawn Adamson, Co-Founder and Marketing Director Hangover Joe’s Get Up & Go. “We’re thrilled to capitalize on millions of consumers seeing our major commercial placement.”

This effort is a leading example of the growing prevalence of brands utilizing video and mass media as a means of connecting with consumers.

About Hangover Joe’s

Hangover Joe’s is the exclusive producer of” The Hangover” Recovery Shot, the official licensed product of The Hangover movie and the nation’s number one selling anti-hangover recover drink & hangover recovery product. Taken the morning after and featuring a patent-pending blend of antioxidants, vitamins and herbs, “The Hangover” Recovery Shot is the quickest way to overcome the day-after side effects of alcohol consumption. On July 25th 2012, Hangover Joe’s became a publicly traded company and is trading on the OTCBB as HJOE.

PURCHASE, N.Y. —

Prizes include everything from Pepsi and Mountain Dew-themed merchandise to once-in-a-lifetime experiences that only Pepsi or Mountain Dew could provide:

• Trip to MTV Video Music Awards in Brooklyn, NY
• Trip to iHeart Radio Music Festival in Las Vegas, NV
• Meet and greet with racing icon Jeff Gordon
• Meet and greet with racing superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr
• 2013 Winter Dew Tour Passes
• Bassmaster All Star Fishing Experience with professional anglers including Gerald Swindle
• Trip to the 2013 World Series
• Trip to Super Bowl XVIII

The program also includes a “Hometown Sweeps” component that enables Pepsi and Mountain Dew fans to enter for the chance to win unique experiences right in their own backyard including access to their hometown college and professional sports franchises and other local attractions.

Participating in the Iconic Summer program is easy…simply collect codes and combine icons and you could win. Fans can stop by local retailers and pick up specially marked packages of Pepsi or Mountain Dew, then check under-the-cap for codes to redeem online for “Icon” game pieces. “Icon” game pieces can be combined to unlock different tiers of prizes, or banked for future prizes.

“We’re thrilled to kick off the Iconic Summer, offering fans of Pepsi and Mountain Dew hundreds of thousands of opportunities to win prizes and experiences,” said Simon Lowden , Chief Marketing Officer, Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages. “For decades, Pepsi and Mountain Dew have partnered with influential celebrities and hosted epic events, and we’re taking this unique opportunity to bring it all together under one program to give fans a summer they will never forget.”

Beginning today, fans can collect codes from  more than half a million specially marked Pepsi and Mountain Dew 20-ounce, 1-liter, 2-liter and multipack PET bottles and fountain cups and begin redeeming them online for Icons at www.iconicsummer.com  to score gear and experiences that only Pepsi and Mountain Dew can provide. Summer is meant to be epic and Iconic Summer promises to deliver!

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader with net revenues of more than $65 billion and a product portfolio that includes 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. Our main businesses – Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola – make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world. PepsiCo’s people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, which we believe also means a more successful future for PepsiCo. We call this commitment Performance with Purpose: PepsiCo’s promise to provide a wide range of foods and beverages for local tastes; to find innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment by conserving energy and water and reducing packaging volume; to provide a great workplace for our associates; and to respect, support and invest in the local communities where we operate.

Harmless Harvest Coconut Water Dispenser at Whole Foods, Danbury Conn.

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 at Expo West 2013 unveiled a unique cold brewed drink made with raw tea leaves, the company recently 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.

The dispenser, which holds a 20 L bag of Harmless Harvest coconut water, enables consumers to fill 32 oz. reusable glass growlers. At $7.99 per refill (and $2.99 for an empty growler), Harmless Harvest co-founder Justin Guilbert hopes that its loyal legions of consumers will see the dispenser as an opportunity to save money (a 16 oz. bottle of the coconut water retails for $4.99) while using significantly less packaging. That being said, Guilbert noted that the dispenser is not intended to replace its single serve products, rather he views the 32 oz. bottle as a complementary package size intended for different use occasions.

Harmless Harvest’s first machine was recently installed at a new Whole Foods location in Danbury, Conn. and sits alongside the wide range of other coconut water brands carried by the retailer. Although it is currently the only unit on the market, Guilbert said that the company will install the dispenser at several strategic retail and food service partners later this year.

ST. LOUIS,  Mo. —

Andreas  Klingenberg,  Technical  Director,  Sensient  Colors Europe, said,  “Our  certified  environmental  management  system will enable us to minimize  energy,  water,  and raw materials consumption, as well as reduce waste and emissions to prevent environmental pollution.”

Achieving  this  certification  demonstrates Sensient’s commitment to environmental  protection in all its processes. Comprehensive team training for all aspects of environmental management together with enhanced risk assessment is included across all departments.

ABOUT SENSIENT COLORS LLC

Sensient Colors brings life to products, adding color and visual enjoyment to food and beverage applications worldwide.  Offering unparalleled color innovation and proprietary technologies for over 100 years, Sensient Food Colors applies industry defining color expertise, enhancing brand value through premium sensory appeal and performance. Sensient Colors LLC is a unit of Sensient Technologies Corporation, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors and fragrances. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, inkjet and specialty inks and colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals.  The company’s customers include major international manufacturers representing many of the world’s best-known brands.

Amy Taylor, Red Bull

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.

During the summer’s BevNET Live, taking place on June 4 and 5 at the Metropolitan Pavilion, Ms. Taylor will join Vita Coco CEO Michael Kirban, Food Should Taste Good founder Peter Lescoe, and Sambazon CMO Greg Fleishman in the event’s final panel — a conversation on the roles that a distinct culture can have on its ability to grow and thrive.

With more than 8,000 employees, Red Bull is by far the largest and best established company represented on the panel. But the Red Bull culture remains infused with a highly entrepreneurial and experimental spirit and the company’s ethos continues to be expressed via its risk-taking marketing partnerships, which support a mission to “give wings to people and ideas.” The idea that it can continue to do so even at such a large scale is one that will undoubtedly be cited as an inspirational example — and operational lesson — throughout the discussion.

BevNET is delighted to welcome Ms. Taylor back to the BevNET Live event to further boost the aims and ideas of BevNET’s community of entrepreneurs.

About Amy Taylor

Ms. Taylor is VP/GM, Red Bull North America East. From 2007 to 2012, she served as VP, Marketing for Red Bull North America, with responsibility for the brand’s overall strategic marketing and positioning in North America. Prior to her current role, Amy held several field and HQ positions across sales and marketing at Red Bull.  She also logged about a decade in sports marketing, holding positions with the National Basketball Association’s Atlanta Hawks and producing events for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, among others.

About BevNET Live

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. 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. More than just a conference, BevNET LIVE includes networking options including the BevNET LIVE Expo, beverage breaks, a cocktail reception and more.

BevNET Live Summer 13 – Time is Running Out!; Reserve Your Seat Now!>>