Collectively, our judges’ experience cover decades of experience in brand building, retailing, investing, distribution and marketing:

Semifinal Round Judges:

Matthew Mitchell, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Venturing & Emerging Brands Group, Coca-Cola, Co.

Eric Schnell, Founder & CEO, Metabrand

Nat Noone, Founder, Green Shoots Distribution

Mathis Martines, Senior Category Manager- Grocery, Kroger

John Craven, Founder & CEO, BevNET

Final Round Judges:

Tom First, Managing Partner, First Beverage Ventures

Mike Weinstein, Chairman, INOV8 Beverage Co.

Darren Marshall, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation, Venturing & Emerging Brands Group, Coca-Cola, Co.

Kelly Marlowe, Grocery Category Merchant, Fresh Direct

John Craven, Founder & CEO, BevNET

Sponsored by the Venturing & Emerging Brands (VEB) group at the Coca-Cola Co., Inc., the New Beverage Showdown identifies the most innovative and scalable new beverage brand from a slate of 20 entrepreneurs, offers advice and guidance from the judging panel, and awards a $10,000in cash and prizes to the winning company.

Learn more and get full details on New Beverage Showdown 5 here.

And if you haven’t yet registered for BevNET Live, NOW is your chance to grab one of the few remaining seats. Sign up TODAY!

Register for BevNET Live Summer ‘13 »

The Agency of Record is Aisle 9 has been engaged to develop and execute a marketing strategy to grow brand awareness and drive in-store trial at Walmart, and later nationally to grow the Darifair Farms business. Darifair Farms Fruit Smoothies are loaded with real fruit and dairy, just thaw and drink.  They come packed with 9 grams of protein for a complete meal!

The Smoothies available in three mouthwatering flavors: Pineapple Mango, Strawberry Banana and Strawberry. The Frappés are available in three yummy flavors:  Chocolate Raspberry, Mocha and Caramel.  The Suggested On-Shelf Retail Price for a Smoothie or Frappé is $1.78.   This price point saves consumers money, time and parking from going to your local coffee or smoothie store because they can have the delight of Smoothies and Frappés at home without the wait for a ¼ of the price.

“We are excited to offer Walmart’s loyal shoppers our delicious Smoothies and Frappés at such a low price, because we understand the need for special treats at a good value… plus with the added benefit of protein nutrition!”  says Jeff Block, Executive Vice President of Darifair.  “Kids love them, and they’re perfect for a grab & go treat anytime of day!” Block says.

About Darifair

Darifair has been on the cutting edge of the dairy industry for decades, based in Jacksonville Florida with over 40 manufacturing locations around the country, a fourth generation food company and a third generation dairy company… innovation and dairy runs in their veins.

In 1948 Aaron Block cofounded Reddi Whip whip cream and established a manufacturing plant in Jacksonville.  Innovation, quality and service. In 1957 Mickey Block revolutionized the industry when he built and managed the first long life dairy plant in Jacksonville, the 200,000 state of the art facility developed new era in dairy innovation, extending dairy shelf life from 14 days to an incredible 60 days. In 1985 the company was incorporated and chartered as America’s first national dairy supplier.  Finally there was a dairy company that could provide top quality products nationwide, while offering great prices and unwavering consistency.

Darifair has constantly delivered the dairy unexpected, going beyond high quality dairy commodities, and providing customers creative culinary products and breakthrough dairy alternatives.

ATLANTA —

To get the celebration started, the World of Coca-Cola also is offering $6 discounted general admission tickets for the first 600 guests today, its sixth anniversary since relocating to Pemberton Place. Each of those guests can purchase up to five discounted tickets and will be among the first to see the American Originals: Norman Rockwell & Coca-Cola exhibit.

From 1928 to 1935, The Coca-Cola Company commissioned Norman Rockwell to create six oil paintings that were developed into a variety of finished marketing pieces. Of those six original paintings, only three are in the Company’s hands today and are now on display at the World of Coca-Cola for the first time. The three original artworks – “Barefoot Boy,” “Out Fishin’” and “Concert on the Steps” – are accompanied by other Rockwell calendars, advertising materials and works that were not used in Coca-Cola advertising.

The other three original paintings, “The Old Oaken Bucket,” “Wholesome Refreshment” and “Office Boy – 4 p.m. – The Pause That Refreshes,” are currently missing from The Coca-Cola Company’s collection. They may be privately owned, or may have been lost over the years. The exhibit displays marketing materials from more than 80 years ago that are based on the original paintings – the only evidence the Company has of the three lost works of art.

“Rockwell’s art captures the American spirit and simple moments in life – which is why his work is such a great match for Coca-Cola,” said Ted Ryan, archives director for The Coca-Cola Company. “The Company only acquired two of these paintings in the past 10 years. Combined with the story behind the missing artwork, this exhibit is quite significant.”

“It’s intriguing to imagine where the missing Rockwell pieces might be,” said Russell Jacobs, general manager of retail and attractions for The Coca-Cola Company. “Who knows – a neighbor, a friend or a grandparent might have one hidden in the basement or attic. They could be tucked away in storage or even displayed in someone’s living room, but hopefully someday we’ll find out.”

The exhibit will remain in the attraction’s Pop Culture gallery until May 2014. Those interested in being among the first to see it can purchase discounted tickets at walk-up ticket windows beginning at 9 a.m. on May 24. The $6 general admission tickets represent a savings of $10 from the regular adult ticket price. These tickets will not be available online, and will only be valid for admission Friday. Regular general admission ticket prices will apply following the 600^th transaction.

About the World of Coca-Cola

The World of Coca-Cola has welcomed guests from six continents, more than 75 countries, all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Join more than 6 million people who have visited the Atlanta attraction and experience the history of the world’s most famous soft drink at the dynamic, multimedia home of the 127-year-old secret formula for Coca-Cola. Get closer than ever before to the vault containing the secret recipe, view more than 1,200 never-before-displayed artifacts and get a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling process. Take a trip around the world in a thrilling 4-D movie experience and tempt your taste buds with more than 100 flavors from around the world before taking home a commemorative glass bottle of Coca-Cola.

After a year in which bottled water toppled soda as the number one selling beverage in the U.S., it’s clear that soft drink companies are facing a significant shift in consumer demand for high-calorie, sweet and fizzy products.

Yet, could anyone have guessed that in its 80^th year of business, The Double Cola Company, a stalwart of classic Americana and traditional sodas, would venture into… the coconut water category? Perhaps not, but Double Cola, like many other CSD companies, is doing its best to adapt to wave after wave of consumers increasingly mindful of what they drink and the impact of sugary beverages on overall health and wellness.

Knowing that it’s operating in the midst of a beverage landscape in transition — and with some gentle prodding from its distributor partners — Double Cola last week announced that it will make its first foray into New Age beverages with the introduction of a 100 percent, not from concentrate coconut water and a line of vitamin-infused teas. The company has also introduced a new value-priced energy drink brand. The products are set to launch later this year and will key new distribution initiatives for the company, which is planning to expand into markets in the Northeastern and Western U.S.

While Double Cola’s sphere of distribution has long centered in and around the South and Midwest, the regions closest to where its products are formulated, the company will begin distribution of its Minōku Coconut Water, which is sourced from and co-packed in Thailand, along the East and West coasts.  Double Cola vice president Gina McCommon said that the despite the dozens of coconut water brands currently on the market, the company sees “a lot of room left” in the category, particularly with lifestyle trends leaning toward health and wellness. And believing that its distributors would inevitably begin to carry coconut water as part of their portfolios, McCommon noted that it’s “better if it comes from us” than another beverage company.

Packaged in 17.5 oz. tropical-themed cans and promoted as “A Natural Escape,” Minōku will retail for $2.49-2.69. McCommon said that the company plans to roll out a range of new flavors in Tetra Paks beginning in the third quarter of this year.

For as crowded a category as coconut water has become, the ready to drink tea market is overflowing with competing brands. Nevertheless, sales of tea have remained on an upward trajectory, and Double Cola saw an opportunity to gain a toehold in the category by merging increasing demand for tea with that of functional drinks. The company’s new Zili Tea line comes in five flavors – three black and two green varieties – each infused with 25 percent of the recommended daily intake of B-vitamins. The drinks are all-natural and sweetened with a blend of cane sugar and stevia, which keeps the calorie count at 110 per 16 oz. bottle.

Double Cola will introduce the teas in the Northeast and will look to partner with new co-packers and distributors in the region. With tea opening the door, the company hopes to bring other drinks in its portfolio to the lucrative market.

In contrast to a bevy of positive media attention surrounding so-called “better-for-you” beverages, energy drinks have faced a hailstorm of criticism. Regardless of the negative winds swirling around the energy category, consumers are still buying the products at a healthy clip, and Double Cola saw an opening via a value-priced option. Its new Quad Energy line contains most of the same ingredients found in typical energy drinks, and is priced at a fraction of the cost: the five SKU line has a suggested retail price of $0.99 for a 16 oz. can. With a low price as a point of entry, Double Cola is aiming to bring Quad to convenience stores in its distribution footprint.

Although Double Cola hopes that the new drinks will offer a measure of balance for its portfolio and preparedness for the changing times, McCommon said that the company will continue to place its focus and attention on the growth of its existing line of core brands, several of which, including its flagship cola and citrus-flavored Ski, have been repackaged and rebranded over the past year. Along with the addition of several distributor partners, including a number of independent beer houses, the new look drinks helped spur 17 percent growth in overall revenue for the company in 2012.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. —

Califia Farms’ line of Pure Almondmilks has already swept the alternative dairy industry away with its iconic packaging and a cleaner, fresher taste. With the launch of Califia Farms Iced Coffee with Almondmilk, Califia is focusing their beverage innovation expertise on an entirely new category that could revolutionize the way Americans drink coffee.

“Our Iced Coffee with Almondmilk is an entirely new beverage experience,” said Greg Steltenpohl, CEO of Califia Farms. “This is not a cute quote – I honestly just can’t stop drinking it. For iced coffee applications, Cold Brew Coffee is a far superior approach to traditional java, and when combined with the creamy mouthfeel of our Almondmilk, the result is amazing.”

Califia Farms Iced Coffees only clock in at 80-100 calories per serving, and with no saturated fat, these drinks are the perfect indulgence…with all of the flavor, and none of the guilt. “That’s the beauty of Cold Brewed Coffee,” said Steltenpohl. “It’s 65 percent less acid than its heated counterpart, plus it’s brimming with antioxidants. But what’s best is that the flavor is fantastic.”

Califia Farms Almondmilk products are unique because of their cleaner, fresher taste and iconic packaging. While typical almondmilks are processed from roasted almonds, Califia Farms Almondmilk is made from whole blanched (not roasted) California almonds, resulting in a more vibrant taste with higher quality nutritionals. Califia Farms’ packaging is an instant classic, with a BPA-Free PET bottle reminiscent of an iconic glass milk bottle with a modern twist.

“Califia Farms is committed to taking care of the earth and its people through the sustainable production of healthy, all-natural beverages, with 100 percent recyclable packaging,” said Steltenpohl. The Company also makes a line of California Citrus Juices in 48 ounce carafes of refreshing Orange Juice, Lemonade, and Lemon-Limeade. After receiving verification from the Non-GMO Project, Califia Farms products are proudly boasting the Non-GMO Verified label. Califia Farms won the 2013 American Package Design Award from Graphic Design USA, and Veg News’ 2013 Best New Vegan Product Award. Califia Farms Almondmilk and Iced Coffee with Almondmilk are in the Dairy Section.

ABOUT CALIFIA FARMS

Califia Farms (Califia, pronounced like California) was founded in 2010 by the growers of Cuties tangerines to share more of their California bounty year-round. Headed by beverage visionary and Odwalla founder Greg Steltenpohl, the company produces all of its products locally in California, celebrating the state’s natural abundance. Califia Farms’ new plant is eco-friendly, energy efficient and repurposes more than 90 percent of its post-production byproduct. The name Califia comes from a Spanish legend, telling of warrior queen Califia who ruled over a kingdom of Amazons living on the mythical island of California. Spanish conquistadors believed they had discovered Califia’s bountiful island when they first explored California.

GENEVA, N.Y. —

Red Jacket Orchards, a third generation family owned orchard, has been perfecting the art of fresh juicing for over 5 decades. The juice is produced right on the orchard in an advanced Kosher and L.E.E.D certified “green” juice facility.  Now Red Jacket juice comes direct from the orchards to shoppers at Tops Friendly Markets.

“For decades we’ve been crafting our fresh, cold-pressed juice and simply wowing consumers with a delicious and healthy option that’s otherwise not available in juice,” commented Brian Nicholson , a third generation owner of Red Jacket. “We believe great flavor and nutrition happen naturally if you keep it simple and respect the fruit. We’re excited to partner with Tops Markets across NY and northern PA.”

Red Jacket’s line of unfiltered apple-based blends available at Tops Markets will include: Fuji-Apple, Raspberry, Strawberry and Grape in 12oz and 32oz sizes. The line also includes their popular fresh fruit nectars (called “Stomps”) Tart Cherry Juice and Apricot.

“Tops has always been committed to providing local, healthy product choices demanded by consumers,” stated Steven Wright , Top’s produce director. “With Red Jacket’s fresh juices, now available in Tops produce departments, consumers can enjoy local and healthy- best of all they taste great.”

Red Jacket’s all-natural juice is cold-pressed and unfiltered, with no additives. It is never from concentrate. Each juice is as close to the raw fruit as you can get, made from whole fruit and flash-pasteurized. Red Jacket Juice is also a good source of fiber, Vitamin C and antioxidants. Studies have demonstrated how cold-pressed juices that are unfiltered and cloudy are at least 50% more effective in antioxidant activity than highly processed, clarified juice (often made from concentrate).

Red Jacket Juice has garnered notable national media attention, including Zagat Gourmet Food Guide rating it as the “best-on-the-planet” and New York Magazine dubbing it “an uncut jolt to the brain.” Other notable reviews include: Martha Stewart ‘s “American Made,” The New York Times, Phil Lempert SuperMarket Guru, Cafe Mom “The Stir”, BevNet and more.

About Red Jacket Orchards:

Originally planted in 1917 and purchased by the Nicholson family in 1958, RJO has grown from a roadside retailer to a major East coast producer of delicious and unique fresh fruits and juices. Today the Nicholson family, in its 3^rd generation of ownership of RJO, grows using environmentally sensitive techniques on over 600 acres and makes award winning juices in one of the newest L.E.E.D. certified “green energy” facilities in the United States (more info on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, visit www.usgbc.org). Red Jacket Juice can also be purchased and shipped to any location in the U.S. on the newly re-launched www.RedJacketOrchards.com.

About Tops Markets:
Tops Markets, LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville, NY and operates 155 full-service supermarkets- 150 company owned and five franchise locations under the Tops, Grand Union and Bryant’s banners. With more than 15,000 associates, Tops is a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and western Vermont.

IRVINE, Calif. —

Founded in 1963 by Robert “Bob” Ingle, Ingles Markets is a regional supermarket chain based in North Carolina. Today, Ingles operates 203 stores in six states including 74 in Georgia, 69 in North Carolina, 36 in South Carolina, 21 in Tennessee, 2 in Virginia and 1 in Alabama. Ingles’ strives to provide a one-stop shopping convenience to its valued customers. All of its stores are located within a 250 mile radius of its distribution center to facilitate its high standards of quality and freshness.

Jason Dorfman, National Director of Sales for True Drinks, commented, “Ingles has a loyal customer base and is one of the premier regional banners in the Southeastern United States. We expect nothing less than a mutually rewarding partnership.”

About True Drinks, Inc.

True Drinks provides a healthy alternative for kids to drink. Their AquaBall™ is a naturally flavored, vitamin-enhanced, zero- calorie, dye-free, sugar-free alternative to juice and soda. AquaBall™ is currently available in three flavors, orange, grape and fruit punch, with berry flavor, and a seasonal strawberry lemonade flavor soon to be released. Their target consumer: kids, young adults, and their guardians, are attracted to the product by the entertainment and media characters on the bottle and continue to consume the beverage because of its healthy benefits and great taste.

Snapple co-founder Leonard Marsh

Leonard Marsh, a co-founder and former president and CEO of Snapple, passed away on Tuesday. He was 80, according to an obituary in the New York Times.

Mr. Marsh was the last of the three Snapple co-founders, along with Hyman Golden, who died in 2008, and Arnold Greenberg, who died last year. The three men were more than business partners: Marsh’s sister was married to Golden, while Greenberg had been a friend since their childhood in Brooklyn.

BevNET would not exist without Snapple: the company and its founders were among the first to understand the potential appeal of an all-natural, full-bodied product. Their story of going from a store-to-store fruit juice and natural food service to creating Snapple inspired — and later, in fact, employed — many of the people who now work in the business. It was the first company to create a national, independent distribution network — the key to finding a route to market that went around the traditional Red/Blue bottling houses — and its nimble IPO and later sale to Quaker Oats set the precedent for the acquisition of entrepreneurial beverage companies by larger strategic entities.

With so many entities and employees of the company now spread throughout the beverage industry — both in terms of sales and marketing and best practices — BevNET would like to send its condolences to those who counted him as a friend, relative, or co-worker, and welcomes comment on Snapple, memories of Mr. Marsh and his partners.

GREENWOOD, S.C. —

“I just want to thank you for introducing me to your product, Rev’ D! I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when I was 6 years old, I am 12 now. My family and I have had a very hard time finding a juice-type beverage that doesn’t make my blood sugar levels go crazy and still taste good. Many of the products that we have found have had so many sugar alternatives, artificial colors, and almost always have a chemical taste to them. I was very surprised when I tried Rev’ D because it tasted like real blueberries and pomegranate, and it didn’t skyrocket my blood sugars. Since I started your product about a month ago, in conjunction with daily exercise, I’ve found that my blood sugar numbers have been controlled so much better. My sugars used to run in the mid 200s constantly and now they are running in the mid 100s pretty consistently. In fact, I recently went to see my diabetes doctor and my A1c dropped a whole point!

The Diabetes Dude

“I also love the Bode Sport drinks because of the low carb counts and that I can drink them after exercising. Now I have a healthy sport drink for myself that’s even better for me than the ones my friends drink, said Noah, The Diabetes Dude.”

I started an organization a few years ago for families of children living with diabetes and one of our main goals has been living a healthy lifestyle with diabetes. I am so happy to have found your product so I can share it with these families and introduce a juice alternative to these kids that won’t spike their sugars. Thank you so much for finally making a product that people with diabetes, especially kids with diabetes, can drink that tastes good and doesn’t have all that junky stuff the other products do. ”

“We are thrilled to join forces with Noah, his family and The Diabetes Dude Foundation in assisting them in their continuous efforts to support families and individuals living with diabetes.” said CEO Sammy Nasrollahi of Hydro One Beverages. “We are delighted that Noah personally enjoys our all-natural drinks and the healthy nutritional benefits they provide as a young type I diabetic himself. We are looking forward to a great personal and working relationship for many years to come with both him and his family”. Nasrollahi added.

Even with having been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the early age of 7, Noah decided to start his own national diabetes awareness campaign using blue plastic lawn flamingos. These blue flamingos now appear from Berkley, MA to Berkley, CA. For more complete information on The Diabetes Dude Foundation visit www.thediabetesdude.com .

About Hydro One Premium Beverages

Hydro One Premium Beverages are award winning all-natural beverages that provide significant nutritional benefits for anyone including individuals affected by high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, joint problems, and diabetes. We are committed to providing healthier beverage alternatives for our society while developing into a world leader in the promotion and education of proper nutritional values. www.hydroonebeverages.com . Hydro One Premium Beverages was selected as “Best of Show” and given the platinum awards in the World Beverage Competition in 2013.

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.