Pepsi Spoils a Gronk Gathering
Earlier this month Showtime Sports captured the pre-game party bus shenanigans of New England Patriot Rob Gronkowski’s family and friends in an episode of ‘Inside the NFL’. But in what had to have been a major buzzkill, the Gronks and co. were turned away from Gillette Stadium’s VIP parking lot on Sunday prior to the Patriots’ 45-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. According to Fox Sports, the family arrived in Foxborough in an updated party bus, one dressed head to toe in advertisements for BodyArmor, the sports drink company of which Gronkowski is an ambassador and investor. Because Pepsi (owners of Gatorade) has exclusive marketing rights to Gillette Stadium, the bus was denied entry into its usual lot.
Wendy’s Pulls Soda from Kids’ Meals
Wendy’s has pledged to remove soda from it’s children’s menus, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. The company joins McDonald’s, which in 2013 agreed to remove soda from its Happy Meal menus. That leaves Burger King as the last of the three big burger chains to adopt such a policy. You heard it here, kids. Get yourselves to BK, before it’s too late.
Uncle Si’s Got a Lawsuit on his Hands
CNN is reporting that Chinook USA, makers of Uncle Si’s Iced Tea, are suing Uncle Si and the rest of the Duck Commander clan for failing to meet the contractual obligations of their partnership. According to the lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District court of Louisville, Ky, Duck Commander didn’t do its part in promoting the iced tea, after Chinook USA shelled out $1.7 million in licensing fees to have Uncle Si as the face of their brand. The company, which recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, says it’s lost over $5 million as a result of the botched endorsement.
Soylent Raises $20 Million
It remains to be seen if we’ll all give up food for Soylent’s nutrient rich meal replacement shakes, but the company doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. Tech Crunch recently reported Soylent has closed a $20 million financing round, a substantial increase from its $1.5 million seed round in 2013. The company reportedly plans on lowering its cost per meal to well below the current price of $3, giving it the price point to compete with junk foods.
Social Drinkers Take Up Healthy Boozing
There are more options than ever for the health-conscious consumer who still wants to imbibe. The New York Times recently examined a growing trend of low-alcohol, low calorie, gluten-free beverage brands finding success amidst the health and wellness trend in the industry. Among the featured brands is Kombrewcha, a 2 percent alcohol-by-volume kombucha drink which boasts the motto “Get tickled, not pickled.” Co-founded by Honest Tea co-founder Barry Nalebuff, the company gives a slightly boozier take on the burgeoning kombucha category. Also highlighted is Heineken’s entry into the space, Amstel Radler, a 40 percent beer, 60 percent lemon juice combination.