As the nascent drinking vinegar category continues to emerge, brands working in the space showcased different strategies and approaches last week at Natural Products Expo East 2017 in Baltimore, Md., as they seek to establish a place on-shelf at retail where their products can thrive.

At Natural Products Expo East 2017, held Sept. 14-16 in Baltimore, Md., several beverage entrepreneurs showcased what have until now been largely unseen types of tea, as well as innovative herbal infusions, in the U.S. market.

Natural product brands and manufacturers of all sizes and types came from across the country to Baltimore, Md., last week for Natural Products Expo East 2017. From subtle product updates to category-disrupting innovations, this year’s expo, held Sept. 13-16 at the Baltimore Convention Center, gave attendees a chance to see and experience the latest developments in beverage firsthand

As reported in The Financial Times, Nestlé, the world’s largest coffee company, has paid up to $500 million, at a valuation of over $700 million, for a 68 percent stake in Blue Bottle. The company will continue to operate as an independent entity and current management and employees will retain a minority stake in the business.

Bhakti, based in Boulder, Colo., markets a variety of ready-to-drink chai teas and tea concentrates that are sold nationwide at natural and conventional retailers such as Whole Foods, Sprouts and Target.

Grass-fed protein drink brand Iconic Protein announced today the completion of a $8 million round of fundraising led by private equity firm KarpReilly and includes KeVita co-founder and former CEO Bill Moses, who was named the company's executive chairman.

According to a report compiled by food and beverage packaging leader Tetra Pak, more than half of all in-store purchases today are influenced by digital channels, many of which are being accessed via smartphones. Because of this, many food and beverage brands are looking to social media and key influencers to reach consumers where they are: online.

Whether it’s presenting kombucha as a base for cocktails, disrupting self-service growler fills, or elevating the social atmosphere around the drink, Portland-based brands are helping kombucha evolve into a sophisticated, multi-faceted drink with plenty of on-premise appeal.