Canvas, a beverage startup backed exclusively by Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB) "disruptive growth organization" Zx Ventures, is looking to spent grain -- the nutrient-rich byproduct of the beer brewing process -- as the key ingredient to fuel its new line of plant-based barley beverages launching this fall.

Sunrise Strategic Partners, an investment firm with a focus on healthy and sustainable foods, announced Thursday that it has acquired a minority ownership stake in Kill Cliff. The deal marks the eighth investment for the young firm and the first beverage brand addition to its portfolio.

Planet-based protein drink Koia adds six new retailers and debuts a new reduced price point, Austin-based cafe Picnik launches its RTD butter coffee at Whole Foods, and JUST Water lands an exclusive partnership with the Houston Zoo.

Unable to secure the necessary funding to continue production of its uniquely formulated beverages, Koa has shut down. Launched in 2009, the company developed a proprietary process to extract sugar and calories from a blend of fruit and vegetable juices, resulting in a clear, nutrient-rich drink that Koa marketed as “olakino.” Founder and president Adam Louras has moved to Dirty Lemon Beverages, a maker of detox and wellness drinks sold direct-to-consumer, as its COO.

In developing a new line of 2 oz. apple cider vinegar shots, Ethan's founder Ethan Hirshberg aims to create an appealing delivery system for an ingredient that’s not so appealing on its own.

Positioning itself as a fuller-flavored challenger brand in a burgeoning category, Austin-based Waterloo Sparkling Water will launch nationally next month in all Whole Foods stores, along with several other retail chains throughout the country.