MYND Drinks Named First CBD Partner of Chicago Cubs
MYND Drinks is the first CBD company to partner with a Major League Baseball (MLB) club through its newly announced partnership with the Chicago Cubs.
As part of the historic deal, MYND Drinks will market its drinks at Wrigley Field and have on-field signage on the baselines in addition to several in-game features. As well, the partnership includes international marketing rights in the United Kingdom for the 2023 regular season, a first for the Cubs.
The announcement comes after MLB last year became the first major sports league to partner with a CBD company (Charlotte’s Web) after opening the category for the league and its clubs. To be considered, a CBD company must receive the NSF Certified for Sport designation.
According to a press release, following a “thorough approval process, MYND Drinks’ Elderberry Passionfruit, Orange Mango and Lemon Ginger flavors met the safety standards and received the aforementioned certification.
“We’re proud to be the first club to partner with a CBD company, but what was more important to us was making sure that the brand was a right fit,” said Chicago Cubs VP of corporate partnerships Alex Seyferth in a press release. “MYND DRINKS is a Chicago-based company that promotes overall wellness and helps ease the stressors of everyday life, just like a Friday 1:20 game at Wrigley Field.”
The United States CBD beverage market is projected to rise from $1.2 billion in 2023 to $5.8 billion by 2033, according to a report by Future Market Insights.
“We are so thrilled and honored to announce our partnership with the legendary Chicago Cubs, and that they share our vision of health and wellness in major league sports,” said MYND Drinks CEO Simon Allen in the release.
Califia Farms Evokes Nostalgia with New Cookie Monster Campaign
Califia Farms announced the launch of a new TV spot featuring beloved Sesame Street character Cookie Monster designed to evoke strong feelings of nostalgia as consumer interest in plant-based milk continues to grow.
In the video, the furry blue muppet branches out from his go-to snack of cookies by trying cereal with Califia’s Almondmilk in an effort to try new things.
“People see me and think ‘He only eats cookies,’ but me multifaceted individual. Me try new things,” he tells viewers.
“We love that Cookie Monster is willing to learn about new things like the delicious pairing of Califia Farms Unsweetened Almondmilk and cereal,” said Califia CMO Suzanne Ginestro. “Through this spot, Califia encourages plant-curious consumers who already have four to five types of milk in their fridge to upgrade their cereal by pairing with smooth, creamy and delicious almond milk.”
Dubbed the “innovation leader in the milk category” in a report from the Good Food Institute and the Plant Based Foods Association, plant-based milk currently holds a 15% market share of the total U.S. retail milk category. Within the set, almond milk remains the top-selling product, followed by oat, soy, coconut, multi-ingredient blends and rice.
“At Califia, we think of ourselves as ‘occasion curators’ – developing delicious dairy-free beverages that are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s oat milk in a latte, coconut milk in baking or almond milk in cereal,” said Ginestro.
The campaign, developed with Goodby Silverstein & Partners, is now running nationally across TV, digital and social platforms.
Pepsi Zero Sugar Takes Flight with JetBlue
Pepsi has teamed up with JetBlue to take its reformulated Zero Sugar offering 30,000 feet in the air.
To commemorate the new partnership, the pair is offering consumers a chance to win a travel experience featuring JetBlue’s zero-free perks and “the ultimate 0-degree latitude destination”: Quito, Ecuador.
“We are excited to be the first airline to offer Pepsi Zero Sugar onboard as part of a continued effort to provide our customers with the best onboard experience,” said JetBlue head of marketing, product and loyalty Jayne O’Brien. “Known for our low fares and great service, JetBlue is thrilled to provide vacation packages and incredible destinations including zero-degree latitude, that will feature the signature service that our customers know and love.”
Between now and May 4, travelers can enter to win a trip to Ecuador by tagging #zeroisnowboarding, #sweepstakes, @jetblue and @pepsi on Instagram or Twitter.
Three grand prize winners and one guest each will receive roundtrip flights to a destination of their choice (including the zero-degree latitude destination) featuring JetBlue’s zero-fee perks, seatback entertainment and PepsiCo beverages. Additionally, the grand prize winners will receive a $4,000 JetBlue Vacations certificate for use on the roundtrip flights, hotel, ground transportation or activities at their chosen destination.
Vita Coco Teams Up with Roblox to Give Consumers ‘The Coconut Grove Experience’
New York City-based coconut water producer Vita Coco has teamed up with online game platform Roblox to launch its first 3D simulation experience, “The Coconut Grove.” Through the game, players become coconut farmers and embark on the journey to sustainable farming.
Users begin at the Coconut Shack, where they can exchange CocoCoins for coconut seedlings and tools and pick their own plot to start their own coconut grove where they plant and nurture seedlings through tending and fertilizing. Additionally, players who complete secret quests on the island will have the opportunity to discover more CocoCoins as well as other prizes.
“The idea of Coconut Grove is for Roblox visitors to plant coconut seedlings to successfully grow coconut trees and harvest coconuts so they can crack them open for CocoCoins to redeem for in-experience activities and Roblox avatar wearables,” the brand said in a statement.
In celebration of Earth Day, the beverage brand will distribute five seedlings for every one seedling planted in The Coconut Grove Experience on April 22.
NERD Focus Named Official Energy Drink of San Antonio Spurs
NERD Focus is hitting the basketball court after inking a deal with the San Antonio Spurs, becoming the official energy drink partner of the NBA team and AT&T Center.
“We welcome the opportunity to partner with a cutting-edge brand like NERD Focus that aligns with our organization’s commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Spurs Sports & Entertainment VP of global partnerships Katrina Palanca in a press release. “Rooted in San Antonio, both the Spurs and NERD represent the potential for growth and success on a global scale.”
Founded in 2006, NERD Focus markets a line of nootropic-infused energy drinks. Available in two varieties – Nerd Original and Nerd Zero Calorie – each 12 oz. can packs 128mg of caffeine and features Huperzine A, an extract believed to improve memory.
As part of the partnership, the brand’s drinks will be sold throughout AT&T Center at all in-arena events. Additionally, fans will get the opportunity to visit the newly-branded NERD Focus MKT in Section 122 featuring the latest NERD flavors.
Ryl Tea Announces Morgan Wallen as Investor and Brand Ambassador
Sustainable startup iced tea brand Ryl has announced country music star Morgan Wallen as its newest investor and brand ambassador.
“I’ve loved sweet tea since I was a kid. I remember drinking it out of a pitcher on a hot summer day in my Mamaw Boots’ kitchen. A good iced tea brings back memories for me, so when I found Ryl Tea I knew I had something special that I wanted to share,” said Wallen in a press release.
Launched in January, the RYL Company is a Gen Z and Millenial-focused beverage company looking to offer “wellness-focused products in traditionally indulgent forward beverage occasions,” according to the brand.
Ryl Tea, the company’s first product line, is currently available in four flavors: Lemon, Peach, Raspberry and Green Tea. Each 16 oz. can contains zero grams of sugar and has 200mg of tea antioxidants. The drinks can be found on the shelves of major grocery chains across the Northeast, including Wegmans, Shoprite and Whole Foods Market.
“When I’m on tour, I train daily so I can bring everything I have to the stage, so finding Ryl, an iced tea with no sugar and with no artificial ingredients, has been awesome. I can’t wait to do more with them,” said Wallen, teasing a large-scale expansion that’s currently brewing.
ROAR Encourages Consumers to ‘Drink Out Loud’
Electrolyte-infused hydration beverage maker ROAR Organic has tapped Peloton instructor and Jordan brand athlete Jess Sims to help launch its “most exciting campaign to date,” Drink Out Loud.
The new partnership comes after ROAR in January closed a $6 million capital round to help the brand expand sales and marketing efforts amid a launch into more than 1,300 Publix stores. According to the brand, Sims embodies the spirit of the campaign and “what it means to be bold, vibrant, and relentlessly positive.”
“It’s always been my personal mission to help people live happier, healthier lives — I always talk about the importance of taking up space, and living out LOUD symbolizes just that,” said Sims in a press release. “ROAR has been a part of my daily routine — as a consumer and as a fitness professional — for years, and I am excited to partner with ROAR and bring the ‘Drink Out Loud’ campaign to life.”
Founded in 2013, the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based beverage company currently produces a line of “complete hydration beverages” in Strawberry Lemonade, Mango Clementine, Cucumber Watermelon, Georgia Peach and Blueberry Acai flavors. Most recently, the brand released ROAR Plus, a powdered product available in Berry Lemonade and Strawberry Watermelon varieties.
The new Drink Out Loud campaign will feature elements across social media, digital, out-of-home advertising, in-store marketing and influencer partnerships, first coming to life through the new partnership with Jess Sims.