Expo East 2021 Notebook: Vita Coco Gets Energized, Super Coffee Offers “Tasty Pastry”
We recap news and notables from the show floor at Natural Products Expo East 2021, including innovation from Vita Coco, Super Coffee and Elmhurst.
Fever-Tree Reports Double-Digit Growth as On-Premise Channel Rebounds
As the cocktail mixer category sees renewed growth with the rise of at-home alcohol consumption, U.K.-based premium brand Fever-Tree is feeling the buzz. The company reported U.S. revenue growth of 42% on a constant currency basis in the first half of 2021, with on-premise sales rebounding rapidly following last year’s channel shutdown.
Platform Plays Present Opportunity for Functional Powder Brands
Brands like Zolt, MANTRA Labs and Plants by People launched during the height of the pandemic last year as ecommerce plays and are now establishing themselves in a period where consumers are seeking out solutions to stress, immunity and sleep issues. Meanwhile slightly more established players like the aforementioned Beam and Blume have seen sales spike online and embraced new innovation.
Actress Blake Lively Launches Mixer Brand Betty Buzz
Actress Blake Lively is the latest film star to throw her hat into the beverage industry as the founder of Betty Buzz, a new brand of non-alcoholic sparkling mixers launching today. Available in five flavors -- Tonic Water, Sparkling Grapefruit, Meyer Lemon Club Soda, Sparkling Lemon Lime and Ginger Beer -- Betty Buzz mixers are non-GMO and are made with no artificial sweeteners or colors.
Winter Fancy Food Show to Move to Las Vegas in 2022
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) announced today that its Winter Fancy Food Show will be relocating from San Francisco to Las Vegas in 2022. The annual event, previously set to be held at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, will now be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center on February 6-8.
5-hour Energy Offers An Opportunity To Win The Ultimate Football Experience
It’s hard to choose between a turbocharged tailgate, mancave makeover, or sideline season tickets. That’s why fans of 5-hour ENERGY can enter their product receipts for a chance to win $10,000 to create their own personal football experience.
Press Clips: Non-Alc Beverages Present a Sobriety Challenge
The New Yorker looks at how the rise of non-alcoholic alternative beverages is impacting alcoholics in recovery; Super Coffee is profiled by the Austin American-Statesman after relocating the company to Texas; Reuters probes how climate change is prompting American farmers to plant coffee trees.
American Craft Gin Pioneer Junipero Gin Celebrates 25th Anniversary
As America’s first craft gin since Prohibition, Junipero Gin is celebrating 25 years of being the bold, award-winning gin whose convention-breaking style pioneered the premium craft gin category in the U.S.
Starward Whisky And The Michelin Guide Announce Partnership
The pioneers of Australian craft whisky, Starward, announced a major new deal to be the Official Whisky Partner of the globally renowned MICHELIN Guide.
Monster Energy Vet Dan Lamb Joins A SHOC As CCO
Better-for-you energy drink maker A SHOC announced today that former Senior VP of Monster Energy, Dan Lamb, has joined the company as its new Chief Commercial Officer.
Martell Cognac And Janelle Monáe Launch “Soar Beyond the Expected” Campaign
Martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses, is proud to announce world-renowned artist Janelle Monáe as an official partner for a new brand campaign, “Soar Beyond the Expected,” featuring the brand’s innovative offering, Martell Blue Swift.
New Seasonal Eggnog And Whipping Cream Flavors From Shamrock Farms
Shamrock Farms is jump-starting the holiday season by introducing deliciously unexpected eggnog and whipping creams inspired by fall and holiday flavors.
Clean Energy Changes Introduces New On-the-Go Clean Label Smoothies
Clean Energy, a clean label, plant-based sports nutrition company, announced the launch of its on-the-go smoothie packets containing only organic fruits and vegetables, as its first product.
Mingle Mocktails Named The Official Mocktail & Mixer For The 2021ShopRite LPGA Classic
The female founded mocktail brand, crafted from clean ingredients and natural botanicals, will be serving beverages to golfers and spectators alike, serving specialty Mocktails and partnering with Tito’s Vodka to create two specialty cocktails for the event.