Baltimore Spirits Company Release New Addition To Baltamaro Line

Baltimore Spirits Company (BSC) announced the release of a new addition to their Baltamaro line of award-winning liqueurs. Baltamaro Volume 4: Chamomile Bitter will be officially released Friday, August 13th at noon in their newly-opened distillery cocktail bar and tasting room in Medfield’s Union Collective.

KÖE Organic Kombucha Earns National Expansion

KÖE Kombucha announced significant expansion to their national distribution footprint. As mainstream consumers call for function like gut health and immunity, low sugar, exceptional taste, and competitive price points in their beverages, KÖE’s availability is extending beyond the natural channel and into more sets with mass appeal.

First Bev Takes Controlling Stake in Health-Ade, Belsito Named CEO

First Bev has acquired a controlling stake in Health-Ade Kombucha. The move comes alongside an executive shakeup for the brand as CEO Daina Trout moves into the new role of Chief Mission Officer while First Bev managing partner Jack Belsito is moving from investor to CEO.

Caliwater Raises $2M in Celeb-Backed Seed Round

California-based cactus water maker Caliwater, which relaunched in April under the leadership of filmmaker Oliver Trevena and actress Vanessa Hudgens, announced last week that it has raised $2 million in a seed round, backed by individual investors.

UNFI Moves Winter Show to Virtual Format, Mondelez Cancels Accelerator Showcase

In an email to customers yesterday distributor UNFI announced that it would shift its Winter Natural Show to a virtual-only format. The expo, for suppliers of the ubiquitous natural foods distributor, was slated to be held in Las Vegas Sept. 7-9 and was going to be the company’s first in-person event following the start of the Covid-19 pandemic last year.

Review: Chiki Chiki Boom Boom

Chiki Chiki Boom Boom is a USDA Organic plant-based “punch” that was inspired by the founders’ Ecuadorian roots. The product, which is made in Ecuador, has only 20 calories and…

REBBL Launches Functional POP, Stacked Coffee Lines

Plant-based functional beverage maker REBBL is expanding its category reach with two new product lines: prebiotic soda REBBL POP and mushroom-boosted REBBL Stacked Coffee. Stacked Coffee is available in four varieties: Straight Black, Cafe Mocha, Vanilla Latte and Hazelnut Latte.

Wandering Barman Wins BevNET’s Inaugural Cocktail Showdown

Wandering Barman found victory in BevNET’s first ever Cocktail Showdown pitch competition today, emerging as the champion among a field of 10 ready-to-drink and ready-to-pour cocktail brands. The New York-based brand sells seven varieties of cocktails with multiple base spirit options and varying alcohol content.

Distribution Roundup: Agave-Based RTD Cocktails Trail New Territories

Two Mexican-inspired spirit-based cocktail startups announced distribution gains this week, with RTD sparkling mezcal maker Elenita and tequila seltzer brand Volley both adding new DSD partners. Also, Lucky Jack partnered with Fresh Thyme Market and shelf-stable kombucha maker KÖE has added a number of new retail doors in the convenience, drug and grocery channels.