We’re adding an in-studio interactive audience for BevNET and NOSH’s signature learning and strategy show, Office Hours, which will tape on Oct. 2 at 10:30 a.m. EDT, so come join us as we speak with the people behind Project Potluck, a new group focused on building opportunities for diverse members of the entrepreneurial community.
Veteran food industry insider, trendsetter and entrepreneur Errol Schweizer explained how systemic racism, labor inequality and outdated cannabis laws are affecting the food and beverage industry, and how he is attempting to motivate action and change via his new podcast, “The Checkout.”
Brighter is a line of sparkling beverages that feature raw apple cider vinegar as the hero ingredient. The products are lightly sweetened with maple syrup and have only 20 calories (and 5 grams of sugar) per 8 ounce can.
Jason Barrett, founder & CEO of craft spirits producer Black Button Distilling, spoke about how a stint in small business consulting impacted his vision for the company, why he didn’t seek outside capital to launch Black Button and why he credits an effective systems management strategy as the key reason that spirits conglomerate Constellation Brands invested in the distillery.
Cleen Craft is a line of hemp enhanced carbonated soft drinks that come in a variety of classic soda flavors. The products are sugar sweetened and include 16 mg of hemp extract as well as velvet bean (mucuna pruriens).
Joseph Carr, founder of top-selling wine brand Josh Cellars, spoke about how diligence and self-education were critical in turning his passion into a career and why he left a lucrative job to launch his own company. He also explained how he defines hard work and how Josh Cellars has articulated a positioning that is both premium and accessible.
Maple Mama is a USDA Organic certified sparkling beverage that is sweetened -- but not flavored -- with maple syrup. Instead, the products come in four fruit-based varieties, including Ginger Lemon, Strawberry Kiwi, Blueberry Pomegranate and Raspberry Lime.
Mark Samuel, founder & CEO of protein-centric snack company IWON Organics, spoke what he defines as the brand’s “why,” the most effective ways to engage with his audience of 20,000-plus followers on LinkedIn, how he incorporates both confidence and vulnerability in his content and why patience is a virtue, especially after hearing the word “no.”
Spark is a line of sparkling CBD beverages from The Hemp Division, a division of premium tea company Harney & Sons. The product is available in two flavors, Orange Mango and Tangy Lime, both of which have 20 mg of CBD per 12 ounce can.
Veteran beverage entrepreneur CJ Rapp, the founder of Karma Water and cult cola brand Jolt, spoke about why he defines himself as a “marketer,” the key lesson learned from launching several ahead-of-their-time beverages and what he believes to be the guiding path for any entrepreneur.
A panel of six food and beverage entrepreneurs from across the country joined up with BevNET Editor in Chief Jeff Klineman to discuss the challenges that the summer of 2020 -- and the ongoing struggle with a global pandemic -- brought them. Speakers addressed ways they are overcoming challenges around production, financing, sales and marketing, offering support and advice to each other.
Dave Colina, founder & CEO of natural sports recovery brand O2, spoke about how the company’s decisions over the past five years prepared it to meet the challenges and opportunities of the last five months, how the brand achieved record sales numbers while donating 50% of profits to independent gym owners affected by COVID-19 and why he believes that entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth as building a successful brand.
Health-Ade Plus, which was announced in mid August, is a line of USDA Certified Organic kombuchas that are enhanced with functional ingredients.
BevNET and NOSH are deepening their coverage of fast-evolving food and beverage categories with the premiere of two new video series next week available exclusively to subscribers: Category Close-Up and Product Showcase. To kick off the series, BevNET Managing Editor Marty Caballero will be taking a look at an established category that remains one of the most dynamic beverage types across all retail channels: ready-to-drink coffee.
