Non-alcoholic beverages were feeling the love in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, as sales accelerated across almost all categories for the two-week period ending on February 12, according to an analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
Launched in 2021, DRY Botanical Bitters & Soda is marketed as a zero-proof and zero sugar beverage that offers “the complexity and ritual of a craft cocktail without the alcohol.” It’s the third product line from DRY Soda and joins a handful of brands that are actively marketing bitters and soda products.
In this episode, we sat down with pioneering winemaker Joe Wagner, the founder of Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, who is best known for creating Meiomi, an industry-shifting brand that he sold in 2015 for $315 million. Wagner spoke about aligning his winemaking style with a “go with your palate” credo, how a potentially risky price reduction became a game changer for Meiomi and why he’s not affected by criticism from some within the wine industry.
From Coca-Cola Starlight to Lemon Perfect Kiwi Star Fruit, beverage makers debuted a variety of new products this week, including functional plant-based creamers from Silk, a new limited edition flavor from Brew Dr., and a new permanent addition to Red Bull’s flavored line. Meanwhile, cannabis beverage startup Drink Loud is debuting micro-sized THC drinks that pack a wallop, and LaCroix getting ready for spring with a new flavor.
Coca-Cola’s new “global innovation platform,” Coca-Cola Creations, was unveiled this week, kicking off with the release of Starlight, the first in a series of limited-edition products and experiences that will be introduced “across physical and digital worlds.”
Canned water maker Liquid Death has made a name for itself using an unorthodox – and highly catchy – approach to its branding and marketing. Now the company is hoping to take its momentum into a new category with the release of its first flavored varieties.
This week we’re joined by Kat Cole, the president and COO of rapidly growing wellness brand Athletic Greens, who spoke about how she’s applying her extensive experience in branding, leadership and community building to the recently minted unicorn company, which last month raised $115 million at a valuation of over $1 billion.
Functional drinks and seasonal offerings are abound in this week’s new beverage launches, including limited edition flavors from Aura Bora and nutpods, plant-based mushroom drinks from Lifeway and a new medical-grade meal replacement via Kate Farms.
The team discussed a variety of current topics, including the implications of a groundbreaking countertop appliance that will be able to create a near-infinite number of beverage types, how Expo West exhibitors can amplify their presence at the show, and whether a YouTube megastar can leverage his fame to sell chocolate bars, plus offered high praise for several new snacks and beverages.
Mélanie Masarin, founder and CEO of pioneering non-alcoholic cocktail brand Ghia, discussed the influence of her work experience at Glossier on the brand’s development, her vision to build Ghia as an “IRL” platform and how it was impacted by the pandemic, the remarkable story about how she won over Ghia’s brand designer and why “growing up in the right way” often means pumping the brakes.
In this spirits-focused People Moves roundup, Jeff Arnold joins LALO as COO while Richard Zeller is promoted to President at 3 Badge Beverage.
Whether you're looking for Happiness, Tiger Blood or something in between, we've got products for all tastes this week. Featuring new releases from C4, Brew Dr. Kombucha, HOP WTR, Me & the Bees Lemonade, Aqua Nobel, Biolyte, Jones Soda, Clover Sonoma, Levia, Pressed, Sanzo and Rockstar.
First announced in January, De Soi is a new brand of non-alcoholic sparkling aperitifs produced by singer Katy Perry and Morgan McLachlan, the master distiller of AMASS Spirits. The product line currently features three flavors, in 750ml bottles or 8 oz cans, and features a unique blend of herbal and adaptogenic ingredients.
This week on Taste Radio, we share the inspirational story of Adam Bremen, the founder of fast-growing snack bar brand Keto Krisp, who spoke about how perseverance and a can-do attitude has yielded personal and professional success throughout his life. Also, investor Maxine Kozler Koven joins the episode for the first installment of a new regular series in which she provides her insights and analysis of the food and beverage industry.
