Brad Avery

Brad Avery

Senior Reporter

Brad is a Reporter for BevNET.com.

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Posts by Brad Avery

Coke Continues Innovation Streak with Orange Vanilla Launch

The Coca-Cola Company announced last week its first flavor extension for the flagship line in 12 years: Orange Vanilla, available in original Coke and Coke Zero Sugar varieties, launching nationwide this month. The flavor extension is one of several recent innovations for Coke’s core CSD products over the past two years.

Ceres Natural Remedies Acquires Tretap

Cannabidiol (CBD) retailer Ceres Natural Products announced on Tuesday it has acquired maple water maker Tretap for an undisclosed sum.

CBD Update: NYC, Maine Health Depts. Crack Down

Confusion over the legal status of cannabidiol (CBD) as an ingredient in food and beverage products was highlighted again this week after state health departments in Maine and New York took actions to crack down on the popular ingredient.

C-Store Survey: Retailers Optimistic Despite Slow Q4

While poor weather conditions led to a slower fourth quarter for convenience stores last year, total beverage sales grew 2.9 percent and retailers are optimistic for strong growth throughout 2019, according to the latest “Beverage Buzz” survey of c-store retailers by Wells Fargo Securities.

Nielsen: CSD Pricing Holds Strong, Sparkling Water Posts Gains

Non-alcoholic beverage and snack sales across all retail channels grew by 7.9 percent in the four-week period ending January 26, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Wells Fargo Securities. Analysts attributed the growth to “favorable New Year’s timing” and strong pricing for carbonated soft drinks (CSD).

Distribution Roundup: LIFEAID Goes Chainwide in Walmart

LIFEAID Goes Chainwide with Walmart, Plans Triple Growth in 2019; CELSIUS To Expand in China with Royalty License Agreement; Oral I.V. Partners with McLane Company; Circle City Kombucha Expands in Chicago; Hoist Adds Two Kroger Divisions

As Deadline Closes, Trade Groups Make Case For “Milk”

Food and beverage industry lobbying groups filed comments with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today, ahead of this afternoon’s deadline for public response on the use of dairy terminology for plant-based products.

Smári to Launch Line of Icelandic Protein Coffees

Ásmundsson said the drinks are designed to be filling and to provide energy without a crash or “jitters.” The line includes three varieties: Iced Mocha, New Orleans, and a Keto Latte. The drinks are set to launch in March.

Bevi Closes $35M Series C Round

Boston-based tech startup Bevi, which produces a line of “smart” beverage dispensing systems sold in office and food service channels, has raised $35 million in a Series C round led by Bessemer Venture Partners. Past investors Horizon Ventures and Trinity Ventures, who had led the company’s Series A and Series B rounds respectively, also participated in the Series C.

Winter Fancy Food Show 2019: MindFull Founder Talks Launching New Company

In this clip Matt Jimenez, founder of food and beverage portfolio company MindFull, explains how his previous industry experience is informing the launch, why he chose to partner with wellness brand Gaiam, and how MindFull will develop lifestyle brands around functional products.

Distribution Roundup: Hydration Brands Expand in Retail

HFactor expands in the Northern California and Texas markets while Liquid I.V. adds 516 Costco stores nationwide. Additionally, cold brew coffee maker Madrinas has picked up more than 700 Walmart stores and CELSIUS announced placement in DICK's Sporting Goods.

Winter Fancy Food Show 2019 Recap: Rebrands, Acquisitions, and Expansions

Winter Fancy Food Show 2019 was not only an opportunity for brands to launch new innovations, but new initiatives as well. The annual trade show hosted by the Specialty Food Association earlier this week in San Francisco saw beverage brands announce comprehensive rebrands, acquisitions, and new sales strategies. This is some of what we saw.