Nestlé Acquires Chameleon Cold-Brew
Nestlé USA today announced its acquisition of Chameleon Cold-Brew for an undisclosed sum, roping the Austin, Tex.-based brand into its widening coffee portfolio.
Brad Avery
Posts by Brad Avery
NACS 2017 Video: HEYDAY Founder On Filling a Gap in Coffee
Speaking with BevNET, founder and CEO Bart Smith discussed his vision for the company -- which is his first foray in the beverage industry -- and how HEYDAY is positioning itself as an affordable, tasty, and non-indulgent cold brew.
NACS 2017 Video: Moonshine Sweet Tea Grows Beyond Grocery
At NACS 2017 in Chicago, BevNET editor-in-chief Jeffrey Klineman spoke to CEO Remmy Castillo about how the company’s growth strategy, discussing how Moonshine is building out its employee roster with industry veterans to strengthen the internal infrastructure and “put the right people in place” for success.
Distribution Roundup: Zupa Noma Branches Out
Zupa Noma enters Whole Foods NoCal and Wegman's nationwide; Coca-Cola Company completes its refranchising effort; New Age Beverage Company partners with Dot Foods for new channel penetration; Powell & Mahoney get into Whole Foods; Arteasans digs into the midwest.
Lavit Partners with Juice Press for Capsule Line
Beverage tech company Lavit, which produces “Cooler Water Cooler” machines marketed for use in offices, announced Monday that it has partnered with cold pressed juicery Juice Press to produce a line of branded, infused water capsules set to hit the market by the end of the year.
KeVita Targeted in Class Action Suit Over Authenticity
The definition of “kombucha” may once again see its day in court, this time via a class action lawsuit filed against PepsiCo-owned probiotic beverage brand KeVita earlier this month, which alleges its Master Brew Kombucha products deceive consumers because they are pasteurized.
NACS 2017: Glanbia Targets C-Stores with New RTD Offerings
Glanbia Performance Nutrition, a subsidiary of Ireland-based ingredient supplier Glanbia, PLC, is seeking to energize its CPG business with several new lines of ready-to-drink performance beverages and protein snacks, set to launch under a variety of brand names in the coming months.
NACS 2017: C-Stores Primed for Premiumization
Even in an era of craft beverages and high demand for natural products, convenience stores remain a stalwart channel for grab-and-go simplicity. And while sugary sodas and 99-cent iced teas still dominate c-store coolers, premium brands are beginning to make inroads. With the presence of several such companies at NACS 2017, brands that made their name in the natural channel now have the corner shop in their targets.
Argo Tea Pushes Premium Growth Strategy
Since founding Argo Tea in Chicago in 2003, Avakian has seen his business model for natural, premium-priced beverages go from niche to mainstream. Having entered the beverage space promising a drink with a “transparent” supply chain, Avakian hedged his bets that American consumers would eventually recognize better-for-you was in fact better.
Press Clips: USDA Clears Aurora Organic Dairy
USDA clears Aurora Organic Dairy after investigation; Walmart doubles down on grocery after Amazon buys Whole Foods; Bloomberg speculates that LaCroix's bubble may burst; Attitude Drinks shuts down; Nooyi speculates on Bezos
Juice Press Makes Travel Play at NYC Airports
Cold pressed juicery Juice Press is seeking to expand its grab-and-go business to travelers from around the world via a partnership with airport retailer OTG that will put some of the company’s ready-to-drink and energy bar products in three major New York City area airports.
Distribution Roundup: Tio Gazpacho Hits California
Tio Gazpacho continues its expansion with California Whole Foods entry; Bizzy Coffee Shots expected to close year with 500 stores; Teatulia enters Midwest region via grocery channel; ARYA lands nationwide CVS partnership.
“Chewie, Punch It!” Star Wars Space Punch Launches in U.S.
The branded line of sparkling, erythritol-sweetened “vitamin drinks” in 12 oz. cans will launch with in-store displays and social media backing from Star Wars trademark holder The Walt Disney Company, following a successful debut in Europe last year.
Cold Vault Forum Reveals Shifts In C-Stores
Speaking at CSP Magazine’s Cold Vault Forum in Chicago last month, Wells Fargo Securities analyst Bonnie Herzog presented the latest news on shifting consumer trends and offered predictions which suggest hope is on the horizon for retailers looking towards upcoming innovations to reinvigorate declining sales.