Brad Avery

Brad Avery

Senior Reporter

Brad is a Reporter for BevNET.com.

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Posts by Brad Avery

People Moves: Soylent Co-Founder Moves On

Soylent co-founder and chief technology officer John Coogan has left the company to pursue independent consulting; Long Island Iced Tea Corp. brings on Rob Stefanizzi; Shawn Sugarman leaves Moon Juice; Sidney Horn joins Halen Brands

Functional Beverages Find New Energy with MCT Oil

Much of MCT oil’s newfound recognition in food and beverage is due to its purported health benefits. Studies have shown it to be a particularly effective component of the "healthy fat" trend. High in saturated fats, the body quickly converts MCT into energy, making it popular amongst proponents of the paleo and ketogenic diets.

Califia Farms Grows On-Premise with New Partnership

Califia Farms announced Monday a new on-premise partnership with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, launching the company’s Barista Blend Almondmilk nationwide in select cafe locations. The deal brings Califia Farms’ total on-premise presence to roughly 2,500 locations, making its barista-focused business the fastest growing segment of the company.

Ocean Spray Relaunches Pact

Initially launched in 2014 through a distribution partnership with PepsiCo, the original Pact beverages were marketed to consumers as a cleanse drink. The new 16 oz. bottles feature cleaner-looking packaging that highlight the beverage’s low-calorie count and emphasize its fruit content.

Genius Juice Relaunches Coconut Smoothie

Approximately a year after Genius Juice discontinued its flagship coconut smoothie line, the beverage maker is shifting gears once again with a relaunch of its original product. CEO Alex Bayer said the company never wanted to discontinue its smoothie line, but that the company’s distribution had grown too wide for its manufacturing capabilities.

Spindrift Signs with Big Geyser

In a move that will give Spindrift a deeper presence l in the New York metro area, the sparkling water company today announced a long-term distribution deal with DSD giant Big Geyser.

Royal Cup Acquires Icebox Coffee

In a press release last week, Royal Cup announced the closure of the acquisition, which included both the Icebox brand trademark and the New Orleans company’s production facilities. Icebox founder and president Bebe Goodrich has joined Royal Cup as director of liquid product innovation, overseeing the newly formed ready-to-drink arm.

Bootleg Bucha Busting Out of Buffalo

Buffalo, New York is well known for its sports teams, lakes, and chicken wings. Now a new kombucha company is looking to add fermented tea to that storied list and spread the “Buffalove” across New York state and along the East Coast.

Press Clips: Coke Offers $1M for Sweetener Innovations

Coca-Cola offers $1 million for new artificial sweetener innovations; Soda tax thwacks Chicago's suburbs; Will Smith plugs JUST Water on James Corden's "Carpool Karaoke"; NPR takes a look at the rise of seltzer; Bai seeks a more mature brand image.

People Moves: Suja CMO Heather MacNeil Cox Departs

CMO Heather MacNeil Cox leaves Suja after three years with company; Harmless Harvest VP of Marketing makes jump to outdoor apparel industry; Target adds new grocery-focused executives; DPS shuffles executives following departure of Bai CEO

Kill Cliff Fuels Up With Sunrise Investment

Sunrise Strategic Partners, an investment firm with a focus on healthy and sustainable foods, announced Thursday that it has acquired a minority ownership stake in Kill Cliff. The deal marks the eighth investment for the young firm and the first beverage brand addition to its portfolio.

CAVU-Backed Waterloo Sparkling Preps National Launch

Positioning itself as a fuller-flavored challenger brand in a burgeoning category, Austin-based Waterloo Sparkling Water will launch nationally next month in all Whole Foods stores, along with several other retail chains throughout the country.