Co-founder Vanessa Dew has been named interim CEO of Health-Ade Kombucha, following the departure of chief executive Jack Belsito earlier this summer, the company has confirmed. Co-founder and Chief Mission Officer Daina Trout told BevNET this week that Dew is stepping into the position after Belsito chose to move on from the brand after spending about a year as its CEO.

As consumers continue to cut their alcohol intake and embrace zero proof alternatives, startup retailer Sèchey is working to ensure that shoppers looking for non-alc beer, wine and spirits don’t get hung out to dry. Founded in 2021 by CEO Emily Heintz, Sèchey (French for ‘dry’) is a South Carolina-based retailer specializing in non-alcoholic beverage alternatives.

As it navigates the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, Utah-based direct selling company NewAge, Inc. announced last week it has entered a definitive agreement to sell its DSD distribution business to Colorado-based Legacy Distribution Group.

As the company looks to its new FITAID Energy line as a fast-growing sales leader, NFL star Bishard “Budda” Baker has invested an undisclosed amount into functional beverage company LIFEAID to help support the brand’s expansion.

United Sodas of America co-founder Marisa Zupan announced she has stepped down as the brand’s CEO and will move into an advisory role with the company. She hands the reins over to co-founder Craig Roscoe, the company’s largest shareholder who is assuming the CEO role.

Hydration beverage maker Roar Organic has named beverage industry veteran Bill Lange as president, responsible for overseeing the brand as it seeks to expand its retail presence nationwide, the company announced this week.

Starbucks Coffee has named Laxman Narasimhan as its next CEO, replacing interim chief executive Howard Schultz effective April 1, 2023. Currently based in London, Narasimhan will relocate to Seattle for the role and will join the company full time as its “incoming CEO” on October 1 to work alongside Schultz.

Seven months after the brand was acquired by King’s Hawaiian parent company Irresistible Foods Group, Shaka Tea’s founders Harrison Rice and Bella Hughes are moving on to new ventures, beginning with the launch of investment fund Roya Capital.

Flash-frozen coffee producer Cometeer is making its brick-and-mortar retail debut this month in all seven Erewhon locations in Southern California. As part of the rollout, the company is also debuting three new 4-pack varieties, available exclusively in Erewhon stores, which will retail for $9.99 each.

Last week, many THC-infused cannabis beverage brand leaders received long awaited recognition in the mainstream press when the New York Times ran a feature covering the surging popularity of the emerging category in legal markets. But the piece, titled “Weed Drinks Are a Buzzy Alcohol Substitute. But Are They Safe?” didn’t sit right with many in the industry.

Since launching in the U.S. in 2015, Mexico-based isotonic hydration brand Electrolit has swiftly established itself as a versatile omnichannel player, establishing itself as the fourth-largest sports drink brand. Now, incoming Electrolit CEO Christian Patiño Webb said his goal is to aim higher.

Less than 24 hours after reports began circulating of a potential deal, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is distancing itself from a proposed acquisition of Bang Energy.