The energy drink category felt far more than a light buzz in 2022. The category saw nine-digit strategic investments, a high-profile bankruptcy, the loss of an industry pioneer and multiple startup brands with breakout moments.
Looking to set the company on a path to profitability, Super Coffee has named Tyler Ricks as its new CEO with co-founder Jimmy DeCicco moving into the new position of chief brand officer and executive chairman.
Good Karma Foods has named Mike Murray as its new CEO as the plant-based dairy alternative producer prepares to close a new financing round led by Valor Siren Ventures (VSV) and Loft Growth Partners.
Cometeer, the Massachusetts-based maker of flash-frozen coffee pods, laid off a number of employees across departments last week in a move sources described as an attempt to cut costs. The innovation-focused startup had grown to over 100 employees this year, following a $35 million funding round in 2021 that brought its total financing to around $100 million.
Suja CMO Greg Rose is wrapping up a nearly six year tenure with the cold-pressed juice brand. Rose announced his departure from the San Diego, California-based company, effective at the end of next week. Also, Bang Energy COO Kathy Cole appears to have left the company.
With his latest beverage alcohol play, sports business analyst and CPG investor Darren Rovell is feeling the heat – and he’s excited for it. Kickstand Cocktails launched earlier this year with a line of spicy ready-to-drink canned cocktails with 5.5% ABV per 12 oz. can.
Non-alcoholic beverage sales gained pace in the two-week period ending December 3 as volume growth “remained stable despite a slight acceleration in pricing,” according to an analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
Prebiotic soda producer Poppi has closed a $25 million Series B funding round backed by existing investor CAVU Venture Partners, the company announced today. The new financing arrives as Poppi reports 148% year-over-year growth amid a significant retail expansion.
Health-Ade has named former PepsiCo executive Chris Lansing as its permanent CEO as co-founders Daina Trout and Vanessa Dew prepare to step away from the kombucha company early next year.
Advertising watchdog group Truth in Advertising and the University of Connecticut Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health filed a complaint with federal agencies today against energy drink maker GHOST, alleging the company has “unfairly and deceptively” marketed its products to children.
Coca-Cola’s North America CMO Melanie Boulden is departing the Atlanta-based conglomerate for a new role at Tyson Foods where she will serve as EVP, Chief Growth Officer. In a press release, Tyson stated Boulden will assume the newly created role on February 6.
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has entered a strategic partnership with C4 Energy producer Nutrabolt and will invest $863 million for a 30% ownership stake in the brand, along with distribution rights, the company announced today.
It was a smooth win for Velvet Llama as the New York-based brand was named the champion in BevNET’s Cocktail Showdown 3 this weekend. Created by former bartender Luca Forgeois, Velvet Llama launched earlier this year with a line of RTD cocktails.
Plant-based nutrition brand Huel has closed a $24 million funding round led by private equity firm Highland Europe and featuring investment from Idris and Sabrina Elba. The round now brings the U.K.-based company’s valuation to $560 million.
