Brad Avery

Brad Avery

Senior Reporter

Brad is a Reporter for BevNET.com.

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Posts by Brad Avery

Darren Rovell’s Kickstand Cocktails Expands with New SKUs, Distribution

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.

NielsenIQ: Non-Alc Beverage Sales Accelerate in Early December

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.

Poppi Closes CAVU-Led $25M Series B Round

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.

GHOST ‘Deceptively’ Markets to Kids, Allege Ad Watchdogs

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.

Coke CMO Melanie Boulden Moves to Tyson Foods

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.

KDP to Invest $863M in C4, Enters Long-Term Distribution Pact

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.

Velvet Llama Claims Victory in BevNET’s Cocktail Showdown 3

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.

Culture Pop Preps National Growth Plan for the New Year

Two-and-a-half years after a quiet soft launch in its backyard of Boston, probiotic soda maker Culture Pop is preparing to make its name as a national player in the fast emerging functional soda category next year.

Food and Beverage Brands Relishing Pickleball Opportunities

While it may once have been the domain of country clubs and retirement homes, the sport of pickleball is making a play for the mainstream. As professional pickleball leagues earn serious attention from the sports world, food and beverage brands see it as an emerging cultural trend, and they’re looking to get in on the ground floor.

NielsenIQ: Non-Alc Beverage Sales Growth Accelerates Against Strong Pricing

Non-alcoholic beverage sales growth accelerated in the two-week period ending November 5, according to an analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research. Total beverage retail dollar sales were up around 15% in the two-week period, picking up pace compared to 13.7% for the four-week period and 12.7% for the 12-week period.