Recess Names Former Beatbox Exec Francis as CMO
As the brand aims to scale and achieve mainstream adoption, functional beverage maker Recess has brought in former Beatbox marketing leader Zech Francis to head up its own marketing efforts as CMO.
Brad Avery
Posts by Brad Avery
![[Exclusive] Target Expanding Hemp Beverage Sales to Fla., Tex., Ill.](https://dg6qn11ynnp6a.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05154452/target-expanding-hemp-beverage-sales-to-fla-tex-ill-square-crop-1-150x150.png)
[Exclusive] Target Expanding Hemp Beverage Sales to Fla., Tex., Ill.
Target will be adding hemp-derived THC drinks to store shelves in over 300 stores across Texas, Florida and Illinois.
Yerba Madre Hires Jimmy DeCicco as SVP of Revenue Growth
DeCicco confirmed to BevNET that he has taken the role at the leading U.S. yerba mate maker, which has been focused on growing its East Coast presence about a year after rebranding the business from its former identity, Guayakí.
Vita Coco Sales Rise 37% in Q1
Retail growth, improved pricing and positive private label shipment trends led Vita Coco to a strong Q1 2026 performance, announcing this week 37% net sales growth to $180 million in its latest earnings report.
Convenience Retailers Feeling Optimistic as Energy Leads NA Beverage Growth
Convenience channel beverage sales got off to an accelerated start to the year, reporting 1.5% sales growth in Q1, compared with just 0.4% growth in Q4 2025, prompting some more optimism from retailers, according to the latest Beverage Bytes survey of c-store retailers.
‘Fizz for Kids’ Brand Roxberry Hits Modern Soda Set in H-E-B
The Ohio-based “Fizz for Kids” brand launched in 2024 with independent accounts around the Buckeye State before expanding nationwide in 2025 with accounts like Kroger, Meijer and Harris Teeter.
Distribution: Pure Genius Launches Retail with Target
Startup influencer-founded protein shot brand Pure Genius is launching nationwide into Target stores this month and online, marking the brand’s first national retail partner.
Marketing: Powerade Powers Up for the World Cup
As the official sports drink partner of the 2026 World Cup, Coca-Cola’s Powerade is preparing for the event with a new marketing campaign, “Power Your Legacy,” featuring international soccer stars Lamine Yamal and Rodrygo Goes.
Nowadays Preps for November Ban with ‘Extra Light’ THC Beverage Line
Facing an ever-increasing likelihood that hemp THC beverages will be outlawed this fall, Nowadays is preparing for the long-run with its latest innovation: Nowadays Extra Light, a low-dose RTD line designed to be compliant with the upcoming regulatory requirements.
Former Jones Soda Prez, Willie Nelson’s Bassist Launch THC Coffee Syrup Brand
As a bassist in the “Family Band” behind legendary musician and equally legendary cannabis consumer Willie Nelson, Kevin Smith is plenty familiar with the THC category. Now, the musician is teaming with former Jones Soda president and COO Eric Chastain to launch Stir the Pot, a new line of hemp-infused coffee syrups going on sale online this month.
Distribution: Big Geyser Stocks Up
Leading New York City DSD distributor Big Geyser is heading into the summer season with three new signings: the first ready-to-drink launch from LMNT, sustainable bottled water brand Loonen and Beyond Meat’s recently expanded RTD Immerse protein drink line.
Waves Below the Surface: The Original ‘Healthy Beverage’ Category Gets Roiled by Health and Wellness Concerns
The way consumers are approaching the bottled water category is transforming, from the packaging formats they’re most likely to buy to the amount they purchase.
Gutsi Looks to Establish BFY Platform, Launches as Public Company
After nearly 15 years running a beverage services firm, Bob Groux is taking to the brand side with the launch of Gutsi, a new gut health friendly functional beverage brand trading on the public markets.
Distribution: Costco Resets Grow Super Coffee, Oatly
Costco is bringing a slate of new innovations to its warehouses this Spring, as several brands have announced expansions in the national club chain.