Brad Avery

Brad Avery

Senior Reporter

Brad is a Reporter for BevNET.com.

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Posts by Brad Avery

Celsius Raises $22M in Private Investments

Celsius Holdings, Inc., the parent company of fitness energy brand CELSIUS, announced this week that it has raised $22 million in private investments from two global institutional investors. Declining to name the investors, though calling one “Asia’s leading private equity firm,” CELSIUS president and CEO John Fieldly said the firms will help open doors for the brand’s international expansion through relationships with retailers and suppliers.

Waterloo Acquired by Investment Group Led by Flexis Capital

Waterloo Sparkling Water announced today it has been acquired by a group of investment firms led by Flexis Capital and including Eurazeo Brands, Moore Strategic Ventures, JW Levin Management Partners and Waterloo Capital. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Hint Closes $25M Series D Round

Flavored water maker Hint, Inc. announced this week it has raised $25 million in a series D funding round that will help support the company’s continued growth over the next several years. The round was led by prior investor Springboard Growth Capital (SGC), a firm focused on funding mid-stage CPG companies founded by women, and also includes investments from Philippe Laffont, Gingerbread Capital and Medina Heights Capital Partners.

Sports Medicine: Electrolit Makes Rapid Rise into Refreshment

According to market research firm IRI, Electrolit -- developed as a medical solution to treat dehydration -- is among the highest growing sports drinks brands in the country, with dollar sales up 78.4% to $62.9 million for the 52-week period ending June 30 -- making it the fourth largest brand in the category behind Gatorade, Powerade and BodyArmor.

Sanzo Raises $1.3 Million in Funding Round

Sanzo, the New York-based maker of a line of Asian-inspired sparkling waters, announced today that it has raised $1.3 million in a funding round poised to help the brand expand its retail footprint. The round includes investments from Away co-founder Jen Rubio, Adobe Creative Cloud CPO and EVP Scott Belsky and Boba Guys co-founders Andrew Chau and Bin Chen.

Nielsen: Beverage Sales Up Double-Digits in July

Non-alcoholic beverage sales reported strong double-digit growth last month, with all channel dollar sales up 12.4% for the 4-week period ended July 25, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

KDP: Q2 Net Sales ‘Strong’ Despite COVID Headwinds

Despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) reported strong growth in its business during Q2, with the company’s diversified, omnichannel strategy helping offset significant losses in impacted channels, according to an earnings report this morning.

‘Body’ Building: KDP, Jake Steinfeld Team Up On Nutrition Platform

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) and Body by Jake -- the brand platform run by fitness guru Jake Steinfeld -- have teamed with L.A. Libations to launch Don’t Quit!, a line of better-for-you meal replacement drinks that will compete in the adult nutrition aisle.

Brand Leaders Discuss Race and Business in Online Talk Series

As many in the food and beverage community this summer have embraced the Black Lives Matter movement and the drive to recognize Black-owned brands, a group of entrepreneurs and brand leaders is seeking to keep the conversation going online.

Cloud Water Looks Beyond CBD With Immunity Line

Seeking to expand its platform as a functional beverage company, New York-based Cloud Water is innovating beyond CBD with a new line of immunity boosting beverages launching this fall. Cloud Water +Immunity will be available in three flavors: Blood Orange and Coconut; Grapefruit, Mint and Basil; and Blackberry, Lemon and Rosemary.

NewAge Agrees to Merger With Direct Selling Co. ARIIX, Four Others

Continuing its expansion into the global marketplace, Colorado-based New Age Beverages Corp. entered this week into a definitive agreement to acquire Utah-based multi-level marketing company ARIIX and four other international brands, bringing the company’s pro forma revenues to over $500 million with a footprint in 75 countries.

Nielsen: At-Home Consumption Drives Non-Alc Beverage Sales

“Robust” at-home consumption drove beverage sales over the 4th of July holiday, according to an analysis of all channel Nielsen data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research. Overall beverage sales were up 11.6% year-over-year for the two-week period ending July 11, versus 12.2% growth for the 4-week period and 6.9% for the 52-week period.