Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) announced today it has agreed to acquire a “substantial portion” of dairy producer Dean Foods’ assets for a base price of $425 million as a stalking horse bidder. According to a press release from Dean Foods, DFA is set to acquire 44 of Dean’s liquid and frozen facilities, including real estate, inventory, equipment, direct store delivery system and other corporate assets.

As demand for cold brew coffee continues to grow, many brands have focused on single-serve innovations to gain a foothold in the category. Minnesota-based Bizzy Coffee, however, believes it can make bigger long term gains as a fridge staple rather than playing me-too in the grab-and-go set.

Soylent announced yesterday that CEO Bryan Crowley has been replaced, naming former CFO & COO Demir Vangelov to the chief executive role. In a blog post, Soylent chairman and co-founder Rob Rhinehart said the leadership change comes as the company looks to make changes to its strategy and product.

As The Coca-Cola Company turns toward flavor innovation to grow its core CSD portfolio, Sprite is the latest brand to receive a permanent addition to its lineup with Sprite Ginger, launching this month in original and Zero Sugar varieties.

Minnesota-based CBD health and wellness brand BLNCD Naturals (pronounced Balanced) is making its first step into the beverage space, partnering with Big Watt Coffee to produce a line of CBD-infused sparkling waters launching this month.

Energy drink maker Outlaw Beverages is shutting down, according to the brand’s VP of sales David Martin. Martin announced on LinkedIn yesterday that the company had been unable to find outside financing to fund operations. As well, president and CEO Jesus Delgado-Jenkins left his position last month, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Greenbelt Kombucha Launches in Walmart; Olipop Adds Wegmans, Names New Board Member; OXIGEN Partners with Big Geyser; Tama Tea Partners with UNFI for East Coast Expansion

Speaking with BevNET, Caliva head of beverage Chris Cuvelier said Soul Grind is part of a broader portfolio strategy for CBD drinks. The company currently manufactures both THC and CBD products including cannabis flower, tinctures and edibles. Soul Grind will be its first brand sold into mainstream retail channels.

The Alkaline Water Company Inc. has terminated its proposed acquisition of bottled water maker AQUAhydrate, the company announced today in a press release. According to terms of the acquisition agreement, which was announced in September, both companies had the right to terminate the deal if the agreement was not finalized by January 31.

Trident is a wholesale bean business and RTD cold brew brand based in San Diego, California. The company operates a 3,000 square foot tap room and brewery which sells up to 15 different coffees on draft at any given time. Trident’s RTD products are currently available online direct-to-consumer and in about 125 retail stores across Southern California.

In this recap of brand news and product updates from the 2020 Winter Fancy Food Show, we examine the rapid evolution and expansion of Califia Farms' oat-based beverage platform, as well as the new keto product line from Remedy Organics and the emergence of several new products with Asian-inspired fruit flavors.

California-based prebiotic beverage maker Olipop has raised $10 million in a Series A funding round, the company announced today. The round’s participants include current investors Monogram Capital Partners, Rocana Capital, Finn Capital Partners, Boulder Food Group and Collaborative Fund, as well as first time investor Döhler Ventures.