Brad Avery

Brad Avery

Senior Reporter

Brad is a Reporter for BevNET.com.

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Posts by Brad Avery

In Search of Credibility, CBD Beverage Brands Embrace Transparency

As startups race to seize shelf space in the emerging market for hemp-infused products, CBD beverage makers have witnessed an influx of competition using low grade ingredients and mislabeled doses. As the category faces increased scrutiny from not just state and federal regulators, but consumers who are inexperienced with or skeptical of hemp-based products, many beverage brands are prioritizing transparency and education.

NACS 2019: Docklight Plots National Rollout with Stable of CBD Brands

Over the past year, the food and beverage space has witnessed a “green rush” of CBD startups entering the market in a race to capitalize on the trend. With no shortage of competition, Seattle-based Docklight Brands is also hoping to get on board the cannabis wave with 13 brands of its own.

BevNET Magazine Feature: Bubbling to the Top

From shelves to coolers, the fizz is in. But how long before the influx of sparkling water brands begins to bubble over? With a standard formulation of tap water, stock flavors, and carbonation, sparkling water brands are now finding new ways to differentiate in order to stand out from the pack, from functionality to branding to premiumization.

NACS 2019: Yerbae’s Todd Gibson on Tackling the Convenience Channel

In this video recorded at last week’s National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia, Yerbae founder and CEO Todd Gibson discusses his brand’s channel strategy, how the clean energy trend is developing in convenience, and why there’s still a long way to go for consumer education on yerba mate drinks.

BevNET Magazine Feature: Where Cold-Pressed Juice Can Still Grow

As cold-pressed juice moves into the next stage after its mid-decade height as a hot beverage trend, the subcategory continues to grow but leaves behind a reformed field of wholesale players marketing lower-priced offerings, alongside new competition from the private label space.

Former Vita Coco VP Tim Dwyer Joins Flow

Flow Alkaline Spring Water announced today the appointment of Tim Dwyer, a 10-year veteran of Vita Coco who most recently served as that company’s VP of sales, as chief revenue officer. Dwyer said he sees “the same potential” in Flow that he saw in coconut water a decade ago.

Peet’s Closes Coldcraft Unit to Focus on Shelf-Stable Coffee Innovations

Peet’s has cooled its efforts to create a regional cold chain distribution system. The company has ceased operations of its Coldcraft direct store distribution network and discontinued its bottled cold brew line as it focuses on developing shelf-stable RTD coffee products.

Distribution Roundup: JUST Water Goes Chainwide in Target

JUST Water Goes Chainwide in Target; Daytrip Expands in New York and New Jersey; Bimble Partners with Gotham Brands; Olipop Launches Ecommerce; Hoist Adds New Retailers, Tests Launches in Hy-Vee and Target; SOS Hydration Goes Chainwide in CVS; Hellowater Adds Target; Brio! Adds Whole Foods

Andy Malloy Named Picnik CEO

Andy Malloy, the former CEO of sweets maker Hail Merry, has joined butter coffee brand Picnik as CEO, the company told BevNET this week. Malloy replaces Picnik’s founder, Naomi Seifter, who stepped down as the brand’s chief executive in September.

People Moves: Chris Campbell Joins AccelFoods

Chris Campbell Joins AccelFoods; Sol-ti Appoints James Murray as COO; Jamie Schapiro Leaves Granny Squibb’s; Llanllyr SOURCE Preps Relaunch with New Board Appointees; Nestlé Waters North America Names Vivek Bedi as CFO

All Market Inc. Names Martin Roper as President

Roper -- who spent 23 years at the craft brewing giant, including 17 as CEO before departing in 2018 -- will oversee “operational and executional priorities,” the company said in its announcement. During Roper’s tenure at Boston Beer revenues quadrupled and the company expanded its portfolio with brands including Twisted Tea, Angry Orchard, and Truly Hard Seltzer.