Brad Avery

Brad Avery

Senior Reporter

Brad is a Reporter for BevNET.com.

Contact Information »

Posts by Brad Avery

HALO Sport Secures Six-Figure Investment From Gulf Distributing

New York-based hydration beverage brand HALO Sport announced today that it has received an undisclosed six-figure investment from Alabama-based Molson Coors DSD house Gulf Distributing Holdings Inc., in addition to a distribution partnership to service the Southeast market.

Slate Aims To Build Lifestyle Brand For ‘Adult’ Chocolate Milk

Aiming to create a better-for-you version of a nostalgic childhood staple, Boston-based Slate Milk is tackling the RTD dairy space with a new line of chocolate milks positioned to serve either as a functional protein recovery drink or as a sweet indulgence, depending on the use occasion.

Distribution Roundup: OLIPOP Adds Rainforest, Expands Whole Foods

OLIPOP adds Rainforest Distribution, expands Whole Foods and adds Sprouts with exclusive launch of new Cherry Vanilla flavor; So Good So You Adds Sprouts Chainwide with three SKUs of its juice shot line; Ugly Drinks Enters Kroger in Tennessee; NOCCO Adds GNC

Reed’s: Zero Sugar, Ginger Ale Drive 13% Q1 Growth

After production issues hobbled growth last year, Reed’s Inc. reported in an earnings call yesterday that it has rebounded with 13% net sales growth to $9.5 million in Q1. Speaking with investors yesterday, Reed’s CEO Norman Snyder said the company’s volume growth was driven by distribution expansion and higher velocities.

Jones Soda Lays Off Sales Team, Citing COVID-19 Impact

Jones Soda Co. last month laid off nine employees and furloughed four others, including almost the entirety of its sales team, the company reported in its Q1 2020 earnings call on Thursday. Speaking to investors, interim CEO Jamie Colbourne said the layoffs were a result of financial constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but offered no further details.

Hydrant Raises $5.7 Million Series A Round

Hydrant, the maker of a line of powdered hydration drink mixes, has raised $5.7 million in a Series A funding round led by Coefficient Capital, the company announced today, bringing its total funding to $8.8 million. In addition to Coefficient Capital, the round also included Rx3 Ventures and prior investors Soma Capital and Sixers Innovation Lab, an incubator program run by the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers.

Swig + Swallow Rebrands to Cheeky Cocktail Co.

Last month, Swig + Swallow rebranded to Cheeky Cocktails Co., dropping its entire product portfolio and the half-full bottle concept in favor of a new line premium syrups and juices, available in eight flavors for $7.50 per 8 oz. bottle.

People Moves: Riff Cold Brewed Names Adam Hertel as CRO

Oregon-based Riff Cold Brewed announced last week that it has named Adam Hertel as chief revenue officer; DAHlicious Organic announced that it has appointed former Mondelez International senior director Pamela Goldberg as CEO; Goldstein leaves Organic Valley for CMO role at cannabis cultivator and dispensary INSA

Flow Alkaline Spring Water Raises $45M to Support U.S. Growth

Flow Alkaline Spring Water announced today it has closed a $45 million Series D funding round, backed by a group of individual investors that includes pop star Post Malone and former MLB champion Chase Utley. The financing will go towards the company’s goal of scaling distribution and production and doubling its consumer base by next year.

KeHE VP: Innovation, Promotion Still Crucial in Crisis

In a webinar, three leaders in the natural grocery space -- KeHE Distributors VP of category management and growth solutions Kate Paul, Independent Natural Food Retailers Association interim CEO Pat Sheridan, and Natural Co-Op Grocers senior director of purchasing Ben Nauman -- discussed how distributors and retailers are responding to the fast-changing environment and what brands can do to stay on top of the crisis.

Neuro Turns to Gut Health For Next Functional Innovation

Despite being one of the established veterans of the functional beverage set, Neuro is still looking for ways to expand its product range. Along with introducing powdered products, the California-based company is this month introducing its eighth SKU, Probucha, a shelf-stable probiotic drink intended to promote gut health.

PepsiCo Announces Bang Energy Distribution Partnership

PepsiCo announced today in its Q1 earnings call that it has entered an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Bang Energy, the performance energy drink brand produced by Vital Pharmaceuticals, furthering the conglomerate’s goal of becoming a competitive player in the global energy drink market.

Data Digest: Consumer Behavior Moves into New Phase

As the world prepares to enter the third month of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CPG industry is still working to adapt to a radically altered marketplace. Last week, three new reports from market research firms IRI, Datassential and Blue Chip, shone light on how consumer behavior has changed since March and what the industry should anticipate as the crisis eases and a new normal for consumer buying habits emerges.

NOBL Beverages Acquires MATI Energy, Will Relaunch Brand

New Hampshire-based NOBL Beverages, working with a group of private equity investors, has acquired defunct energy drink brand MATI for an undisclosed sum and plans to relaunch the organic drink line this year, the company announced today.