Brad Avery

Brad Avery

Senior Reporter

Brad is a Reporter for BevNET.com.

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Posts by Brad Avery

BevNET Live Winter 2018 Video: Keeping a Mature Brand Vital with Fiji Water

As Fiji receives free media play via musicians and late night television skits, its owner The Wonderful Company continues to put in the legwork to maintain its vitality. In this clip from BevNET Live, Fiji president Elizabeth Stephenson walks through how Wonderful is keeping a mature brand like Fiji at the top of the conversation.

BevNET Live Winter 2018 Video: Building Trust Between Investors and Founders

When investors and entrepreneurs clash, it can be a recipe for disaster. But when the partnership is honest and supportive, it can be the key to taking a business to the next level. In this clip from BevNET Live Winter 2018, REBBL CEO Sheryl O'Loughlin and BIGR Ventures co-founder Duane Primozich talk about how they have developed the traditional investment/brand dynamic into a true friendship.

Soylent Launches Reduced Calorie ‘Bridge’ Line

Meal replacement maker Soylent’s natural use occasion is clear: three meals a day, three reasons to purchase a Soylent. Now as the brand moves into the mainstream retail environment, the company is creating new use occasions for its growing consumer base with Soylent Bridge, a new low calorie snacking line

The Top 10 Most Read BevNET Stories of 2018

It's time to look back at the past year by reminiscing on the exciting innovations, landmark deals, and major developments that changed the beverage industry. And there’s no more objective way to do that than list to our most read articles of 2018.

PepsiCo North America CEO Carey to Retire

PepsiCo North America announced today that CEO Albert P. Carey will retire at the end of March. Frito-Lay North America president and COO Vivek Sankaran and North America Beverages president and COO Kirk Tanner have accepted CEO positions in their respective units.

Novamex Acquires Tio Gazpacho

Novamex has acquired Tio Gazpacho for an undisclosed sum, the company announced today, more than a year after the Hispanic-focused beverage marketer first invested in the drinkable soup brand. Primarily an importer of Mexican brands such as Jarritos and Mineragua, Novamex said in the announcement that it is focusing on becoming a growth platform for natural and organic beverages, such as the organic certified Tio Gazpacho.

BevNET Live Winter 2018 Video: Walmart As Your Launchpad

In this video from BevNET Live Winter 2018, Sarah Alderson, divisional merchandise manager of chilled packaged goods at Walmart, discusses how the retailer is embracing innovation and seeking to break its monolithic, low-priced reputation by opening the doors to startups and offering a powerful launchpad for maximizing a brand’s value.

BevNET Live Winter 2018 Video: FORTO – Guiding a Brand in Transition

In this clip from day one of BevNET Live Winter 2018, FORTO founder Neel Premkumar went deep into what’s worked for him, what hasn’t, and his advice to entrepreneurs on navigating the market with a fast-growing brand transitioning from small startup to a national player.

Portuguese Juice Maker SoNatural Launches in U.S.

The HPP juice maker this month announced the opening of a 30,000 sq ft. production facility in the Melbourne, Penn. where the company will manufacture its juice products and which will handle all U.S. distribution when it goes online at February 1.

Roar Organic Announces $5.6M Funding Round

Venture capital fund AccelFoods announced today it is leading a planned $5.6 million round in Roar Organic. AccelFoods said it has committed $1.25 million, of which $625,000 has already been invested in the better-for-you sports drink. The full round is expected to close in the first week of January.

BevNET Magazine Feature: Plant-Based Dairy Brands Push Their Platform

As dairy alternatives continue to rise new brands are rapidly entering the space, bringing with them disruptive innovations and unique platform propositions. But an influx also means brands have to work harder to differentiate and protect their corner of the grocery shelf. So the question becomes: how do you build the platform?

Nielsen: CSDs, Sparkling Water Make Gains

Snack and non-alcoholic beverages sales were up 4.1 percent in the four-week period ending on December 1, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Wells Fargo Securities. The all channel report showed growing sales of carbonated soft drink (CSDs) across the category’s major players, including The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP).

Distribution Roundup: Cheribundi Goes Chainwide in Walmart

Cheribundi doubles its store count with Walmart to expand its 32 oz multi-serve cherry juice chainwide; Ugly Drinks partners with Rainforest Distribution to continue New York expansion; Sunshine Beverages reformulates to reduce sugar and builds out Southeast retail presence; CELSIUS partners with Anheuser-Busch and PepsiCo distributors.