Brad Avery

Brad Avery

Senior Reporter

Brad is a Reporter for BevNET.com.

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Posts by Brad Avery

CBD Portfolio Co. Takes 25% Stake in Jones Soda

Jones Soda came closer to producing a line of CBD-infused drinks yesterday as Hemp and CBD portfolio company HeavenlyRx Ltd., a subsidiary of SOL Global Investments, announced yesterday it has acquired a 25% stake in the Seattle-based beverage maker.

Wells Fargo: Monster Makes It Reign, But Bang Keeps Pressure

Despite a strong start by its fitness energy sub-brand Reign, Monster Energy Corp. is still feeling the pressure from insurgent competitor Bang, according to a Wells Fargo Securities analysis of Nielsen data released this week.

PepsiCo: Focus on Innovation Continues Amid ‘Solid’ Q2 Report

PepsiCo exceeded analysts’ expectations in its second quarter earnings report, released today, delivering solid topline growth amid a product innovation wave. Organic revenue for the entire company grew 4.5% during the quarter for a total net revenue of $16.4 billion.

Humm Drops Plans for East Coast Production Facility

Humm Kombucha has cancelled plans to construct a $10 million production facility in Roanoke, Virginia, telling the city that improvements in production and distribution capabilities at its Bend, Oregon headquarters made an East Coast expansion unnecessary.

Sweet Reason Raises $2.5M Seed Round

Cannabis-infused sparkling water maker Sweet Reason has raised $2.5 million in a seed funding round led by venture capital firm Lerer Hippeau. The round also includes investments from River Park, Max Ventures and cannabis investment firm Subversive Capital.

Distribution Roundup: EBOOST Adds Sprouts, Life Time

EBOOST Launches Nationwide in Sprouts, Life Time Fitness; Liquid Death Partners with LA Distributing; C4 Partners with Polar; The Living Apothecary Adds Retailers Nationwide; Soylent Partners with Dot Foods; Clear/Cut Phocus Adds CVS Stores; Ginjan to Test in Walmart, Adds Whole Foods

Kill Cliff to Launch CBD Recovery Drink

While several startup sports drink brands have looked to CBD as an anti-inflammatory functional ingredient, Kill Cliff is the first brand in the category with nationwide distribution to announce a CBD line. The new product, Kill Cliff CBD, includes 25 mg of CBD per 12 oz can and will be available in a single flavor, Orange Kush.

Better Booch Announces $2.5 M Funding Round

Los Angeles-based kombucha maker Better Booch announced today it has raised $2.5 million in a funding round led by Crush Ventures, the venture capital arm of artist management firm Crush Music. The company has “bootstrapped” its finances since its 2012 launch and the funding round is the first time the brand has taken outside money.

Bragg Live Food Products Acquired by Investor Group

Apple cider vinegar maker Bragg Live Food Products announced today it has been acquired by an investor group led by private equity firm Swander Pace Capital, positioning the 107-year-old wellness brand for expansion and innovation.

Project Juice and Beaming Wellness Announce Merger

California-based juice bar chains Project Juice and Beaming Wellness announced last week they have merged to create Superfood Holdings LLC. The new entity will maintain both brand names, which combined operate 16 “organic clean-food kitchens” throughout California.

KDP Withdraws Peñafiel Water Line Containing Arsenic

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) announced last week it is voluntarily withdrawing bottles of its Peñafiel mineral water line, three weeks after a class action lawsuit accused the beverage conglomerate of willfully ignoring tests showing the drinks contain dangerous levels of arsenic.

Mother Beverage Preps Growth After CAVU Invests

Mother co-founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth said Rohan Oza, who took a 25% stake in the company in exchange for his individual investment, arranged meetings between Mother and CAVU shortly after filming Shark Tank. In February the brand secured additional financial backing from the firm, but did not announce the deal until this week.

Press Clips: California Kills Cancer Warning Label for Coffee

California Kills Cancer Warning Label for Coffee; Food Waste Brands a ‘Booming Business’; Cuvée Coffee Creates Fake Influencer; Walmart Prepares to Launch Home Grocery Delivery Service; JAB Wrestles with its Nazi Past