Lukas Southard

Lukas Southard

Senior Reporter, BevNET & NOSH

Lukas Southard is a Reporter covering the food and beverage industries across BevNET and NOSH.

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Posts by Lukas Southard

Monster To Launch Flavored Malt Beverage “The Beast Unleashed”

Monster Beverage Company confirmed its long-rumored entrance into beverage alcohol during its Q2 2022 earnings call on Thursday, announcing that Monster Beast Unleashed, a four-SKU line of flavored malt beverages (6% ABV), will launch in late Q4 2022 with the goal of being nationally distributed by the end of 2023.

Vericast: Inflation Pushes Brands to Craft Marketing Around Generational Differences

Marketing firm Vericast explained in its “2022 CPG and Grocery TrendWatch” consumer report that brands who offer competitive pricing and promotions while optimizing the convenience of online shopping with the in-store experience are more likely to succeed across age groups during the current high inflationary period.

The Pandemic Boosted E-Commerce, What Happens Now?

The pandemic changed how consumers used e-commerce to get products delivered to their doors but the exponential growth of digital shopping platforms has subsided leaving CPG food and beverage companies to reevaluate how they strategize growth and reach consumers online.

Positive Beverage Brings Its Message Of Cleaner Hydration To The Energy Drink Category

The Newport Beach, California-based beverage company spent the pandemic developing its answer to the zero-sugar energy drink category with the release of Positive Energy in three flavors – Tropical Bliss, Watermelon Mania and Poppin’ Orange. The products launched at the beginning of the year with 160g of caffeine from green tea extract and 0 calories in each can, and is positioning itself to target not just traditional energy drink consumers but the whole family.

NielsenIQ: Volume Growth Boosts Non-Alc Beverage Sales

Volume growth improvement over the Fourth of July holiday helped fuel non-alcoholic beverage sales over the two-week period ending July 18, according to an analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

Coke: Strong Q2 Earnings Drive Up FY2022 Guidance

The Atlanta-based beverage company reported that net operating revenues were up 14%, $21.8 billion, in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year. The drink maker beat analyst expectations on adjusted earnings per share which were up $0.03 to $0.70 and revenue from $10.56 billion to $11.3 billion.

FDA Issues Misbranding Warning to H2 Beverages

In June, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a warning letter to H2 Beverages over misleading health claims and misbranded labels of the hydrogen-infused beverages.

Supply Chain Pressure Disrupts Recipes, Drives Inflation, According to Survey

Faced with unprecedented and extended supply chain disruptions, CPG brands are fighting back any way they can. In a June survey by ingredient-sourcing and management platform TraceGains, over 300 food, beverage, and dietary supplement companies reported having expanded their respective co-manufacturer networks and made recipe changes in order to remain agile and resilient during market disruptions.

Zevia CEO Paddy Spence Stepping Down; President Amy Taylor Taking Over

Nearly one year removed from the company’s IPO filing, zero-sugar soft drink maker Zevia has announced a changing of the guard. Paddy Spence will cede his longtime role as CEO to President Amy Taylor on August 1, but remain Chair of the Board after he steps down.

BevNET Live Summer 2022 Day Two Recap: Liquid Death Discusses Opportunity in Web3; Creating An Investment Narrative

Educational sessions and discussions covered topics ranging from NFTs to THC during the second day of BevNET Live Summer 2022. Highlighted by a wild conversation with Bang Energy founder Jack Owoc, Thursday’s agenda also featured a beverage data dive from SPINS, Liquid Death’s work in web3 and insights into TikTok’s role in creating the next generation of CPG stars.