As the dominant players in c-store coolers nationwide, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Monster Energy and other major corporations showed a range of new products and line innovations aimed at taking -- or at least holding -- a larger share of the market. As they do, they are taking different approaches to various opportunities and challenges currently roiling the marketplace, including concerns over sugar content, the development of a broader dairy set, and offering natural and “clean” energy products.

Though convenience store traffic has dipped in 2017, you couldn’t tell from looking around the packed floor at this year’s National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show last week in Chicago. Exhibitors from across the spectrum of food and beverage took over two halls of the McCormick Place for three days, showcasing a range of new products and innovations that will be rolling out to c-store coolers over the next year.

A former employee of sparkling water company Talking Rain is suing the company and its former president and chief executive officer, Kevin Klock, alleging sexual harassment, disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, violations of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and retaliation. The complaint was filed on Oct. 10 in the King County Superior Court, in Seattle, Washington.

Forto today announced the launch of two new reduced caffeine SKUs to its line of organic cold brew coffee shots: Pure Black Espresso and Hershey’s Chocolate, a co-branded release developed in partnership with The Hershey Company. The new flavors, which contain 100mg of caffeine in each 2 oz. serving, will be showcased for the first time on the NACS show floor ahead of a planned roll out on November 1.

Alive will be available in three varieties, each featuring a blend of adaptogenic mushrooms and apple cider vinegar paired with a different tea: Mate Mint, Guayusa Turmeric and Pu-erh Root. Each will be packaged in a 16 oz. glass bottles and contain 30 calories and 7g of sugar.

Barely two months after going into effect, the finance committee of the Cook County, Ill. Board of Commissioners today voted 15-1 to repeal its controversial tax one-penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, known as the Sweetened Beverage Tax Ordinance. The repeal will now go to a full board vote on Wednesday, where it is expected to receive final approval.

Fitness recovery drink Kill Cliff today announced the launch of Kill Cliff Endure, a two-SKU subline aimed at supporting hydration and performance during exercise. The line will be available exclusively at the brand’s fitness account partners for its initial rollout.

At SupplySide West 2017, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from Sept. 26 - 28, BevNET spoke to several companies working in the space about the state of the market for pea protein, what’s driving new innovation on a supplier level, and both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

From the brand name to its distribution strategy to its caffeine content, everything about Blackeye Roasting Co.’s approach to cold brew coffee is on the slightly aggressive side. The Saint Paul, Minn.-based company, founded in 2014 by Matt McGinn, has found a receptive audience in the Midwest for its line of shelf-stable regular and nitro-infused canned cold brew coffee, which are sold at over 1,000 locations, including retailers like Whole Foods and Hy-Vee.