Max Rothman

Posts by Max Rothman

How Sparkling ICE Plans to Reach $1 Billion

Talking Rain CEO Kevin Klock didn’t mind firing a few shots at the competition during a conference call for investors conducted Thursday by Bonnie Herzog, the managing director of beverage, tobacco and consumer research for Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.

Press Clips: Coke Glassware; Drinkable Britpop; Troy Carter’s Side Project

People aged 65 and older have never been more fit or mentally active, and they’re continuing to spend on products that reduce the signs of aging. Diana Cowland, senior analyst of health and wellness for Euromonitor International, writes that despite the widespread demand, functional food and drink marketers could do a better job of meeting the interest.

Study Substantiates Cognitive Effects of 5-Hour Energy

While the conductors of the study didn’t overtly recommend 5-hour Energy, which holds nearly 91 percent of the market share for energy shots, according to IRI, a Chicago-based market research firm, the results indicate that the beverage does indeed sharpen cognitive functions for a six-hour period of time.

Manhattan Beer to Distribute Reed’s Kombucha

Reed’s, Inc. announced Tuesday morning that sizable distributor Manhattan Beer will begin distributing its kombucha brand, Culture Club. The distributor will give the fast-growing line access to the five boroughs of New York City and the Hudson Valley.

PepsiCo Renames, Tests Premium Water

Qua had originally been named Om, however, consumer testing led to the name change. It was tested Sunday at the Golden Globes, where the water was handed out at the red carpet and placed on tables at the show in hopes of reaching target influencers.

U.S. Supreme Court Takes POM Wonderful v. Coca-Cola Case

POM Wonderful, which markets a popular line of pomegranate juice products, initially filed a lawsuit against Coke in July 2010 for what it deems as misleading labeling and advertising with Minute Maid’s pomegranate and blueberry flavored juice blend.

Stumptown Gives Dairy Aisle Cold Brew Boost

Released this past New Year’s Eve, “Cold Brew Coffee with Milk” further entrenches Stumptown in the ready-to-drink coffee category, while giving it a surprising new push into the dairy aisle.

Press Clips: Searching for the Next Sweetener; Mexico’s Soda Tax Influence; Advice From a Pro

As more consumers begin to seek beverages with sugar substitutes, scientists aim to solve the massive puzzle of sweeteners. What’s all-natural (whatever that means), calorie-free and tastes, you know, good? In an article for The New York Times that has the meat of War and Peace, Slate.com columnist Daniel Engber writes about the widespread, ongoing journey toward an answer that may or may not exist.

Press Clips: Dissenters Altering Ingredients; Juicetails in NYC

When Americans dislike an ingredient, they do more than take their business elsewhere. With blogs and online petitions as the vehicles, they're dissenting the standards and altering the contents of products from major companies, according to Candice Choi of The Associated Press.

Distribution Roundup: Red Bull Alters Model; Icelandic Glacial Expands Home Delivery

While Red Bull represents an uncommon distribution network to consider, emerging beverage brands have long been familiar with UNFI, the independent distributor of organic and specialty foods and beverages in the U.S. and Canada. On Friday morning, Epicurex LLC announced that it will partner with UNFI to distribute its coconut water, Cocozia.

Press Clips: Glanbia Bids on Muscle Milk; Dr Pepper’s Fate; Pepsi Moves Closer to Snacks

Nick Webb of The Irish Independent writes that Kilkenny, Ireland-based Glanbia, an international nutrition and cheese company, is amid a three-way shootout to buy Cytosport, Inc., the company that produces Muscle Milk, for about $500 million. Webb writes that Glanbia is said to be facing competition from dairy-ingredients firm Whitewave Foods and NBTY, a manufacturer of vitamins and nutritional supplements.