Coke’s Fight for a Future
For the world’s largest beverage company, the question is no longer whether or not it needs to reinvent itself to thrive but whether or not it can, and if it can, then how?
Neil Martinez-Belkin
Posts by Neil Martinez-Belkin
Distribution Roundup: PepsiCo Lands Live Nation; Starbucks’ RTD Frappucinos Head to China
Here’s the week in review in distribution news across the beverage industry:
Press Clips: Starbucks Gets in on the Cold Brew Craze; Biotech and Non-GMO Advocates Face Off in North Carolina
The addition of cold brew coffee comes as the latest news in Starbucks’ ongoing push into trending categories. In February the company added coconut milk as a dairy alternative for both its hot and cold beverages.
Monster Becomes the Official Energy Drink of the UFC
The title of “Official Energy Drink of the UFC” is one that previously belonged to zero-calorie energy drink brand Xyience, which ended its 10-year sponsorship of the UFC last September when it was acquired by independent soda company Big Red Ltd.
Distribution Roundup: Steaz Enters Target; Waiakea Hits West Coast Whole Foods
2015 has already been a year full of happenings for green tea-based beverage brand Steaz.
Press Clips: The Pepsi Challenge Returns; Nuclear Water Makes its “Debut”
Pepsi is reviving its famed Pepsi Challenge today in what will be the start of a year-long marketing campaign geared towards those social media savvy millennials.
Video: New Beverage Brands on Top at Expo West
In just its second year, but growing, the top floor experience is still relatively new to the ever-expanding Natural Products Expo West, which concluded on Sunday, March 8 in Anaheim, Calif. Nevertheless, a tour of its lower-priced, smaller booths easily lent insight into some of the bleeding-edge trends in the entrepreneurial beverage business, as well as key ingredients as well.
Press Clips: LaCroix Gets a Glowing Review; Orange Juice Sales Hit Four-Year Low
The New York Times Magazine contributor Mary H.K. Choi has published a glowing review of La Croix sparkling water.
High-Profile Hires, Part 2: KeVita Fills Holes with New VP of Marketing and SVP of Sales
In the fast-paced, musical chairs-like comings and goings of the beverage industry, the departure of one leader makes way for the arrival of the next. Such is the case with KeVita, who recently announced the addition of two new members to its executive team.
Boylan Ditches Manhattan Beer, Signs Distribution Agreement with Big Geyser
Big Geyser COO Jerry Reda says the addition of Boylan won’t come at the expense of GuS, its other craft soda offering, which it has distributed since 2003.
MetaBrand Capital Eyeing New Investment Opportunities at Expo West
The “conscious capital” private equity firm announced its intentions for 2015 last week, stating it would be seeking to make investments in three new companies by the fourth-quarter of the year.
Third Street Receives Loan from Whole Foods Market to Accelerate Growth
Throughout their 15-year partnership, Third Street and Whole Foods Market have developed multiple, exclusive product lines.
Monster Stock Swells After Reporting Estimate-Shattering Fourth Quarter Earnings
In a conference call with investors, Monster CEO Rodney Sacks said the company achieved gross sales of $696.3 million in the three month period ending 12/31/14.
Agriculture Secretary Proposes GMO Labeling Solution: “Make an App for That.”
Vilsack’s comments come as part of the much larger ongoing discussions surrounding the labeling of GMOs.