Having extended Hiball into caffeinated coconut water, cold brew coffee and protein drinks, Berardi is set to launch a new line of caffeine-free refreshment drinks as well.

The further use of coconut as an ingredient (beyond just its juice) was one recurring trend that could be seen across a handful of brands and categories, from established leaders to first-time exhibitors.

The deal, announced via press release Thursday, will see Brynwood Partners acquire Sunny Delight’s three beverage brands - Sunny D, Fruit2O and Veryfine - and the company’s four production facilities, located across the United States.

In a post published on her personal blog, Lawless wrote that “There were things that I loved at the beginning of the company that became lost.”

Voss CEO Jack Belsito discussed the investment in a call with BevNET Monday evening, saying that the company had begun scouting potential strategic investors about a year ago, eventually connecting with Reignwood Group via Goldman Sachs, which served as an advisor to Voss throughout the process.

The latest gains in distribution further Essentia’s pursuit of becoming a mainstream player within the greater premium bottled water segment -- one that continues to thrive amidst the decline in consumption of carbonated soft drinks.

The round also included investments from Arif Fazal’s Blueberry Ventures, equity crowdfunding platform CircleUp and personal investments from former Boulder Brands executives Duane Primozich and Carole Buyers.

The FDA’s action arrives as the latest in a series of measures it has taken against dietary supplements containing kratom, stemming from concerns regarding the toxicity of the botanical in internal organ systems.

Though no reason for his departure was given, the filing states that “Mr. Leonard’s resignation is not due to any disagreements with the company on any matter relating to its operations, policies or practices.”