FNSH Hydration

The second day of BevNET Live Winter 2017 at the Loews Beach Hotel in Santa Monica, Calif. took a deep dive into the internet’s total reconstruction of the marketplace.

Nestlé USA today announced its acquisition of Chameleon Cold-Brew for an undisclosed sum, roping the Austin, Tex.-based brand into its widening coffee portfolio.

Often described as less acidic and smoother to the palate than traditionally brewed coffee, cold brew has become a top area for experimentation; high-profile coffee producers like Stumptown and, most recently, Chameleon have introduced sparkling varieties with citrus and ginger flavors.

Natural product brands and manufacturers of all sizes and types came from across the country to Baltimore, Md., last week for Natural Products Expo East 2017. From subtle product updates to category-disrupting innovations, this year’s expo, held Sept. 13-16 at the Baltimore Convention Center, gave attendees a chance to see and experience the latest developments in beverage firsthand

The 2017 Summer Fancy Food Show offered a glimpse at the potential future for cold brew coffee and tea, tree-based waters, cocktail mixers, juice, and more.

At first, suppliers weren’t sure what to make of the deal, with numerous food and beverage companies reserving their comments. Now, after more than a week’s reflection, many have told BevNET and sister site Project NOSH they are excited about the potential sales opportunities the partnership could provide, expressing enthusiasm for how it will maintain or even enhance Whole Foods’ reputation as a launching pad for small brands.

Chameleon also landed #2 in Top Austin companies, #8 in Top Texas companies, and #9 in Top Food & Beverage companies.

Chameleon Cold-Brew will serve its cold-brews via a specially made cold-brew tap wall at Natural Products Expo West booth 5488 from March 9-13, 2016.

Espresso, Chicory and Mexican cold-brew coffee flavors will join Chameleon’s existing line of 10 oz. ready-to-drink products and will begin appearing on shelves in nine regions of Whole Foods Market in early March.