When Liquid Death declared “Death to Plastic” at its launch in January 2019 consumers had already long been asking for more sustainable options from their grocery purchases, but few could have predicted just how far that one brand’s succinct marketing tagline would go.
A category once dominated by water-flavoring brands like Crystal Light and Kool Aid and the earliest versions of Gatorade is evolving by bringing not only advanced functional ingredients into the mix but a retail approach that moves these mix-to-drink products beyond the beverage aisle and onto shelves throughout the store.
The legalization of cannabis-infused food and beverage products has, historically, spawned from state-level legislation that builds off existing infrastructure from medical marijuana programs, and introduces new divisions that cater to recreational cannabis consumers over the age of 21.
With nearly 16,000 craft brands in existence, gone are the days when distributors were asking for more craft breweries and craft products. Now the problem is there’s too much: crowded shelves, supply chain constraints, inflationary pressures and increased competition – both from spirits brands and from giant, traditionally non-alcoholic beverage producers like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola.
BevNET’s annual Functional Beverage Guide
First the good news. We just returned from a stellar and overwhelming Expo West. The excitement and energy were something to behold. Over 70,000 attendees packed the halls over the 4-day trade show.
There are some readers of my newsletter who must think I’m pretty wired into this new world of social media influencers. After all, no sooner does some mega-influencer sign on as an investor and endorser of some new beverage brand than I weigh in with my authoritative take on the transaction.
In food industry news: FDA Says CBD Is Not A Dietary Supplement, Tasks Congress With New Oversight Plan; Fly By Jing Brings in $12M to Scale Brand & Retail Presence; and Oats Overnight Raises $21M.
Premixed cocktails by sales and growth.
The Brewers Association’s (BA) is returning to Music City for the trade group’s annual Craft Brewers Conference (CBC). CBC, America’s largest craft brewing conference, will take place May 7-10 at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
It’s always interesting to me when there’s a big rush into a category after the big deals get done: I’m always forced to wonder if it’s a fight over scraps or if there’s still meat on the bone.
In beverage news: Tru Inc. Raises $6.5M Series A to Support Footprint, Team Expansion; Snoop Dogg Enters Cold Brew Coffee With Indo; and Jack Owoc Out At VPX/Bang.
In craft beer news: A-B Ceases Operations at Platform and Dishes Out Layoffs at Other Craft Breweries; House Beer Racing Back on the Scene Under New Ownership; Sierra Nevada Makes Minority Investment in Riot Energy; Will Package and Produce; Braxton Brewing Spins Off Garage Beer into New Company; and Montauk Begins Distribution Expansion Following Acquisition by Tilray Brands.
The Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food Show returned to the Las Vegas Convention Center in February with plenty of new product innovations in the beverage set, including updated positioning for kombucha brands and growing prominence for outer space aesthetics.
Despite economic clouds looming ahead, Natural Products Expo West was back in full force this March, as brands, entrepreneurs and industry members brought energy and innovation worthy of the year’s biggest natural trade show.
