Reviews: We Have the Hops, Plus De Soi Gets Spicy
This week's review roundup features a look at new releases from HOP WTR, De Soi, MADPOP and Hoplark.
Headlines
Report: Nestlé Worked with French Government to Cover Up Perrier Scandal
A French Senate investigation found this week that Nestlé colluded with French government officials to cover up that it had filtered its Perrier brand of sparkling water in clear violation of French and European Union standards for the term “natural mineral water.”
There Wasn’t One Destination to Buy Black-Owned Spirits, So This ‘Tech Nerd’ Built It
Like many people cooped up during the pandemic, Washington, D.C. resident Charles Everett spent much of his time on lockdown scrolling social media and building out his bar. But in the case of these quarantine hobbies, Everett’s quest to collect Black-owned spirits and share them on social media has turned into something bigger: the first bev-alc e-commerce site entirely devoted to Black-owned products.
Elevator Talk: Hip Pop, Pari, Aqua Boost, Pablo’s Mate, Zenjoy
Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week's special co-host is Adam Louras, a principal with Mercenary, who shared his thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.
Distribution: Laurel’s Takes A2 Lattes East With Wegmans
The Los Angeles-based RTD coffee maker is bringing its three-SKU line of A2 dairy milk-based lattes — including a new matcha variety — into all 150-plus Wegmans stores this month, a move that founder Isabel Washington says brings the brand deeper into a channel where it can thrive.
Tractor Lands $15M As Marketing Tour Brings Brand ‘Out in the Wild’
The organic, non-GMO beverage company is embarking on a guerilla-style nationwide marketing campaign emphasizing its connections to independent farmers and regenerative agriculture.
Soda, Energy Drinks Dropped From Nebraska SNAP
Nebraska has successfully petitioned the USDA to remove soda and energy drinks from the state’s SNAP benefits, signaling a broader change happening in MAHA policy and its impact on the beverage industry.
Taste Radio: ‘Reel’ Change Is Here. How Seremoni Reimagined An Industry.
How do you build a globally scaled food company rooted in ancient Japanese techniques, humane animal treatment, and radical transparency – all before the age of 26?. Meet Saif Khawaja, the founder and CEO of Seremoni.
‘Flavor is Forever,’ and More Soundbites from BMI’s Spring Conference
Beverage-alcohol’s embrace of flavor and craft beer’s shifting distribution trends were among spotlighted issues during last week’s Beer Marketer’s Insights Spring Conference in Chicago.
DoorDash: Consumers Increasing Adult Beverage Delivery Orders Across Bev-Alc, NA and THC
Consumers want more beverages delivered to their doorsteps – alcoholic and otherwise – according to a recent survey by food and beverage e-commerce delivery platform DoorDash.
Daily Briefing (Insiders Only): As Feds Sit Back, States Steer Hemp Regulations
If the explosion of the cannabis drink market can be encapsulated in a single idea, it’s the story of a market – for better or worse – that’s outpaced (and outfoxed) regulators at nearly every turn. But those days could be dwindling.
Nowadays Tests THC Template For Sports At F1 Miami Grand Prix; ‘It’s A Massive Experiment’
Hemp-derived THC brand Nowadays activated at Formula 1's Miami Grand Prix earlier this month, presenting a case study in how cannabis beverages can partner with live event venues.
Jones Soda Cuts Losses, But Sales Still Soft
Jones Soda managed to arrest net losses and start generating traction in cannabis drinks in Q1, but lower sales revenue dragged on gross profit as the craft soda company attempts its latest turnaround.
New Products: Vitaminwater Refreshes, Campari Goes NA, and Summer Sippers Arrive
The warm weather is here and summer is on the horizon, and with it comes new refreshing sippers from brands like Milo’s, Jordan’s Skinny Mixes and The Ryl Company. This week’s new products also feature a slew of new non-alcoholic cocktail launches from startups like De Soi and Naked Life to legacy liquor players like Campari. Plus, we look at Vitaminwater’s big refresh.