Headlines

Within ‘Intimidating’ Category, American Single Malt Whiskey Brands Seek Education & Evolution

In a move that confirmed growing consumer thirst for what was once a niche spirit, last year the U.S. Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) announced that it is on the cusp of releasing an official definition of American single malt whiskey, the first new spirit category to be defined in several years. As producers await the official standard, we checked in with several leading brands about what it means and what comes next.

Taste Radio: Will Target’s ‘Dry’ Bet Pay Off? Plus, A Convo With CraftCo.

The hosts discussed the retailer’s new curated endcaps of non-alcoholic RTD cocktails and wine, and why a fast-growing hydration brand has taken a bigger-is-better approach to its packaging. We also spoke with master distiller Will Fabry about his stewardship of CraftCo’s acclaimed spirit brands.

Rainforest Distribution Acquires New England Distributor Associated Buyers

Rainforest Distribution Corp. has acquired New England natural and specialty foods distributor Associated Buyers, the companies announced this week. According to a press release, the companies will take roughly two months to transition the Associated Buyers’ network into the Rainforest system.

The Drivers Shaping RTDs, Spirits and Non-Alc in 2024

What core drivers are BevAlc experts watching in 2024? We checked in with a data analyst, consultant and major retailer buyer on their outlook, including what investors will be looking for, where there might be white space in hot categories, and how retailers are making buying decisions.

With Humm Acquisition, SYSTM Homes in on Gut Health

Yesterday, California-based CPG company SYSTM Foods announced it had acquired Humm Kombucha for an undisclosed sum. The deal now places the nearly 15-year-old brand under the command of SYSTM’s executive team, which also operates two other functional beverage acquisitions - REBBL and Chameleon Organic Coffee.

SYSTM Foods Acquires Humm Kombucha

SYSTM Foods, a joint venture between SYSTM Brands and CPG investment firm GroundForce Capital, have acquired Humm Kombucha, the companies announced today. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Flavor Trends For Spirits and Cocktails in 2024: Vegetal, Cultural and Global

From the continued rise of the espresso martini to savory cocktails, 2023 was a year of bold flavors at the bar, so what’s in store for 2024? We polled experts in spirits, flavor innovation and mocktails about what trends are on tap for cocktails and ready-to-drink versions.

Lemon Perfect Debuts Larger Format, New Flavors

Lemon Perfect’s plans for 2024 follow a simple strategy: go big. That applies to both physical footprint -- in the guise of a new 15.2 oz. PET bottle, replacing the existing 12 oz. format -- and the brand’s market ambitions.