Headlines

Catching Up: Smootch Refines ‘Oat Water’ Positioning

In a world obsessed with oat milk, is there room for an oat water? There is, if you ask New Jersey-based startup Smootch. After debuting its four-SKU flagship line of electrolyte-packed, non-carbonated oat waters in 12 oz. cans at Natural Products Expo West last year, the brand has established a presence in Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

NielsenIQ: Non-Alc Beverage Sales ‘Healthy But Decelerated’

Non-alcoholic beverage sales “remained healthy but decelerated” in the two-week period ending July 29, according to an analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research. Total dollar sales growth rose 7.6% year-over-year.

Taste Radio: ‘Wild’ Concepts Create Loyal Consumers. This Is Why It Works.

How do breakout brands, particularly those that operate in trendy categories, build sustainable businesses? They cultivate authentic relationships with consumers by delivering on attributes they’re seeking. It’s how Wilderton, a maker of small-batch, non-alcoholic spirits crafted from raw botanicals, is paving its path.

Molson Coors Set to Acquire Blue Run As Spirits Biz Expands

Molson Coors has agreed to purchase Kentucky-based distillery Blue Run Spirits, marking the beer giant’s first spirits acquisition and the formal launch of its Coors Spirits Co. business. The amount was not disclosed.

Lock’d and Reloaded: Takeover Industries’ New CEO Looks to Pick Up the Pieces

At the beginning of 2023, Takeover Industries appeared to be at death’s door. But things look different now: there’s a new CEO, a rebranded product portfolio, its relationship with Manny Pacquiao is restored and at least some of the legal cases are closed. The company is now aiming to get back on track as Next Gen Beverage.

Taste Radio: New Or Exciting? It Helps To Be Both, But If We Had To Pick One…

The hosts discussed a celebrity foodie’s new glitzy brand of $10/box pasta, the debut of a black-owned and gastronomic-inspired brand of toaster pastries at Target; French’s sweet limited-time partner and a brief recap of the recently held 2023 Tales Of The Cocktail convention. Also featured is the latest edition of Special Ops with Andrew Guard, in which the operations expert shares his take on both opportunities and challenges that are impacting new and emerging beverage and food companies.

Monster: Plans for Bang Become Clearer In Q2 Earnings Call

After completing its acquisition of Bang manufacturer Vital Pharmaceuticals’ assets on July 31 for $362 million, Monster co-CEO Rodney Sacks said during the company’s Q2 2023 earnings call yesterday that it is now preparing to fully integrate its former rival into the Monster Energy system.

Distribution Roundup: Mixly Expands In Midwest, Space Tea Goes National At Sprouts

Premium mixer brand Mixly hits 80 HyVee store shelves while both kids drink maker PLEZi and adaptogenic iced tea company Space Tea go into Sprouts Farmers Markets. Non-alc marketing firm SipSteady partners with Handcrafted Wines and Spirits to bring more zero-proof brands to Midwestern store shelves.