Headlines

GoodBelly, Cheribundi Merge Under NextFoods Banner

NextFoods, the maker of functional food and beverage brand GoodBelly, is merging the business with tart cherry juice producer Cheribundi. As part of the deal, announced today, NextFoods will remain as the majority shareholder of the combined entity, which will operate under the GoodBelly name. Venture capital firm Emil Capital Partners (ECP) is the company’s largest investor.

Grey Goose Launches Bottled Martini Cocktail

With a martini resurgence sweeping cocktail bars, Grey Goose is getting in on the action with a ready-to-pour Classic Martini Cocktail bottle launching nationwide today.

Jennifer Lopez Launches RTD Cocktail Delola

Jennifer Lopez is the latest high-profile name to jump into the rising ready-to-drink cocktail category with the launch of The House of Delola, a new Beam Suntory-backed brand of spirit-based, pre-mixed drinks which is set to debut this spring with its first product, Delola Spritz.

Taste Radio: How OWYN Went From DTC Upstart To An $85M Omnichannel Giant Killer

Mark Olivieri, the CEO of OWYN, a brand of plant-based protein and nutrition beverages projected to generate $85 million in 2023 revenue, discussed the role that data has played in its development and trajectory, how the company sources and implements a variety of information and insights into its business strategy and what he attributes to success at driving repeat purchase.

Heritage Distilling Builds the First Network of Tribal-Owned Distilleries

In 2017, the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, comprised of around 900 members living on over 4,400 acres in southwest Washington, decided to construct a community-owned restaurant, brewery and distillery. There was just one problem: distilling on tribal lands was illegal.

Phocus Unveils Rebrand, Partners with Rapper Jack Harlow

Caffeinated sparkling water brand Phocus has a new look and a new celebrity partner in rapper Jack Harlow, the company announced on social media this weekend. In an Instagram post, Harlow showed off a picture of the brand’s new minimalist can design.

Community Call: Sign Up for April Calls Ft. Harmless Harvest, Biena Snacks, One Mighty Mill & Generation CPG

Community Call is a recurring series of open meetings dedicated to pressing topics impacting food and beverage businesses. This month, we welcome a range of guests covering topics such as sustainability measures that support profitability, finding the right co-manufacturer, building and maintaining retailer relationships that support innovation goals, retail activation strategies, and more.

Six Questions With Zack Squier Of Squier’s Specialty Edibles

While flower is still king, the infused cannabis edible market in the U.S. is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17% to reach over $3 billion by 2027. That opportunity helped attract former executive chef and Maine native Zack Squier to the emerging space with Squier's Specialty Edibles, his line of premium, 100mg THC-infused multi-serve elixirs.

Report: Alt. Deals in CPG Rising Amidst Economic Squeeze

Despite rising inflation and a grim economic forecast, CPGs can still access growth capital thanks to a “much broader toolkit” of alternative M&A options, explained analysts from Bain & Company during a webinar this week.

Reed’s: Net Sales +7%, Losses Down As Break-even Point In Sight

Reed’s, Inc. ended FY 2022 on an optimistic note, announcing a 7% increase in full year net sales to $53 million and a reduction in operating losses. Speaking on the company’s quarterly earnings call earlier this week, CEO Norman Snyder reiterated guidance that the company will achieve break-even cash flow in the second half of the year with gross margins above 30% and double-digit sales growth.

Taste Radio: Fleeting Fads, Lasting Trends And The Wisdom Of Seth Goldman

This week, the hosts discussed the relevance and sustainability of consumer trends and how to identify fads versus enduring concepts, extolled the virtues of Taste Radio VIP and highlighted two upcoming can’t-miss industry events. This episode also features an interview with Honest Tea/Eat The Change co-founder Seth Goldman, who discussed lessons learned from 25 years as an entrepreneur.