Headlines

NielsenIQ: Non-Alc Sales Stabilize as Volume Declines Slow

Non-alcoholic beverage sales stabilized in the two-week period ending July 1, as volume declines slowed against more moderate pricing action, according to an analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

Taste Radio: Raising Capital? This Investor Wants To Hear Your Story.

Andrew Merinoff, the founder of early-stage investment firm Dispact Ventures and CEO of passion fruit-based liqueur Chinola, spoke about how he attempts to identify trends before they become relevant, the key factors in his investment strategy, why he covets brand brands with a great story and how he’s navigated his first few months at the helm of Chinola.

Taste Radio: Focus On What You Are, Not What You Aren’t. And, The Genius Of WhistlePig’s ‘Single’ Vision.

Don’t try to sell consumers on what’s missing from your products; instead, emphasize and celebrate the best attributes of your brand. The hosts discuss this a simple yet important distinction in this episode. We also feature an interview with WhistlePig’s head of whiskey development Liz Rhoades and chief blender Meghan Ireland about how a new generation of whiskey makers is striving to break traditional boundaries through experimentation and novel production methods.

MASH Appeal: Boylan-Owned MASH Rebrands with Ambitions Beyond N.Y. Market

Last week, Boylan announced a rebranding and new format for MASH, moving the product from proprietary 16 oz. plastic bottles to 12 oz. slim cans. As well, the products have been reformulated to remove artificial coloring and the line has been reduced from six flavors to four.

Bang Initiates Mass Layoffs in Florida

Bang Energy’s parent company Vital Pharmaceuticals (VPX) has initiated mass layoffs, including all employees at its Weston, Florida facility, in preparation for its anticipated acquisition by Monster Beverage Corp., according to an internal memo viewed by BevNET.

Six Questions with Heidi Dillion, New CEO of Distill Ventures

Heidi Dillon was appointed CEO of Distill Ventures (DV) last month, the Diageo-backed independent drinks accelerator whose investments include Westward Whiskey, Ritual Zero Proof, and ready-to-drink cocktail Vervet, among others.

Taste Radio: How Successful Leaders Raise Money, Build Lean Brands & Connect With Consumers

This special edition of the podcast features actionable insights and advice from interviews with six founders, creators and leaders who joined us on the show during the first half of 2023. Our guests include SmartSweets founder Tara Bosch; Poppi co-founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth; Cann co-founder and CEO Jake Bullock; Chomps co-founders Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali; Afia co-founders Farrah and Yassin Sibai; and culinary icon Padma Lakshmi.

Source: FTC Ends Review, Clearing Path for Monster’s Bang Acquisition

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Friday terminated its review period for Monster’s proposed acquisition of Vital Pharmaceuticals, the parent company of Bang Energy, clearing the way for the transaction to be completed later this month, according to an internal communication viewed by BevNET.