Distribution: Oatly Expands Hospitality Presence; SANS Teams Up With Online Marketplace Bubble
Oat milk giant Oatly is expanding its foodservice presence in the U.S. through a new partnership with Graduate Hotels slated to begin in January.
Headlines
2022 Recap: Energy Sees Bang Breakups and Bankruptcy, CELSIUS Pepsi Pact
The energy drink category felt far more than a light buzz in 2022. The category saw nine-digit strategic investments, a high-profile bankruptcy, the loss of an industry pioneer and multiple startup brands with breakout moments.
Taste Radio: The Cyclical Certainties Of 2023. We Have Guarded Advice.
With a new year on the horizon, the hosts shared their expectations for the food and beverage industry in 2023, including the most pertinent opportunities and challenges faced by growing brands. They also opined on the value of Twitter for entrepreneurs and executives and highlighted notable and new products. This episode also features the second edition of Special Ops with Andrew Guard, in which the operations expert offers guidance on timely issues affecting food and beverage companies.
Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association Now At 90 Members; Sets Sights on International Markets
A year after its founding, the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA) has more than doubled its membership to more than 90 beverage companies across beer, wine and spirits.
Where Will Consumers Drink in 2023? Data Experts Track Channels for Spirits and RTDs
As we move through the winter holidays and into 2023, beverage alcohol analysts have been weighing in on spirit trends and categories poised to lead in the new year.
Super Coffee Names Tyler Ricks as CEO, DeCicco Becomes Chief Brand Officer
Looking to set the company on a path to profitability, Super Coffee has named Tyler Ricks as its new CEO with co-founder Jimmy DeCicco moving into the new position of chief brand officer and executive chairman.
Marketing: Coca-Cola Debuts Christmas Anthology Film Series; ZOA Named Exclusive Energy Drink of XFL
The Coca-Cola Company is getting into the holiday spirit with the debut of its “Christmas Always Finds a Way” Anthology Film Series. The films are each set on a different continent but are “united by their core creative territory” that celebrates the power of Christmas in creating real and magical connections.
Rainforest Expands to New England With Mass. Warehouse
Rainforest Distribution has opened a warehouse in South Easton, Massachusetts, expanding its services beyond its home base of New York into New England, according to information posted online.
New Age Distribution DSD Arm Acquired by Legacy Distribution
Colorado-based beverage distributor Legacy Distribution Group, a subsidiary of CBD Global Sciences Inc., has completed its previously announced purchase of NewAge, Inc.’s direct store distribution business for over $2.2 million, according to a press release issued last week.
Good Karma Names Mike Murray as CEO, Funding Round to Close in ‘Near Future’
Good Karma Foods has named Mike Murray as its new CEO as the plant-based dairy alternative producer prepares to close a new financing round led by Valor Siren Ventures (VSV) and Loft Growth Partners.
Taste Radio: Category Leader. Highest Price On Shelf? Yep. How Serenity Kids Changed The Game.
Their flagship products have a suggested retail price that is nearly double those of legacy and competing brands. And, yet, Serenity Kids is outpacing them all. In this episode, founders Serenity and Joe Carr spoke about why maintaining a premium price point is key to the brand’s value proposition, their thoughtful sourcing and operations strategies, how they developed a sophisticated understanding of the packaged food industry and their rigorous hiring process.
Cometeer: Layoffs Hits Across Departments at Flash-Frozen Coffee Brand
Cometeer, the Massachusetts-based maker of flash-frozen coffee pods, laid off a number of employees across departments last week in a move sources described as an attempt to cut costs. The innovation-focused startup had grown to over 100 employees this year, following a $35 million funding round in 2021 that brought its total financing to around $100 million.
Court Blocks Albertsons’ $4B Special Dividend Payment To Shareholders
Washington State’s Supreme Court extended the block on Albertsons' $4 billion special dividend payment to shareholders late last week by granting the state attorney general’s (AG)’s request for emergency injunctive relief.
People Moves: Suja CMO Greg Rose Prepares to Exit, Saxon Seay Named to Role
Suja CMO Greg Rose is wrapping up a nearly six year tenure with the cold-pressed juice brand. Rose announced his departure from the San Diego, California-based company, effective at the end of next week. Also, Bang Energy COO Kathy Cole appears to have left the company.