Headlines

Amor Perfecto Fights to Reclaim Colombia’s Coffee Identity

For better or worse, the visage of Juan Valdez, a fictional marketing vehicle created by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia, has become inextricably linked to the worldwide perception of Colombian coffee. The humble coffee farmer, always with his trusted burro Conchita by his side, symbolizes the global appeal and heritage of the South American nation, but perhaps in a way that at best overlooks and at worst trivializes the passion and dedication behind Colombia’s coffee farmers and their unique crop.

Ghost Announces Multi-Year Sponsorship Deal with FaZe Clan

Energy drink and supplements maker Ghost is deepening its connection to the gaming community in entering a multi-year sponsorship agreement with esports organization FaZe Clan, which will span event activations, merchandise and video collaborations.

Taste Radio: How Do You Build A Bridge To Buyers And Investors? Bolster It With Brand Story.

Bridget Connelly, the co-founder and CEO of Luna Bay Booch, spoke about her inspiration for launching the hard kombucha company and why brand story is an essential asset when meeting with retail buyers. She also explained why investment in the category is a two-sided story and how her mentors have played a critical role in the brand’s development.

Agua Bonita is Mad AF at Coca-Cola’s New Aguas Frescas Product Line

Last week, Kayla Castañeda, CEO and co-founder of Hanford, Calif.-based startup and BevNET New Beverage Showdown 21 champion Agua Bonita, posted an Instagram story highlighting how Coca-Cola-owned Minute Maid’s recently launched Aguas Frescas feature marketing similar to her company’s “Real AF” advertising campaign.

BellRing: Strong Q2 Sales Set Stage for Premier Protein Volume Recovery

As the company focuses on rebuilding its Premier Protein inventory after significant out of stocks last year, BellRing Brands, Inc., announced fiscal year Q2 2022 net sales growth of 11.7% to $315.2 million, an increase of around $33.1 million compared to last year, according to an earnings report last week.

FDA Addresses Safety of Foreign Food by Issuing Draft Guidance for Third-Party Certification Program

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late April announced draft guidance for the Accredited Third-Party Certification, a voluntary program within the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The guidance aims to encourage more organizations to participate in the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (also referred to as the Third-Party Program or TPP) which would expedite regulatory approval of foreign food and beverage into the U.S.

Monster: Sales Soar But Costs Cut into Bottom Line in Q1

Monster Beverage Corp. posted strong topline numbers in its Q1 2022 earnings report on Thursday, as net sales rose 22.1% to over $1.5 billion. Yet increased pricing in aluminum and continuing supply chain obstacles pushed distribution costs up by nearly 50% and operating expenses north of $377 million for the quarter, driving a 6.7% drop in net income for the energy drink company.

People Moves: Liquid Death Names Marisa Bertha as SVP of Strategy

As the company plans for significant scaling over the next several years, Liquid Death has hired former Marisa Bertha as Senior Vice President of Strategy to help chart the path forward; California-based alkaline water brand Eternal Water announced this week that it has tripled its sales force with more than 30 new hires; Lifeway Foods has announced its slate of director nominees.

Taste Radio: Coffee With An NBA Superstar? It’s An Experience. Plus, Maxi Advises On Exits.

This episode features an interview with NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler, who spoke with us about his upstart specialty coffee and lifestyle brand, BIGFACE. We also feature the latest edition of The Maxi Minutes with LDR Ventures managing director Maxine Kozler Koven, who advises entrepreneurs on how to speak to potential investors about their vision and exit strategy.

Web3 Roundup: Katy Perry’s De Soi Augments Reality; Starbucks Unveils NFT Plans

De Soi, a mocktail brand co-founded by pop star Katy Perry, is partnering with metaverse social app company FlickPlay to give away beverages to consumers who collect NFTs while playing the tech company’s augmented reality game; Starbucks unveiled more about its plans to create a “digital third place” during its fiscal Q2 2022 earnings call this week.

Wild Bill’s: New Flavors Fuel Reach into Retail

When faced with disruptions during the early days of the pandemic, New Jersey-based craft soda maker Wild Bill’s did like many other independent CPG brands: they adapted, using their connections to introduce a full line of packaged organic coffee, plus snacks like peanuts and jerky. But as COVID’s grip finally appears to be receding, the company is eager to get back to the core business.