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Beyoncé Joins Lemon Perfect in $31M Series A Round

Enhanced water maker Lemon Perfect announced today it has closed a $31 million Series A funding round backed by several investment firms and pop star and entrepreneur Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. The new financing brings the California-based company’s total financing to over $42.2 million and arrives as the brand prepares to expand its footprint to over 40,000 doors nationwide this year.

Tractor Beverage Agrees to Foodservice Deal With KDP, Plans $60M Raise

Tractor Beverage Company has reached an agreement with Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) to enter a long-term exclusive partnership for the foodservice channel. KDP will also serve as the lead investor in a $60 million funding round to support expansion of infrastructure and marketing efforts and to grow the brand's awareness among younger consumers.

NARB Favors Goli’s “Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies” Name in Challenge from Bragg

The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) has upheld a previous National Advertising Division (NAD) ruling supporting supplements brand Goli Nutrition’s right to use the term “Apple Cider Vinegar” (ACV) in the name of its gummy products, but said the company must discontinue certain claims and slogans that suggest the products have similar efficacy as liquid ACV.

Canopy Cuts Costs, Jobs; CEO: “Challenging But Necessary Changes”

Facing consistent challenges on the path to profitability, cannabis corporation Canopy has announced a host of cost reduction measures on Tuesday — including slashing around 250 jobs — as it targets hundreds of millions in savings by the end of the fiscal year 2022.

Something & Nothing Raises $1.8M to Support U.S. Growth

U.K.-based seltzer brand Something & Nothing announced today it has closed a $1.8 million (£1.5 million) funding round led by Rianta Capital to support its expansion in the U.S. this year. Founded in 2017 by Olly Dixon, a former creative director for CPG brands, and former Red Bull U.K. account manager Rupert Pugsley, Something & Nothing produces a line of low calorie flavored seltzers made with grape juice and lemon juice with no added sugar.

Citing Inflationary Pressures, Chobani Retreats From Dairy Milk

The Greek yogurt maker has abruptly exited the dairy milk business, announcing on Tuesday that it will cease production on its refrigerated Ultra-Filtered Milk, which debuted nationally in February in Whole, Reduced Fat (2%), Skim and Chocolate varieties.

Taste Radio: From ‘Top Chef’ To PLNTs To NFTs, Spike Mendelsohn Is Constantly Cooking

In this episode, we’re joined by Spike Mendelsohn, the acclaimed chef, restaurateur and co-founder of better-for-you fast food chain PLNT Burger and sustainable snack brand Eat The Change. Mendelsohn is also immersed in the nascent world of NFTs as the co-creator of CHFTY Pizza, a Web3 community that connects chefs with foodies and fans.

Marketing: MTN DEW Flamin’ Hot Goes to ‘Hell’; Ripple Encourages Consumers to “Moove Over,”; C4 Energy Partners with Comedian Kevin Hart

In this marketing roundup, MTN DEW Flamin’ Hot makes a fiery return and is named the official drink of Hell (Michigan), C4 Energy teams up with Kevin Hart, Gatorade scores with top athletes Damian Lillard and Ryan Garcia and Ripple encourages consumers to “Moove Over” to its plant-based milk. Plus, GNGR Labs debuts its first TV commercial and Pure Leaf launches its lower-sugar teas with a reimagined tune.

Cristalino Clear: New Tequila Type Keeps Growing

You’ve heard of tequila blanco, reposado, and añejo, but what about cristalino? Last week Jose Cuervo announced the U.S. launch of the tequila giant’s first cristalino tequila, begging the question, what exactly is a cristalino and why is this subcategory an emerging buzzword?

Taste Radio: Get A Leg ‘Up’ (And High) On The Competition

In this episode, Taste Radio’s hosts discussed notable brands and products exhibited at the 2022 Specialty Coffee Association Expo, reflecting on how some cannabis-based drinks are finding favor as evening libations and riffed upon several striking snacks and beverages. The show also continues our spotlight on health-centric private equity firm Manna Tree Partners in an interview with managing director Pam Shepherd.