More Than A Niche, Non-Alc Spirits Are Still Finding Their Way
Will the Chili’s menu of the future feature a non-alcoholic margarita? Marcus Sakey, co-founder of Ritual Zero Proof, is betting on it.
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Taste Radio: The Nelson Brothers Planned To Take Over The World. They’re Getting Closer.
Charlie and Andy Nelson, brothers and co-founders of heritage-inspired spirits brand Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, spoke about how thoughtful networking was critical to identifying key partners and advisors, why they never wanted to be the smartest people in the room when starting the company, why they turned down millions of dollars during one of their first funding rounds and how they assessed Constellation Brands’ offer to invest and eventually acquire a controlling stake in the company.
CELSIUS: PepsiCo Deal Allows for ‘Immediate Scale’
CELSIUS’ leadership believes the company’s new distribution partnership with PepsiCo will help increase its distribution footprint by around 40% over the next 12 months as the Florida-based energy drink brand eyes new channels and global growth.
The Pandemic Boosted E-Commerce, What Happens Now?
The pandemic changed how consumers used e-commerce to get products delivered to their doors but the exponential growth of digital shopping platforms has subsided leaving CPG food and beverage companies to reevaluate how they strategize growth and reach consumers online.
People Moves: Boba Bam Adds Apu Mody and John Koury to Management Team; Ounce Water Appoints New CEO Amid Reorganization
As consumer awareness of boba tea grows in the U.S., California-based frozen instant boba kit brand Boba Bam has appointed industry veterans Apu Mody as Executive Advisor and John Koury as Vice President Sales.
PepsiCo Announces $550M Investment, Exclusive Distribution Deal with CELSIUS
PepsiCo announced today it has entered a long-term distribution agreement with fitness energy drink producer Celsius Holdings, Inc., maker of the CELSIUS brand, effective immediately. The deal includes a $550 million investment into the publicly traded energy drink company, granting the New York-based conglomerate an 8.5% ownership stake.
Positive Beverage Brings Its Message Of Cleaner Hydration To The Energy Drink Category
The Newport Beach, California-based beverage company spent the pandemic developing its answer to the zero-sugar energy drink category with the release of Positive Energy in three flavors – Tropical Bliss, Watermelon Mania and Poppin’ Orange. The products launched at the beginning of the year with 160g of caffeine from green tea extract and 0 calories in each can, and is positioning itself to target not just traditional energy drink consumers but the whole family.
Taste Radio: Over $60M In Funding, But Does It Pass The Smell Test? Plus, We Tell ‘Tales’ And Maxi Mentors.
In this episode, BevNET reporter Brad Avery joined Taste Radio’s regular hosts and discussed his recent article about an innovative “scent-flavored hydration system” that is making inroads in the U.S. They also spoke about 7-Eleven’s embrace of upstart brands and shared personal takes on several new products, including grain-free donuts and spicy (if not NOSH-y) potato chips. Also in this podcast: a brief recap of annual cocktail convention Tales of The Cocktail and the latest edition of The Maxi Minutes.
Boxed Water Scales as Corporate ESG Wave Lifts Sustainable Brands
As businesses worldwide feel more urgency to improve their environmental sustainability standards, carton-packaged water brand Boxed Water says it is doing better than ever. Founded in 2009 as Boxed Water Is Better, the Michigan-based brand has served as a pioneer of the carton-packaged water space that has in the intervening years seen competition emerge from rivals boasting their own sustainability narratives within the space for better-for-the-planet packaging.
This Week’s New Beverages: Black Adam-Themed Energy Drinks, Non-Alcoholic Aperitivos and Psychedelic Microdoses
In this week’s roundup of new products, ZOA Energy unveils limited-edition Black Adam cans, Figlia rolls out its first RTD offering and Psychedelic Water launches the first legal microdose product.
KDP: ‘Balanced Growth’ Boosts Revenue +13.2%; FY Sales Guidance Raised
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has raised its full-year sales guidance to low double-digits after reporting encouraging growth across its business divisions in the second quarter.
Nguyen Extends Vietnamese Coffee Platform with RTD Launch
Within the specialty coffee space, Vietnamese coffee is typically dismissed as cheaper and low quality, according to Sahra Nguyen, founder and CEO of Nguyen Coffee Supply. Which is why since launching her dry coffee brand in 2018, she has focused on exposing the coffee industry to the potential of Vietnam-sourced robusta beans.
6 New Whiskeys to Sip and Savor This Summer
This summer’s new whiskey releases saw brands paying homage to smoky summertime bonfires, releasing new 2022 editions of previously released products and rolling out new collaborations. Check out the gallery for new releases from WhistlePig, Hotel Tango and MF Libations.
Coke: DASANI, Sprite Bottles to Go Clear for Sustainability Efforts
In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint and combat reliance on single-use plastic packaging, The Coca-Cola Company announced this week that most DASANI products will transition to 100% rPET bottles, while Sprite will swap out its signature green PET bottles for clear ones.