Headlines

Distribution: Rise Oat Milks Up to 4K+ Doors; Bloody Gerry Grows in SoCal

Rise Brewing Co. continues to build an audience outside of cold brew coffee fans, as the New York-based brand announced new natural channel distribution for its organic oat milks this week. The brand’s Original and Vanilla oat milks are set to enter all Fred Meyer locations later this month, while Original and Chocolate are going into all Harris Teeter Stores. All three have also landed placement at 41 Fresh Market stores, or all locations with aseptic milk sets.

Brands Bring Low-Acid Coffee into Spotlight

While it may represent just a fraction of the larger coffee market, the low-acid segment has become a small but steady profit generator for a handful of rising brands looking to separate themselves from the pack, whether as a central element or as a complementary piece.

Pernod Ricard Backs American Whiskey to Deliver Global Growth

Last week, Pernod Ricard announced the launch of The American Whiskey Collective, a new business unit dedicated to the company’s American whiskey portfolio that will pursue growth by investing in the “new fashioned” brands’ innovation.

IFT FIRST 2022 to Host Over 750 Exhibitors

Thousands of food and beverage industry suppliers, manufacturers, marketers and formulators are expected to gather at McCormick Place in Chicago from July 10-13 for the IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo.

Bang: Judge Confirms $175M Arbitration Award, 5% Royalty on Future Sales

Bang Energy maker Vital Pharmaceuticals' motion to vacate a $175 million arbitration award was denied last week, clearing the way for Orange Bang and Monster Energy Company to collect damages plus a 5% royalty on all future net sales of Bang-branded products.

Vita Coco, Diageo Collaborate for Captain Morgan RTD Cocktail

Vita Coco is the latest non-alcoholic beverage giant to dip its toes into the RTD cocktail space, announcing today a collaboration with spirits conglomerate Diageo to release a line of coconut water spiked with Captain Morgan white rum.

Taste Radio: The Common Threads Of Effective Leaders

This special edition of Taste Radio highlights actionable insights and advice from interviews with six founders, creators and leaders who joined us on the show during the first half of 2022. Our guests include Todd Carmichael, Co-Founder, La Colombe & Loftiwater; Zoe Feldman, GM of Consumer, Momofuku; Adam Bremen, Founder, Keto Krisp; Annie Ryu, Founder/CEO, Jack & Annie’s; Sandro Roco, Founder & CEO, Sanzo; and Kat Cole, President & COO, Athletic Greens.

Taste Radio: Bangs, Deals And What Never To Say To An Investor

Taste Radio’s hosts riffed on Bang founder/CEO Jack Owoc’s unforgettable on-stage appearance at BevNET Live Summer 2022, M&A headlines in beer and food, why it’s important to stay connected to our newsrooms and notable new products, including a fizzy drink inspired by Korean cuisine. We also feature our latest edition of The Maxi Minutes in which we discuss what investors don’t want to hear in a pitch.

Former Constellation COO Joins BioSteel As President

Bruce Jacobson is the new President at Constellation Brands-backed sports drink makerBioSteel. Jacobson brings a long track record in beverage alcohol; prior to BioSteel, he had been chief commercial officer at Milwaukee-based Press Premium Alcohol Seltzer, joining the brand shortly after Constellation Brands made a minority investment in 2020. In the role, Jacobson "led a team in scaling the business to achieve profitable growth while balancing its entrepreneurial spirit and identity," according to a press release.

10 New RTD Cocktails to Pack in the Beach Cooler

As the summer heat begins to stick around, ready-to-drink cocktail makers are rolling out new formats and flavors hoping to win a spot in beachgoers' coolers. Check out this gallery for sports-themed vodka cocktails, Joe Jonas’ line of Fizzy Sangrias and Skrewball’s new on-the-go format.