Owl’s Brew Returns to Hard Tea Roots As Category Booms
Hard tea is all the rage right now, but one ready-to-drink (RTD) company has been championing the style since 2013.
Headlines
VUUM Seeking Edge in New Sparkling Protein Set with ‘2.0’ Rebrand
When VUUM first launched in late 2023, it was largely alone in trying to pitch consumers that sparkling energy and protein were a proper match. But now, the startup has debuted a rebranded and reformulated product line dubbed ‘VUUM 2.0."
Hensley Beverage to Acquire Remaining Stake in Scout Distribution in Arizona
Hensley Beverage Company has agreed to acquire the remaining 75% stake in Scout’s Arizona business that it did not already own, after purchasing a minority stake earlier this year. The latest transaction is expected to close on September 30.
Taste Radio: Hey Pepsi, We Remain Perplexed. But These Brands Straight Slapp.
What’s the point of PepsiCo’s new sub-line of prebiotic colas? Is it addressing genuine consumer demand for functional ingredients, or just riding the wellness wave? The hosts once again weigh in. They also highlight emerging shot brands gaining traction and take a closer look at how the viral “WaterTok” phenomenon may have influenced Keurig Dr Pepper’s acquisition of Dyla Brands.
Uncle Nearest Distillery Faces $100 Million Lawsuit, Lender Seeks Receivership
One of the most prominent voices in spirits is at the center of a new lawsuit with control of a storied Tennessee distillery on the line.
New Products: Summer Heats Up with WTRMLN ADEs, THC Mocktails and More
It’s been a hot and humid July, but beverage brands have some new refreshments for August. In this week’s new products gallery, we look at some hemp THC beverage extensions and new watermelon soda and WTRMLN WTR flavors.
A Natural Shift? Sprouts Posts Sales Surge As Natural Products Go Mainstream
As the venues for natural food buying have shape shifted, natural chain Sprouts Farmers Market has emerged as a key player.
Brazil Prepares for 50% U.S. Tariffs Next Week; Coffee, Açaí Under Pressure
Already facing headwinds from global drought, Brazil’s coffee industry has been sweating the prospect of losing its biggest trading partner for weeks, as a 50% tariff would effectively “shut down” that business.
Danone Sues Chobani, La Colombe Over Trademark Claims
French dairy giant Danone is taking its U.S.-based rival Chobani to court over claims that the latter company’s La Colombe Coffee brand has been infringing upon its “Bright & Mellow” trademark, described as the latest attempt to “unfairly compete with Danone and copy Danone's product packaging.”
The Pathfinder Lands $3.6M to Fuel National Expansion
A spirits group known for its vodka is pouring more money into its adult non-alc (ANA) business. The Pathfinder, a fermented and distilled non-alcoholic amaro, closed a $3.6 million raise this month led by the Stoli Group, aimed at fueling expanded distribution.
Starbucks Touts Improvements Under Turnaround Strategy in Q3 Earnings
In its fiscal year Q3 2025 earnings report this week, Starbucks announced that its “Back to Starbucks” strategy has now netted three consecutive quarters of improved transactions in the U.S. even as store sales remain in decline.
Vita Coco: Innovation Helps Boost Q2 Earnings, Tariffs Remain Unclear
The Vita Coco Company believes it can double the size of the U.S. coconut water category in the coming years, co-founder and executive chairman Michael Kirban announced during the business’s Q2 2025 earnings call today.
Starco Brands to Acquire Co-Manufacturer in Push for Vertical Integration
Starco Brands has executed a letter of intent to acquire its contract manufacturers, The Starco Group (TSG), aiming to create a vertically integrated CPG platform.
Welch’s Names Cees Talma as CEO, Effective Immediately
Welch’s, the 156-year-old juice and jelly manufacturer, has named Cees Talma as its new CEO, replacing outgoing chief executive Trevor Bynum, effective immediately. Talma has held a number of CPG leadership roles in a three-decade career.