Headlines

KDP: Full Year 2021 Net Sales Grow 9.2% as Beverage Share Increases

As the company celebrates the completion of its three-year merger period, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) reported high single-digit growth for Q4 and the full year 2021 in an earnings report today, posting an 8.7% net sales increase for the quarter and 9.2% growth to $12.6 billion for the year.

Molson Coors Full-Year Shipments Decline -0.5%, Net Sales Increase +6.5% as Company Focuses on Premiumization

The company posted net sales of $10.279 billion for the year that ended December 31. Worldwide, shipments (sales to wholesalers) declined -0.5% and brand volume (similar to depletions, which are sales to retailers) declined -1.7% over the course of the year. However, Molson Coors’ price and sales mix increased +5.2% as it continued to focus on the premiumization of its portfolio.

Nielsen: Rising Prices Drive Accelerated Dollar Sales in Early February

Non-alcoholic beverages were feeling the love in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, as sales accelerated across almost all categories for the two-week period ending on February 12, according to an analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

KKR to Acquire Majority Stake in Refresco

New York-based investment firm KKR announced today it has entered an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Refresco Group B.V., one of the largest independent beverage contract manufacturers worldwide. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Taste Radio: Guided By This Simple Maxim, Joe Wagner Landed A $315M Payday. And There’s More To Come.

In this episode, we sat down with pioneering winemaker Joe Wagner, the founder of Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, who is best known for creating Meiomi, an industry-shifting brand that he sold in 2015 for $315 million. Wagner spoke about aligning his winemaking style with a “go with your palate” credo, how a potentially risky price reduction became a game changer for Meiomi and why he’s not affected by criticism from some within the wine industry.

People Moves: PepsiCo Appoints Derek Lewis to Lead New Multicultural Business Unit

PepsiCo has named Derek Lewis, a 34-year veteran with the company, as the president of its new Multicultural Business and Equity Development Organization; Also, ROAR CEO Alex Galindez, who joined the hydration drink brand in 2020 as part of a turnaround effort, announced last week that she has left the company.

Sanzo Lands $10M Investment from CircleUp; Disney-Pixar LTO Arrives in March

On Monday, the company announced the closing of a $10 million Series A funding round led by CircleUp Growth Partners, and with participation from Convivialite Ventures, Semillero Partners, Gold House Ventures, Kaya Ventures, and former Coca-Cola Company chief growth officer Francisco Crespo.

This Week’s New Products: Starlight, Star Fruit and “Loud” Drinks

From Coca-Cola Starlight to Lemon Perfect Kiwi Star Fruit, beverage makers debuted a variety of new products this week, including functional plant-based creamers from Silk, a new limited edition flavor from Brew Dr., and a new permanent addition to Red Bull’s flavored line. Meanwhile, cannabis beverage startup Drink Loud is debuting micro-sized THC drinks that pack a wallop, and LaCroix getting ready for spring with a new flavor.

Mast-Jägermeister US Names New CEO

Mast-Jägermeister US has named its chief operating officer Joe Fortune as CEO, effective April 1, the company announced Thursday. Fortune assumes the role from outgoing CEO Jeff Popkin, who has held the role since 2015.