Headlines

NACS: Grocery, C-Store Numbers Kept Falling in 2021

Nearly 4,000 U.S. food and beverage retailers – including nearly 3 % of U.S. grocery stores – shut their doors last year, according to a study sponsored by the convenience store industry.

Goldman Sachs: C-Store Sales are Strong, But Supply Problems Persist in Q4

Consumer demand may be solid, but supply chain disruptions continue to challenge the convenience channel, according to the Q4 ‘Beverage Bytes’ survey of retailers by Goldman Sachs Equity Research. The survey was constructed from feedback from retailers representing nearly 40,000 U.S. retail locations (or about 27% of the convenience channel).

Guru: PepsiCo Partnership Impacts Q4/FY2021 Earnings

Organic energy drink GURU is betting that its long-term growth potential outweighs short-term pain, as the company reported rising losses alongside record net revenue in its Q4/FY 2021 earnings report released today.

To “Simplify Everything,” Elegance Brands to Become SWAY Energy Corp.

Elegance Brands announced this week it will change its name to SWAY Energy Corporation, reflecting a shift in focus on its two leading brands, SWAY Energy and ready-to-drink vodka cocktail VOCO. Launched in spring 2021, SWAY and VOCO have quickly emerged as the fastest growing lines for the California-based beverage portfolio company.

Better-For-You Brands Form ‘Alliance’ to Reduce Sugar Consumption

As sugar reduction continues to be a top priority for food and beverage manufacturers, seven low- and zero-sugar brands are banding together to form the Alliance to Control Excessive Sugar (ACES), a new business group dedicated to promoting better-for-you products.

Elevator Talk: Soda Bossa, Starla Wines, Whitefang Water, Odyssey Elixir

Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week's special co-host is Maxine Kozler Koven, Co-Managing Director of LDR Ventures, who will share her thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

Coke Update: Mocha ‘With Coffee’ Arrives Via Robot Delivery, Plus New ‘Flavors’ Look

While divesting from some of its other well-known, better-for-you brands in recent years, Coca-Cola has been eager to use its flagship soda line as a platform for innovation, both inside the can and out. This morning, the company announced the release of Mocha, the fifth SKU for the Coca-Cola with Coffee line introduced in January 2021.

Flying Embers Closes $20 Million Funding Round Led by Beam Suntory

Ojai, California-based hard kombucha and hard seltzer-maker Flying Embers has closed a $20 million series C funding round, led by global spirits giant Beam Suntory. The investment will help fund expanded marketing and sales initiatives, as well as new product launches and the expansion of the company’s beyond beer portfolio.

After Pace-Setting First Year, ZOA Aims Higher

This year, the brand is looking to continue expanding its audience with the release of two new zero-sugar flavors — White Peach and Tropical Punch, which will replace Original and Lemon Lime — and a 12 oz. can format.

Taste Radio: How A ‘Goat’ Of Beverage And Food Investment Picks Winners

Goat Rodeo Capital managing partner Carlton Fowler reflected upon the data and business criteria that influenced the firm’s initial investments and offered his evaluation of non-portfolio DTC brands and their potential for omnichannel success. He also weighed in on the continued blurring of lines within the non-alcoholic beverage and beverage alcohol industries and explained why Goat Rodeo’s second fund will not include investments in cannabis beverages.