Headlines

Distribution Roundup: Jibby Brings CBD Cold Brews to NYC with Gold Coast; NXT LVL Enters Sprouts, MAPCO Express

Backed by fresh capital and a new brand design, Florida-based CBD-infused drink maker Jibby is looking to keep its momentum going in 2022 by launching with New York-based DSD house Gold Coast; Performance beverage brand NXT LVL is seeding the ground for national expansion as the company announced distribution in several new retail chains around the country this week.

Black Rifle: RTDs, Outposts Push Net Revenue +35%

Founded in 2014, the veteran-owned company has attracted attention from within and outside the beverage industry, thanks in large part by both the popularity of its pro-military merchandise and its expanding ready-to-drink product family. In February, Black Rifle went public via SPAC in an IPO valuing the company at around $1.7 billion. The company plans to reorganize as a public benefit corporation to reinforce its mission of serving veterans, law enforcement and first responders, including a commitment to hire 10,000 veterans.

FDA Releases Draft To Limit Lead In Popular Kids Juices

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued draft guidance to establish a new industry standard around safe levels of lead in juice products, as the agency aims to reduce children’s exposure to naturally-occurring toxic elements specifically found in ready-to-drink apple juice, among other juice and juice blends.

Not-So-Suddenly, Sotol Makes Inroads

With both tequila’s and mezcal’s growth rates soaring, the agave spirits category could surpass vodka in a number of years, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. While not an agave spirit, another new product from Mexico is starting to build an audience: Sotol.

6 New Memorial Day-Ready RTD Cocktails

With Memorial Day just around the corner, many brands are launching new ready-to-drink cocktails for your celebration. In this gallery, we highlight some of the notable new releases from the past month, including new formats from Onda and Spritz Society and fresh flavor releases from Monaco Cocktails and Cardinal Spirits. We also highlight House of Love, a new collection of cocktails and mocktails created by Svedka in partnership with RuPaul.

Report: Soylent Exploring Sale

Plant-based food and beverage maker Soylent is exploring a potential sale, according to a report in Bloomberg on Tuesday.

Amor Perfecto Fights to Reclaim Colombia’s Coffee Identity

For better or worse, the visage of Juan Valdez, a fictional marketing vehicle created by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia, has become inextricably linked to the worldwide perception of Colombian coffee. The humble coffee farmer, always with his trusted burro Conchita by his side, symbolizes the global appeal and heritage of the South American nation, but perhaps in a way that at best overlooks and at worst trivializes the passion and dedication behind Colombia’s coffee farmers and their unique crop.

Ghost Announces Multi-Year Sponsorship Deal with FaZe Clan

Energy drink and supplements maker Ghost is deepening its connection to the gaming community in entering a multi-year sponsorship agreement with esports organization FaZe Clan, which will span event activations, merchandise and video collaborations.