Headlines

Goldman Sachs: Inflation Strains Show in Q1 Convenience Channel Survey

The convenience channel began to see early signs of inflationary strain on consumer spending during Q1, according to the latest Beverage Bytes survey from Goldman Sachs Equity Research. According to the report, based on feedback from retailers representing nearly 42,000 c-stores around the country, beverage sales rose sequentially during the first quarter of the year.

Web3 Roundup: Taika’s Mateverse Goes to Mint; gmgn Announces Cereal Brand

Functional coffee brand Taika’s collaboration with web3 creative community Friends with Benefits (FWB) is coming to fruition this week as the California-based brand announced it will release 400 NFTs for mint on Thursday in support of its limited edition yerba mate launch.

Nielsen: Price Pressures Spark Early Spring Slowdown

Declining volumes depressed growth in total non-alcoholic beverage sales during the two-week period ended on April 9, according to an analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

Dry Shelves: Retailers Build Out Non-Alc Adult Beverage Sets

Between non-alcoholic spirits, beers, wines and mocktails, the options for sober and sober curious consumers have boomed over the past few years, but the rise of this new category has also presented a challenge for retail buyers – raising questions of where in the store these zero proof products belong.

Taste Radio: When Looking For An Investor, Look For A Friend

This week, we sat down with the co-founders of Vail-based private equity firm Manna Tree Partners and the founders of three portfolio companies, Verde Farms, Health-Ade and Gotham Greens, to explore the relationship between investor and entrepreneur. The discussions revealed how their personal friendship established a baseline for trust and helped create positive outcomes for all involved.

Numilk Turns to Cafes, Homes with Countertop Pivot

Over the past two years Numilk has quietly moved away from that original strategy to focus on developing technology for foodservice applications and now is preparing to scale its footprint and launch at-home devices capable of making nearly any non-dairy milk product consumers desire.

CENTR Brands Closes Roughly $3.5M Via Private Financing

According to a press release, the net proceeds of the new financing will be used for “growth-oriented production, continued expansion of the recently launched online channel, new product innovation, and general working capital.”

A SHOC CEO: “New Blood” Powers $29M Raise

After announcing the closing of a $29 million Series B funding round on Thursday, performance energy drink brand A SHOC is looking to increase brand awareness and fuel its expansion with the support of its expanded athlete investor team, according to CEO Paul Nadel.

Judge Rejects Whole Foods’ Claim That $15 Million Breach of Contract Suit Is Invalid

AtlantaFresh Artisan Creamery’s case against Whole Foods Market is moving forward after U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash denied Whole Foods' motion to throw out a $15 million breach of contract lawsuit. The case alleges the natural grocery chain prematurely and ‘abruptly’ broke a seven-year distribution contract with grass-fed dairy producer AtlantaFresh Artisan Creamery and caused the business to go under.

A SHOC Closes $29M Series B Funding Round

Performance energy drink brand A SHOC announced today it has closed a $29 million Series B funding round backed by existing investors and a roster of celebrity athletes.