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.