Headlines

NACS 2021 Notebook: Pepsi Revamps Energy; Candy, Watermelon Flavors Abound

Whether in the form of licensed partnerships or by creating their own outlandish candy inspired flavors many in the rising sub-set of “performance energy” drink brands have found that their consumers have a serious sweet tooth. Also, Java Monster unleashes Cold Brew, Pepsi strategizes around energy and Vita Coco keeps tweaking.

Bettaway Expands Operations For New AriZona Iced Tea Production Facility

National supply chain management company Bettaway announced the opening of a new logistics management center to complement the recent construction of its 1.2 million square-foot AriZona Iced Tea production and distribution facility in Keasbey, New Jersey. The Keasbey campus is now the largest production and distribution center in AriZona Iced Tea’s network.

Molson Coors-Backed CBD Brand Veryvell Expands Across Country

Truss CBD USA, a joint venture by Molson Coors Beverage Company and cannabis products maker HEXO USA, announced today plans to expand its Veryvell brand of CBD beverages across the country following its launch in the Colorado market last year.

KDP: Company Aims to Increase M&A, Fortify Distribution Network

Analysts from Goldman Sachs Equity Research were overwhelmingly positive about Keurig Dr Pepper’s (KDP) long term growth potential following the company’s Investor Day webcast last week. In an analysis of the webcast, Goldman Sachs said the company’s “upbeat outlook delivered on our expectations” to accelerate topline growth and increase earnings.

Nielsen: Non-Alc Beverage Sales Accelerate And Remain Strong

All channel sales remained strong and accelerated across most non-alcoholic beverage categories, increasing 14.4% year-over-year during the two-week period ending on September 25, even as volumes continue to migrate back toward on-premise, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

PepsiCo: Despite Supply Volatility, Q3 Revenue Grows Double-Digits

Despite a “volatile supply chain and cost environment,” PepsiCo reported double-digit growth in its Q3 earnings report today, with net revenue in the quarter up 11.6%. According to the company, organic revenue was up 9% in the third quarter. Earnings per share (EPS) was $1.60, down 3%, while core EPS was $1.79 (up 5.5%).

Slate Milk Extends Seed Round with $3.3M Raise

Boston-based canned chocolate milk brand Slate announced this week that it has raised $3.3 million, adding to a previously announced seed round that now closes at $5 million. Founded in 2018 by Manny Lubin and Josh Belinsky, Slate produces a line of protein rich chocolate milks marketed towards adult consumers.

Taste Radio: These Founders Are Upending The Status Quo… And Smiling Along The Way

In this episode, we explored the respective paths of four early-stage and emerging brand owners, from brand ideation and early struggles to social strategies and retail planning. The conversations highlight the perspective of founders who are attempting to reframe legacy categories via next-generation brands and products.

In The Courtroom: Food Labeling Modernization Act Returns to Congress

In this roundup we take a look at how new regulations could impact food labeling and deceptive advertising lawsuits and break down two cases against beverage companies that recently brought the attention of the Security and Exchanges Commission.

5-Hour Energy Launches 16 oz. Line

Living Essentials, LLC announced today its first push outside of shots into the full size energy drink category with the launch of 5-Hour Energy in a 16 oz. can format. The new line is debuting simultaneously this week at the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) convention in Las Vegas and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show in Chicago.

Todd Carmichael Teases First Look at Sparkling Water Venture

In a recent story in Philadelphia magazine, La Colombe co-founder and CEO Todd Carmichael teased details of his next career move: launching Rebel Beverage Labs, a sparkling water company focused on developing a “platform where you can play within mouthfeel.”

L.A. Libations Expands Incubator “Innovation Center” Program

After a successful launch with Sprouts last year, L.A. Libations is continuing to leverage its industry connections to bring more retailers into its expanding “innovation center” program fueled by the company’s SoCal Incubation Program (SIP).