Headlines

Harmless Harvest Vet Guilbert Takes on New Mission: Energy Drinks

Positioned to compete directly with Bang, C4 and the range of other high-caffeine energy drinks that have emerged from the supplement space over the last several years, Echelon packs its muscular, 300mg caffeine formula into an 8.4 oz. slim can in three flavors, each with a spicy kick: Yuzu Cayenne, Berry Habanero and Watermelon Thai.

Foxtrot Raises $100M for Expansion

FoxTrot thinks convenience stores and corner markets need a makeover, and now it’s got more cash to make that a reality. The retailer announced today that it has raised $100M to help expand into new markets and to invest into its ecommerce business.

Taste Radio: Most People Don’t Know ‘Jack.’ Annie Ryu Is Planning To Change That.

Jack & Annie’s founder/CEO Annie Ryu spoke about her initial vision to support farming communities in India by incentivizing production of jackfruit, how she began building the company while still an undergraduate student at Harvard, how Jack & Annie’s is positioned within a competitive set for plant-based meat and what she’s learned about entrepreneurship and the value of persistence.

For No&Low Brands, Dry January Marketing Evolving

For brands in the burgeoning no-and-low space, the opportunity to build messaging around Dry January is clear. And as the movement has evolved, so have the approaches those brands are taking to drive eyes to the category, both during the month, and beyond.

Enlightened Hospitality Investments Closes Fund II

Foodservice-focused Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI) announced today that it has closed its second fund at $332 million. The round was oversubscribed, according to a press release, and included prior limited partners as well as new institutional partners, college endowments, strategic investors, and family offices.

“Gnu” Horizons in Kids Market for Orbitz Creator, Family

Gnusante Creations, the maker of a better-for-you kids drink in a pouch, is heading into the U.S. after growing up in the Canadian innovation company of Ron Kendrick, one of the original links to 90s fruit-flavored drink Orbitz, a signature beverage for its era. This time, though, Kendrick’s family is on board as well.

Editor’s Take: Learning From a Loaded Fresca

Dan White and co. over at Coke’s New Revenue Streams operation hinted during a BevNET Live interview a month ago that there was more to come for Coke in the alcohol space, and now we’ve got yesterday’s announcement that the company is launching some alcohol-enhanced products under the Fresca Mixed brand in a tie-up with beer, wine, and spirits giant Constellation.

TricorBraun Acquires Zuckerman Honickman and Vessel Packaging

Global packaging distributor TricorBraun announced today that it has acquired beverage packaging providers Zuckerman Honickman and Vessel Packaging in a move providing the conglomerate with additional non-alcoholic beverage capabilities and an expanded footprint in Canada.

U.S. Dairy Prevails in Tariff Dispute With Canada

U.S. dairy processors earned a major victory this week after a three-member panel ruled in their favor in a dispute with Canadian regulators over access to the country’s national market.