Headlines

FDA Issues Misbranding Warning to H2 Beverages

In June, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a warning letter to H2 Beverages over misleading health claims and misbranded labels of the hydrogen-infused beverages.

‘Fire Cider’ Maker Shire City Herbals Shuts Down

Shire City Herbals, a maker of apple cider vinegar tonics, has shut down. In an email sent to customers this week, as well as a message on its website, the company said it intends to fulfill its remaining paid orders but is no longer accepting new sales and will cancel outstanding unpaid orders.

PepsiCo-Backed Scented Beverage System Brand air up Launches in U.S.

PepsiCo-backed German start-up brand air up is seeking the sweet smell of success as it launches its “scent-flavored hydration system” products online in the U.S. this summer. Founded in 2019, air up produces a line of refillable water bottles and scented “flavor” pods that enhance plain water by tricking the brain into perceiving taste through smells – a concept the company refers to as “retronasal smell."

Freestyle Snacks, Pulpoloco Sangria Among Brands Selected for 7-Eleven’s 2022 ‘Brands with Heart’ Program

Numerous CPG food & beverage brands have taken to social media this week to announce their selection to participate in 7-Eleven’s 2022 ‘Brands with Heart’ program. For the fourth year, the 7-Eleven, Inc. Brands with Heart campaign enables brands to enter the c-store retail channel by introducing their products to 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes consumers nationwide. According to a press release, the convenience store giant strives to “diversify its product offerings beyond the traditional c-store assortment and put innovative products on the shelves that meet the needs of its on-the-go customers.”

Elevator Talk: TUYYO, Nectar Hard Seltzer, Leelanau Tea, Phreshly, Broc Shot

Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week's special co-host is Wade Yenny, the Director of Grocery, Dairy, & Frozen for The Fresh Market, who shared his thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

Taste Radio: There Is A Fast Track To Success. And Onda Has The Blueprint.

Noah Gray, co-founder and CEO of fast-growing tequila seltzer company Onda, spoke about the brand’s origins as a “trade up” concept, the reasons behind strong consumer trial and repurchase, what up-and-down-the-street sales informed the team about effective retailing and merchandising and how he landed meetings with and won over high-profile investors.

Purchase Capital Backs OWYN With Further Growth Funding

Plant-based protein brand OWYN has secured growth investment from Purchase Capital, an affiliate of its parent company United Nutritional Brands, as well as from Hammock Park Capital LLC and PowerPlant Ventures, the company announced today.

EARI Beverage Group Acquires Original New York Seltzer

Entertainment Arts Research Inc. (EARI Beverage Group), a diversified beverage and media group, announced today it has acquired Original New York Seltzer LLC and its production arm, LA Bottle Works Inc., for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1981, Original New York Seltzer produces a line of mid-calorie craft sodas made with cane sugar and no artificial coloring and packaged in 10 oz. glass bottles.

Alkaline Water Co.: New CEO Pledges Strategic Changes After Losses Dampen Record Revenue

The Alkaline Water Company, maker of the Alkaline88 bottled water brand, announced record revenue of $60.6 million in its full fiscal year 2022 earnings report last week, up 32% year-over-year for the 52-weeks ending March 31. However, the growth was accompanied by substantial net losses of $39.4 million, prompting the company to highlight plans to reduce costs and ensure profitability in the future.