In this episode of Category Close-Up: Expert Analysis, we explore kombucha and probiotic beverages with experts from SPINS, Gelson's Markets, Whipstitch Capital and Aqua ViTea. For the greater part of the last decade, kombucha has been one of the great success stories in better-for-you beverages, giving health conscious consumers a powerful alternative to sodas and high-sugar drinks.
John Fieldly, CEO of fitness-centric energy brand Celsius, discussed the company’s turnaround from turmoil to over $100 million in sales in 2020, including the importance of setting expectations with staff and investors, how to optimize placement at key retailers and why he has an open door policy.
Citing the growing demand for immunity-boosting beverages, Remedy Organics has launched a new line of wellness shots, available online ahead of a planned retail rollout later this year. Developed by co-founder Cindy Kasindorf, the plant-based Immunity+ line is available in four flavors.
Drew and Mac Anderson, co-founders of the fast-growing fermented food platform Cleveland Kitchen, spoke about how the brand drew its inspiration from their mother and from the city of Cleveland, their experience leaning into new use occasions for sauerkraut and why it was key to growth, the impact of data on its merchandising and sales and how the brothers balance family and business.
As one of the RTD cold brew and oat milk pioneers, the success of RISE Brewing Co., which launched its three-SKU line of oat milk lattes in 7 oz. cans in 2018, has helped pave the way for others to enter the category. The brand is seeking to leverage its first-mover advantage in oat milk to broaden its presence, starting with this month’s launch of a new Vanilla flavor.
Defying the predictions of many industry analysts, Monster Beverage Corporation offered no official confirmation of nor announcement for its rumored alcoholic hard seltzer product during its 2021 Virtual Investors Meeting on Thursday. However, the company did announce Thursday that longtime president, CFO and COO Hilton Schlosberg has been named co-CEO of the company.
Over a decade after its sale, Zico founder Mark Rampolla finds himself writing the next chapter in the coconut water brand's history, having reacquired the brand from Coca-Cola via investment fund PowerPlant Ventures, of which he is a partner and co-founder.
Just over a month after releasing a slate of new innovations across several product categories, Chobani’s platform expansion continued today as the Greek yogurt maker revealed a new line of ready-to-drink cold brew coffees that highlight its expertise in dairy and plant-based dairy alternatives.
The brewing industry produces 9 million metric tons of spent grain annually, and rather than discard it, Anheuser Busch InBev-backed ingredient supplier EverGrain is giving the nutrient-rich brewing byproduct a second chance as a food and beverage ingredient.
Plant protein drink maker KiiTO has rebranded as Vast, a move aimed at broadening the brand’s identity beyond keto-friendly products and expanding into conventional and club retailers. According to co-founder and chief sales officer Kendall Dreyer, the change comes as the brand has grown its presence outside of the natural channel through retailers such as 7-Eleven.
As VPX Pharmaceuticals seeks to end its distribution agreement with PepsiCo in court, the Florida-based maker of Bang energy drink has filed a response in opposition to the soda giant’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
Beer giant Molson Coors is continuing its push into non-alcoholic beverage categories with the U.S. launch of Veryvell, a line of sparkling CBD-infused drinks available exclusively in Colorado.
The country’s largest beverage company has announced the suspension of all political donations in response to last week’s violent mob attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The year 2020 was challenging in ways that few of us could possibly have anticipated. We have seen food and beverage industry members face a global pandemic that upended worker safety, the supply chain, retailing and distribution networks. The ongoing lockdowns have tested endurance and resources, but have pushed us all to find creative ways to survive and evolve.
