Headlines

Spirits Feature: How Innovation is Reshaping Identity in RTDs

As the avalanche of RTDs continues to hit shelves nationwide, the very definition of the category remains up for debate. Global data and analytics company Nielsen churns out detailed analytical reports on everything from television to retail, but even they can’t provide a universal definition.

Health-Ade Emphasizes Gut Health, Functionality in Brand Refresh

Redesigning an established brand identity is no easy task. But for Health-Ade Kombucha, the company decided it was best to simply follow its gut. The California-based company announced today a comprehensive brand refresh across its entire product line, featuring new, brighter labels and updates to its messaging to emphasize its functional benefits.

L.A. Libations Closes Investment for Arriba, orro Brands

Virgo Investment Group announced today that it has invested an undisclosed sum in L.A. Libations-owned brands Arriba and orro. The move comes as the beverage incubator focuses on developing and scaling its own in-house brands, while Virgo’s initial investment could potentially be the first of many, the company said.

VOSS Aims to Broaden Platform With Functional Line

Long known for offering consumers a luxury experience, artesian Norwegian water brand VOSS is now looking to play a bigger role in shoppers’ daily routines with the extension of its VOSS+ line of functional beverages. The launch accompanies a national marketing campaign that seeks to position the brand as an everyday product.

Real Water Inc. Sued After FDA Investigation

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada against Las Vegas-based alkaline water brand Real Water, Inc. after an investigation revealed that unsanitary conditions and unregulated practices at the company’s bottling facility led to a non-viral strain of hepatitis contaminating the bottled water late last year.

Taste Radio: Post-KeVita, Bill Moses Is Once Again ‘Flying’ High… And Sharing His Blueprint For Success

Bill Moses, the co-founder of KeVita and the founder and CEO of fast-growing beverage alcohol brand Flying Embers, spoke about why “online success dictates the rationalization of taking a product to market,” how the company effectively allocates resources across its product lines and why having “the least polarizing liquid” is key to its innovation strategy. He also explained why personal relationships with wholesalers are critical and the importance of finding balance amid an intense drive to win.

HyVIDA Rebrands, Launches Hy Infused B2B Division

Hydrogen-infused sparkling water brand HyVIDA is emphasizing fun and flavor, alongside health, in a new rebrand that launched this month. Based in Michigan, HyVIDA is available in Lemon Lime, Raspberry and unflavored Pure varieties. Each 12 oz. can contains zero calories and retails for $1.49-$1.99.

Oatly CEO: Going Public “Was the Right Thing to Do”

Ringing in the company’s first day trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Oatly CEO Toni Petersson said the decision to go public was “the right thing to do.” Initially priced at $17 per share, at the top of its predicted range, Oatly’s stock opened at roughly $21 per share, up about 24%, as it began trading shortly before noon today.

Q Mixers Names Joel McHale as ‘Chief Happy Hour Officer’

Q Mixers is looking to raise its national profile with the appointment of comedian and TV host Joel McHale as Chief Happy Hour Officer. The celebrity partnership arrives as the company is seeking to expand its on-premise business as pandemic restrictions are lifted across the country.

Streams Turn to Sales For good2grow

If you are like many Americans, chances are you spent a good amount of the past 12 months at home watching something on one of the ever-growing streaming entertainment options available from providers like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. For kid’s beverage maker Good2Grow, all those views are now paying off.