Yerbae, the maker of a line of functional sparkling waters made with yerba mate, is looking to raise $10 million as it grows its national retail presence. But rather than turn to private equity and venture capital, the Arizona-based brand is turning to the public for support in launching a crowdfunding campaign through website StartEngine.
After settling a lawsuit for not meeting a 2012 deadline set by the Obama administration, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week published a long awaited proposed rule requiring producers and processors of “high-risk” foods to keep more detailed records to improve supply chain traceability.
Repositioning itself as a functional offering, better-for-you soda maker Sipp has discontinued its entire portfolio and relaunched with a new line of seltzers made with antioxidant-rich ingredient camu camu. The rebranded Sipp products went on sale this month on Amazon and will roll out to retailers in the Tri-State area next year.
Jason Barrett, founder & CEO of craft spirits producer Black Button Distilling, spoke about how a stint in small business consulting impacted his vision for the company, why he didn’t seek outside capital to launch Black Button and why he credits an effective systems management strategy as the key reason that spirits conglomerate Constellation Brands invested in the distillery.
The California-based cold-pressed juice maker’s strong performance over the course of the last 12 months — dollar sales of its refrigerated organic fruit drinks across MULO plus-convenience were up 517% to $18.6 million through August 18, according to IRI — is a welcome sign for both the Coca-Cola owned brand and the cold pressed juice category as a whole.
Pete Speranza, former business development principal at 301 Inc, General Mills’ venture arm, left the company on August 14 and will join venture firm Unovis as an operating partner.
The organization will start with three initiatives: a mentorship program, monthly community building events and a digital community on LinkedIn.
Joyride Coffee has secured a partnership with food and beverage service provider Aramark Corporation to cover distribution and equipment service for both existing and future office accounts, the company announced Friday. Under the terms of the deal, Aramark has acquired all assets of Joyride’s delivery business and will create a new division, called Joyride by Aramark.
New York-based coconut water brand 100 Coconuts announced last week that Walker has joined the startup as board member, while fellow beverage marketing veteran Lee Brody is coming on as an advisor. Elsewhere, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) veteran Charles Murray has joined Boxed Water is Better as the brand’s Director of Operations overseeing R&D, production and distribution.
Joseph Carr, founder of top-selling wine brand Josh Cellars, spoke about how diligence and self-education were critical in turning his passion into a career and why he left a lucrative job to launch his own company. He also explained how he defines hard work and how Josh Cellars has articulated a positioning that is both premium and accessible.
Celsius Adopts DSD for Target Stores; Rowdy Mermaid Launches Ecommerce Platform; Hubble Adds HiTouch Distribution, Expands Whole Foods; Tea of a Kind Launches New Flavors in Southeast and Midwest; The Bitter Housewife Adds PacNW; KÖE Kombucha Adds SoCal 7-Eleven
Molson Coors Beverage Company has taken a minority stake in ZenWTR, the sustainably packaged bottled water brand launched earlier this year by serial entrepreneur Lance Collins, the company announced today. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The Denver, Colo.-based brand of cold pressed watermelon juice blends has been acquired by Caribé Juice, the company announced today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Mark Samuel, founder & CEO of protein-centric snack company IWON Organics, spoke what he defines as the brand’s “why,” the most effective ways to engage with his audience of 20,000-plus followers on LinkedIn, how he incorporates both confidence and vulnerability in his content and why patience is a virtue, especially after hearing the word “no.”
