For both cannabis seltzer brands, each owned by vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operators, this year is poised to be a critical one for growth, as the former completes its takeover by Florida-based Ayr Wellness, and the latter aims to tackle pricing while preparing to debut an innovative new product.
Energy drink maker Monster Beverage has reached “a definitive agreement” to acquire the CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective for $330 million in cash, the company announced today. The all cash deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022, pending “customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.”
Within the current tequila market, it can be easy for some brands to have something of an inferiority complex. Considering the amount of star power that has been injected into…
Financial services firm Jefferies web sleuthed several job posts over the last year that point to Monster “prudently building expertise in the alc space, incl. alc strategy (innovation) and regulatory affairs *bev alc. experience ‘a must.’).”
In 2018, fermented dairy brand Lifeway announced the beginning of “Lifeway 2.0,” a strategic revitalization plan to invigorate growth and expand the brand internationally. Now, speaking today at the virtual 2022 ICR Conference, CEO Julie Smolyansky said the goals of the plan have been achieved and the company is now beginning a new phase: “Lifeway 3.0.”
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
New year, new products. This week’s latest launches feature new sober-friendly alcohol alternative options as well as plant-based drinks for consumers embracing New Year’s resolutions, as well as nostalgic throwbacks and celebrity-backed launches from larger beverage producers.
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.
In this week's Distribution Roundup, Phocus continues to expand in the South with Kroger, while Greek import Green Cola enters 1K new retailers and electrolyte powder mix Ultima partners with Walmart.
