Headlines

SPAC Attack: Hollod to Run Tailwind, Advantage to Merge and Go Public

It’s the summer of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs). Also known as blank check companies, SPACs have increasingly become appealing for the ability to quickly create category leaders and getting capital infusions into brands that need them. The past week has seen two such investment vehicles from industry experts.

Weller Expands Beyond CBD With Sparkling Immunity Line

CBD-infused beverage and snack brand Weller is expanding its platform beyond CBD with the launch of Sparkling Immunity, a new line that builds on the company’s goal to become a functional wellness brand while increasing its footprint with retailers that don’t carry CBD products.

Despite Cold Case Challenges, Carbonated Cold Brew Brand Sofee Targets Growth

Though the pandemic has created a tricky retail environment for early-stage beverage brands, with fewer grab-and-go cold case purchases and less consumer trial for innovative products, carbonated cold brew coffee brand Sofee is seeking to remain nimble by rolling out new ecommerce and marketing efforts.

RTD Coffee Category Close-Up, Product Showcase on Sept. 8+9

BevNET and NOSH are deepening their coverage of fast-evolving food and beverage categories with the premiere of two new video series next week available exclusively to subscribers: Category Close-Up and Product Showcase. To kick off the series, BevNET Managing Editor Marty Caballero will be taking a look at an established category that remains one of the most dynamic beverage types across all retail channels: ready-to-drink coffee.

Golden Tiger Aims to Take Turmeric to “Next Level”

In anticipation of its roll out into retail later this year with an aggressive multi-category product launch, California-based startup Golden Tiger is angling to ride the trend for immunity and anti-inflammatory functional drinks to fast success with a line of organic beverages that promote “bioactive curcumin” as its leading health ingredient.

Liquid I.V. Acquired by Unilever

After several years of sustained growth, powdered hydration mix brand Liquid I.V. has been acquired by international CPG giant Unilever for an undisclosed fee, the company announced today.

Nielsen: Monster Growing, Category Growing Faster

An increase in promotional pricing and strong sales for sugar-free Monster Zero Ultra and coffee-based Java Monster helped Monster Beverage Corp. build substantial volume growth over recent weeks, according to an analysis of Nielsen U.S. channel data through August 22, 2020 by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

Taste Radio Ep. 225: How The Founder Of Stacy’s Pita Chips Went From Struggling To Find Laundry Quarters To A Quarter-Billion Dollar Exit

Stacy Madison, founder of Stacy’s Pita Chips, shared essential lessons learned from building her company, including those that she’s applying to her latest venture, BeBold, a refrigerated energy bar brand. She explained why having a “nothing to lose” attitude was key during her early days as an entrepreneur, the most significant mistake in building Stacy’s Pita Chips and the altruistic reason that she decided to get back into the packaged food industry.

Swoon Launches Zero Sugar Lemonade Line

Swoon, a New York-based maker of zero sugar cocktail mixers and syrups, is stepping into the ready-to-drink sector with the launch of a sugar free lemonade line this month. The new line is available in three flavors: Classic Lemonade, Pink Lemonade (made with strawberries) and Half & Half (made with tea).

Gallery: August’s New Products

As summer comes to a close, brands are already gearing up for the fall season. SToK, Chobani and Brew Dr rolled out limited edition products featuring autumnal spices this month, while new milks from Borden look to capture the classic flavors of fall state fairs. Check out the gallery for this month’s notable releases, including multiserves from Loco and Made Coffee and new wellness shots from BOS and Dose.

Spirits Gallery: August RTDs

In this gallery, we showcase a handful of notable new RTDs from the past month, highlighted by flavor extensions from Lifted Libations and Cutwater, Austin Cocktails making the move into cans and a category debut from Boston's Bully Boy Distillers.

Awaiting New Financing, Joyride Pauses Operations

As the COVID-19 pandemic has effectively shuttered the office channel for beverage providers, Joyride Coffee Distributors has temporarily ceased operations as it finalizes a deal to secure new financing, the company told BevNET this week.