Headlines

PepsiCo: Pandemic Hits Beverage Business Revenue, But Snacks Offset Impact

PepsiCo’s North American beverage business felt the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic in Q2, the company announced today in its quarterly earnings report, as organic revenue fell 7% due to declines in the convenience, gas and food service channels, offsetting positive growth in grocery, mass and dollar stores.

Caveman Evolves: Functionality, “Joe Rogan Effect” Driving Growth

Having spent the past seven years staking its territory online, New Mexico-based Caveman Coffee is on the hunt for new consumers through a retail expansion and new innovations rolling out this year. Founded in 2013 by CEO Lacie Mackey, a former fitness trainer, and actors and MMA fighters Tait Fletcher and Keith Jardine, Caveman produces a variety of coffee and tea products, including MCT oil-infused lattes.

Tom First Returns to Startup Mode with Culture Pop Probiotic Soda

Having spent the last decade investing in food and beverage brands through venture capital firms, Tom First is once again building a product and brand from the ground up with Culture Pop, a new probiotic soda that launched online and in select retailers this summer.

SprintToSuccess S1E1: Meet Superfrau

We’re excited to present episode one of SprintToSuccess, a video series focused on demystifying the branding process for entrepreneurs with an entrepreneur! In this first episode, we hit the ground running—you’ll meet our selected entrepreneur, Melissa Martinelli, who rose to the top from a pool of 106 applicants.

How #StopHateForProfit Could Impact Small Brands

A number of major food and beverage companies have joined the #StopHateForProfit initiative, a campaign urging companies to suspend advertising on Facebook throughout July in an effort to pressure the social media platform to address misinformation and hateful content on its sites.

Office Hours: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace

BevNET and NOSH’s weekly live call-in show, Office Hours, returns Tuesday, July 14 at 3 p.m. ET. BevNET managing editor Martin Caballero will be joined by Alisa Williams, Partner at VMG, and Matt Thomas, founder and CEO of Brew Dr. Kombucha, for a discussion exploring the roles that CPG entrepreneurs and brand leaders can play in supporting a more diverse, equitable and inclusive industry.

High Brew Charts New Course With Packaging Revamp

The business is much more complex than when David Smith founded High Brew in a moment of inspiration while on a sailing trip with his family. But the brand is returning to its core elements once again to find a new visual identity aimed at organizing its growing product portfolio and standing out in an increasingly crowded coffee set.

Taste Radio Ep. 221: This Is How Innovative Concepts Become Top Brands

This special episode of Taste Radio features highlights from interviews with six entrepreneurs who joined us on Taste Radio during the first half of 2020. Our guests include Siete Family Foods co-founder and CEO Miguel Garza; Nick & Elyse Oleksak, the co-founders of Bantam Bagels; Miyoko’s founder and CEO Miyoko Schinner; Ben Van Leeuwen, the co-founder and CEO of Van Leeuwen’s Ice Cream; Orgain founder and CEO Andrew Abraham; and Gail Becker, the founder and CEO of Caulipower.

Watch Office Hours: Sales Strategy & Building Retailer Relationships

On this week's Office Hours show, NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg brings Darla Mears, the Chief Customer Officer at Kodiak Cakes, and Cheryl Christian, the EVP of Sales at Bobo's, on the livestream to dive into sales strategy and take questions from viewers.

People Moves: Minna Names New CEO; Health-Ade Adds VP of Ecommerce

Sparkling tea brand Minna has named Dyanna Salcedo, founder of angel investing and advisory business Tastebud Ventures and the brand’s interim CFO since August, as its new permanent CEO. Founder and former CEO Ryan Fortwendel has moved into the role of chief innovation officer.

In the Courtroom: Defy Claims Trademark Infringement in Lawsuit

Colorado-based CBD drink maker Defy LLC filed a lawsuit last month against Tennessee-based hydration beverage brand Defiance Fuel, claiming the latter company infringed on its trademarks; A new lawsuit against 75 members of Dairy Farmers of America’s (DFA) leadership team is accusing the co-op of extortion and cartel-like tactics; Family of late Hansen’s Beverage Co. founder Hubert Hansen were awarded $17 million in a ruling against The Coca-Cola Company and Monster.

Kill Cliff Aims to Expand Audience With Design Shift

After spending the last year pivoting its marketing and identity back towards its core military audience, Kill Cliff is looking to expand its consumer base with a change in design that positions it as an approachable clean energy play with an array of use occasions.