Venus Williams, Dyla Brands Collaborate on Happy Viking Protein Shake
Beverage company Dyla Brands is expanding into a new category with the launch of Happy Viking, a line of plant-based protein drinks developed by tennis superstar Venus Williams.
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RTD Spirits Investments: Bomani Raises $3.5M, ‘Merican Mule Brings in SoBE Founders
Hard coffee maker Bomani Cold Buzz announced last week that it has raised $3.5 million in an investment round featuring over 40 firms and individuals; Connecticut-based ‘Merican Mule, maker of a line of canned ready-to-drink Moscow Mules, announced last week a round of financing led by The Bishop Family, founders of Blue Buffalo pet food and SoBe Beverages.
Bang’s Breakup With Pepsi Moves to Court
VPX Sports, the maker of Bang Energy, is seeking an injunction against PepsiCo to stop it from making threats to its customers and wholesale distributors, as the two companies’ dispute over a long-term distribution contract moves into the legal phase.
Gold Rush Accelerator Seeks to Promote Community, Success for Asian Entrepreneurs
The program offers 10 to 20 Asian and Pacific Islander (API) early-stage entrepreneurs one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders and investors, along with a weekly keynote seminar series led by industry advisors and a complimentary PR and marketing package.
Gallery: November’s New Beverage Launches
With winter on the horizon, this month's New Product Gallery features a number of new releases, ranging from seasonal flavors to full line extensions, including added SKUs from Health-Ade Kombucha, CELSIUS, C4 and KeVita. As well, we feature a new brand from Ocean Spray, a smoothie line courtesy of Koia and fresh forays into beverage from Genius Gourmet and Nellie's Free-Range Eggs.
Unity Wellness Co. Closes $1.25M Series A Round
CBD beverage brand Unity Wellness Co. has raised $1.25 million in a Series A funding round poised to aid the brand’s nationwide expansion. Founded in 2019, the California-based company is currently available in more than 500 stores across 16 states, including at Erewhon, alongside numerous independent accounts.
Spirits Gallery: November’s New Spirits
In this gallery, we showcase a handful of notable new spirit releases from the month of November, including a pair of unique bottles from 1800 and Bowmore, the debut of ultra-premium tequila brand Lobos 1707 and a new expression from Grain & Barrel Spirits.
Taste Radio Ep. 233: Why This Acclaimed Vintner & Physician Urges Entrepreneurs To ‘Really Listen To People Who Disagree With You’
Laura Catena, managing director of lauded Argentine winery Bodega Catena Zapata and a San Francisco-based emergency room physician, explained how her professions intersect in ways that make her better in both roles, why she feels a heavy responsibility of carrying the whole country of Argentina on her shoulders and discussed her passion for achieving sustainability through innovation.
Cheribundi Closes $15M Series Round
Connecticut-based tart cherry juice brand Cheribundi announced today the closing of a $15 million series B financing round, led by existing investor Emil Capital Partners. The round will go towards supporting new hires to the Cheribundi’s c-suite and sales team, as well as funding innovation, marketing and distribution expansion.
Cure Hydration Announces $2.6M Raise, Store Expansion
Another hydration-based startup is on the rise, as New York-based Cure Hydration today announced a $2.6 million seed funding round led by Lerer Hippeau Ventures, as well as a nationwide retail expansion.
HumanCo and CAVU Partner on Health and Wellness SPAC
Two CPG powerhouses are coming together to launch a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) targeting the health and wellness space. Today, holding company HumanCo alongside venture firm CAVU filed an S-1 form with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, with the end goal of launching a SPAC known as HumanCo Acquisition Corp.
Taste Radio Insider Ep. 105: How To Disrupt An Industry? Consider A ‘Tailored’ Strategy.
Stu Aaron and Martin Janousek, co-founders of Bespoken Spirits, a modern distilling company which claims that it can precisely tailor spirits to a desired aroma, color and taste, spoke about they are attempting to win over stakeholders and gatekeepers, how they validated their process and products and why they described Bespoken as an enabler of change, rather than a change itself.
Kite Flies to Victory in New Beverage Showdown 20
Sparkling botanical drink maker Kite rode a cool breeze to victory during New Beverage Showdown 20 today, taking the title of champion in the second virtual edition of BevNET’s biannual pitch competition, which was sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company’s Venturing and Emerging Brands unit (VEB).
Distribution Roundup: NERD Focus Expands; CBD Brands Make C-Store Push; ‘Major’ Moves on West Coast
In this Distribution Roundup, brain-boosting energy drink NERD Focus lays the groundwork for national expansion with partnerships in New Jersey, Nevada and Tennessee. Meanwhile, CBD brands Caliper and DEFY secure c-store partnerships in Texas.