Headlines

Distribution Roundup: OLIPOP Adds Rainforest, Expands Whole Foods

OLIPOP adds Rainforest Distribution, expands Whole Foods and adds Sprouts with exclusive launch of new Cherry Vanilla flavor; So Good So You Adds Sprouts Chainwide with three SKUs of its juice shot line; Ugly Drinks Enters Kroger in Tennessee; NOCCO Adds GNC

Celsius: Revenue Up 95% in Q1

Celsius reported over $28 million in revenue during the first quarter, a 95% increase over the same period last year and a new quarterly record for the brand.

Reed’s: Zero Sugar, Ginger Ale Drive 13% Q1 Growth

After production issues hobbled growth last year, Reed’s Inc. reported in an earnings call yesterday that it has rebounded with 13% net sales growth to $9.5 million in Q1. Speaking with investors yesterday, Reed’s CEO Norman Snyder said the company’s volume growth was driven by distribution expansion and higher velocities.

Watch Office Hours: Strategy, Pivots, and Planning during the Pandemic

This week's Office Hours features industry veterans Alan Murray and Brad Barnhorn, who, drawing upon years of experience working with brands as board members and operators, offer advice on forecast planning, organizational strategy and leadership during the pandemic.

Taste Radio Ep. 213: How This Brand Thrived In A Business Often Marked By Failure

Carl Goyette, CEO of pioneering organic energy drink brand GURU, spoke about how a disciplined business strategy has paved the way for sustainable growth, why the company “says no to a lot” of opportunities, and why he believes that having both experience in a corporate environment and a thirst for entrepreneurship have been key to his ability to manage and build the brand.

New Age: Net Revenue Up in Q1, As Core Brands Seek Buyer

New Age Beverage reported its best-ever Q1 revenue numbers over the last three months, despite headwinds from the global COVID-19 pandemic. In an earnings summary released today, the Denver, Colo.-based company reported net revenue increased 9.2% during the quarter, reaching $63.7 million versus $58.3 million in the prior year.

Spirits Feature: 7 Tips for Securing VC Funding

Times may be uncertain, but that doesn’t stop entrepreneurs from hustling. Kristin Bareuther, managing director of First Beverage Ventures, and Jeff Hopmayer, managing partner of Nashville-based wine and spirits investment consultancy Brindiamo Group, shared their tips to navigating the current market.

Jones Soda Lays Off Sales Team, Citing COVID-19 Impact

Jones Soda Co. last month laid off nine employees and furloughed four others, including almost the entirety of its sales team, the company reported in its Q1 2020 earnings call on Thursday. Speaking to investors, interim CEO Jamie Colbourne said the layoffs were a result of financial constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but offered no further details.

Brands Give Back Roundup: Loco Coffee Partners With Boston Area Brands for ‘Pay It Forward’ Package; Nutpods Supports Nurses and Coffee Shops on National Nurses Day

The food and beverage industry continues to step up and lend support to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this roundup, we highlight brands’ efforts to give back, including Loco Coffee’s “Pay It Forward” snack care package featuring Boston area food and beverage brands and Nutpods’ efforts to support nurses and local coffee shops during National Nurses Day.

Office Hours: Strategy, Pivots, and Planning during the Pandemic

Office Hours is returning on Tuesday, May 12 at 3 p.m. ET. Industry veterans Alan Murray and Brad Barnhorn will use examples derived from years of working with brands as board members and operators to offer advice on forecast planning, organizational strategy and leadership during the pandemic, while fielding questions from viewers at home.

Welcome to the New BevNET and NOSH

If you’ve subscribed, thank you. Today is the first day of your full access to our existing and expanding platform. If you’re still waiting, we’re excited to have you join us. For 24 years our mission has been to provide the stories and information that help food and beverage professionals navigate the industry. This new subscription model will support our team’s commitment to providing you with independent journalism that serves and informs the food and beverage community, and will enable us to extend our capabilities even further to fulfill that mission.