Jamba Dunn, the founder and CEO of Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha discussed the duality of Rowdy Mermaid’s current trajectory and its long-term business strategy, the brand’s function-forward approach to formulation, why he was cautious about aligning with a private equity firm and how his role as CEO has changed over the years.
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Monster Energy reported over $1 billion in sales during the first quarter of 2020, though the company is preparing for more difficult days ahead. Net sales rose 12.3% ($1.06 billion) over the same period last year, with gross sales up 13.4%.
Hydrant, the maker of a line of powdered hydration drink mixes, has raised $5.7 million in a Series A funding round led by Coefficient Capital, the company announced today, bringing its total funding to $8.8 million. In addition to Coefficient Capital, the round also included Rx3 Ventures and prior investors Soma Capital and Sixers Innovation Lab, an incubator program run by the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers.
Essentia Water announced today that founder and CEO Ken Uptain will be shifting into a new role as the company’s Executive Chairman, with Scott Miller, CEO of Tampico Beverages, chosen as his successor. The change is effective June 1.
Allan Mai is the co-founder of Acid League, a startup led by food scientists building a platform brand around their house-crafted, functional vinegars. The company begins by fermenting fruits and vegetables, then experiments with various recipes and product types including shrubs, cooking vinegars and condiments.
Last month, Swig + Swallow rebranded to Cheeky Cocktails Co., dropping its entire product portfolio and the half-full bottle concept in favor of a new line premium syrups and juices, available in eight flavors for $7.50 per 8 oz. bottle.
The tenth round of Elevator Talk Livestream includes leaders from 503 Distilling, Oxigen, Evy Tea and more. This week's special co-host is Megan Bent, the founder and managing partner of Harbinger Ventures, who will share her thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.
This week's edition of Office Hours explores COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions to the review and reset process for categories and products, and the steps brands can consider when reaching out to retail buyers.
This week, we’re joined by the team behind upstart brand Rowdy Energy, NASCAR champion Kyle Busch and Suja co-founder Jeff Church. The duo spoke about their decision to enter the competitive energy category, leveraging Busch’s fame and fan base in an authentic way and how Church is incorporating lessons from the Suja playbook into Rowdy’s business strategy.
Oregon-based Riff Cold Brewed announced last week that it has named Adam Hertel as chief revenue officer; DAHlicious Organic announced that it has appointed former Mondelez International senior director Pamela Goldberg as CEO; Goldstein leaves Organic Valley for CMO role at cannabis cultivator and dispensary INSA
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 Kate Farms’ and Upwell’s donations to at-risk seniors in Native American communities, Califia Farms’ support for baristas and cafes and a pop-up grocery store for healthcare workers featuring Bolthouse Farms products.
Packing 14 servings of organic, fair trade coffee per 6 oz. glass bottle, Jot Coffee, a new brand of concentrated “ultra coffee” co-founded by REBBL’s Palo Hawken and Andrew Gordon of Square Organics, aims to use a combination of convenience and quality to open new opportunities in e-commerce.
Flow Alkaline Spring Water announced today it has closed a $45 million Series D funding round, backed by a group of individual investors that includes pop star Post Malone and former MLB champion Chase Utley. The financing will go towards the company’s goal of scaling distribution and production and doubling its consumer base by next year.
