Headlines

WATCH: Mark Rampolla on Investment During the Pandemic

In an interview with NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg, Mark Rampolla, partner and co-founder at PowerPlant Ventures, discussed what the new relationship between brands and investors may look like, both pre and post acquisition.

Quick Reaction: Pepsi Takes On Bang

It’s now official: after much rumor and speculation over the last several weeks, PepsiCo announced today it has entered an agreement with Vital Pharmaceuticals, the producer of Bang Energy, to be that brand’s exclusive U.S. distributor. Here’s a quick look at the implications of the deal across the category and the broader beverage market.

Taste Radio Ep. 211: To Build A $200M Brand, Pat LaFrieda Relied On This More Than Anything

We’re joined this week by Pat LaFrieda, CEO of renowned meat brand Pat LaFrieda’s, who discussed his definition for quality and how it fits into the company’s evolution, why “relationships are everything” in business, his vision for the future of the restaurant industry and his surprising opinion about plant-based meat products.

PepsiCo Announces Bang Energy Distribution Partnership

PepsiCo announced today in its Q1 earnings call that it has entered an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Bang Energy, the performance energy drink brand produced by Vital Pharmaceuticals, furthering the conglomerate’s goal of becoming a competitive player in the global energy drink market.

KDP: Packaged Beverages Push Net Sales Up 4% in Q1

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) weathered headwinds from the COVID-19 global pandemic to deliver growth across all four product segments during Q1 2020, with Packaged Beverages helping drive net sales up 4.4% ($2.61 billion), according to an earnings report released Monday.

Data Digest: Consumer Behavior Moves into New Phase

As the world prepares to enter the third month of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CPG industry is still working to adapt to a radically altered marketplace. Last week, three new reports from market research firms IRI, Datassential and Blue Chip, shone light on how consumer behavior has changed since March and what the industry should anticipate as the crisis eases and a new normal for consumer buying habits emerges.

NOBL Beverages Acquires MATI Energy, Will Relaunch Brand

New Hampshire-based NOBL Beverages, working with a group of private equity investors, has acquired defunct energy drink brand MATI for an undisclosed sum and plans to relaunch the organic drink line this year, the company announced today.

Office Hours: A Live Call-In Show with Food and Beverage Experts

BevNET and NOSH’s new interactive streaming video series, Office Hours, will take place on Tuesdays at 3pm ET. The one-hour live call-in show aims to help food and beverage professionals connect with industry experts for helpful guidance and strategic insights during a time of uncertainty.

Brands Give Back Roundup: Genius Juice Partners With Brands on Give Back Giveaway; Minna Donates $75,000 to Local Nonprofits

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 a Giving Back Giveaway featuring ten food and beverage brands and donations being made to support marginalized communities in New York City.

Friendship Beverages Debuts At Target

Minneapolis-based startup Friendship Beverages is rolling out its first two brands — sparkling energy water Chirp and enhanced water Juni — at Target stores across the state this month.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 82: A Whole Foods Insider Opens Up The Buyer Playbook

Lee Robinson, Director of Dairy & Beverage at Whole Foods Market, discussed best practices for engaging with retail buyers, why he urges entrepreneurs to be transparent about their business and innovation strategies, how he evaluates disruptive concepts, his perspective on the future of plant-based food and setting expectations for communication with buyers amid the current crisis.

KidsLuv Lands in CVS and Walmart, Rolls Out New Product Title

Since participating as a semifinalist in New Beverage Showdown 16 two years ago, Ashi Jelinek, founder and CEO of kids beverage brand KidsLuv, has managed to stay busy. From expanded distribution to new product positioning and refreshed packaging to a new flavor rolling out next month, KidsLuv has been focused on growing across the board.