Typically, food and beverage represents only around 3.2% of total U.S. online sales. But through a combination of factors, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has accelerated the shift to web-based shopping.
Some growing food and beverage companies are concerned that they will be left out of a new set of loans designed to lessen the impact of the coronavirus crisis because they are backed by investment funds.
While some of the category’s larger players have sought to build a consumer base by leaning into mainstream flavors, M Kombucha, formerly known as Kombucha Culture, is staking its brand on the drink’s purported functional benefits.
EBOOST Surpasses 3,000 Doors Ahead of Nationwide Expansion; Sweet Reason Adds Big Geyser, L.A. Distributing; ALO Drink’s Jèn Collagen + Aloe Line Enters Sprouts Farmers Market Stores; Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company Expands in Whole Foods
Winter finally came to a close this month and beverage brands are looking forward to warmer weather, with new watermelon flavors from SUNNYD, LaCroix and Jones Soda, and a new light lemonade line from Calypso. Check out the gallery for notable March releases, including the latest functional shot from More Labs and caffeinated releases from Brew Dr and Daytrip.
David Lester and Ben Goodwin, co-founders of Olipop, explained why they believe creating a better-for-you soda brand was the “most impactful thing” they could do, how package design fuels trial, why educating consumers about the products’ health benefits is not a priority and lessons from their first experience as beverage entrepreneurs.
In a conversation with BevNET managing editor Martin Caballero, veteran natural CPG consultant Bob Burke, principal at Natural Products Consulting LLC, offered his insights and perspectives on how brands can manage their teams, relationships and finances to both survive this trying period and to thrive at its conclusion.
As COVID-19 rapidly transforms consumer behavior, data firms are closely monitoring patterns to help predict an uncertain journey ahead. In a report last week, research firm IRI explored current consumer behavior and trends from past economic downturns, along with spending across markets.
In a webinar hosted by Rabobank yesterday, analysts at the multinational banking and financial services company offered an overview of the macro impacts of COVID-19 on the food and beverage industry.
As many foodservice operations cease or dramatically reduce their footprint, food products originally produced and packaged for restaurants, hotels, schools and other establishments are being rerouted to retailers and wholesalers. But before feeding the surging demand in stores, they need labels that are approved for these new channels.
Hilary McCain, founder/CEO of CBD-infused sparkling water brand Sweet Reason, spoke about attempting to own a distinct message about the benefits of CBD, strategizing amid an uncertain cannabis regulatory environment and how she convinced Lerer Hippeau, an early-stage venture capital fund notable for early investments in Warby Parker and Casper, to invest in the brand.
While many established companies are bearing up under the storm thus far, small entrepreneurial brands, from early stage startups to regional players, who often have less distribution to start, are feeling the pain from retail disruptions. However, amidst lost supermarket sales or cancelled expansion plans, online is providing a possible bright spot for these brands.
The increased demand for products through online sellers like Amazon means that brands need to shift tactics -- something that’s hard to do during a crisis; Betsy McGinn sat for a video interview with Jeff Klineman, BevNET’s editor-in-chief, to provide important advice on how brands should approach their Amazon and broader e-comm strategies as consumer behavior takes a disruptive turn to online food and beverage purchasing.
We're back for a 60 minute livestream today, March 26th. The fourth round of food and beverage brands includes Suja, Coolhaus, Poppi, Cappello's, and Tempo. As a special treat this week, we also have Darren Rovell, who is a Partner at Tastemaker Capital and former ESPN reporter, weighing in on the brands and providing feedback.
