Headlines

Elevator Talk Livestream Round 3: LIFEAID, Remedy Organics, CLEAN Cause

We're back for another Elevator Talk Livestream today, March 19th. The third round of 30 food and beverage brands includes LIFEAID, Upton's Naturals, Better Booch, Teatulia, True Made Foods and Caveman Coffee. Watch their founders and CEOs jump into the livestream and provide a brief recap of recent Expo West news and updates.

Strategics Grapple With COVID-19 Impact

As the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic continue to ripple across all facets of economic and social life, even the most reliable of blue-chip beverage corporations are having to adapt to new realities.

New Products Gallery: CBD, Protein Among Mid-March Highlights

In this gallery, we highlight some of the notable new products, line extensions and package redesigns from around the beverage world, including new CBD-infused drinks from Day One and Vita Coco, an expansion of packaging options from Perfect Hydration and JUST Water and releases from two protein-focused brands, Iconic Protein and Vital Proteins.

Lance Collins Launches Sustainable Beverage Brand ZEN WTR

Veteran beverage entrepreneur Lance Collins announced this month his latest venture -- ZEN WTR -- a bottled water brand he hopes will help clean the world’s oceans by using recycled packaging. ZEN WTR is a line of 9.5 pH alkaline waters packaged in recycled rPET bottles sourced from “ocean plastic” salvaged from the coast of Thailand.

Taste Radio Ep. 205: Why A Future Of ‘Real Food For Everyone’ May Not Be Far Away

Kimbal Musk, co-founder & chairman of The Kitchen Restaurant Group, Big Green and Square Roots, spoke how his urban farming venture, a food literacy project for children and a restaurant chain focused on accessible, healthy meals are contributing to his mission of ‘real food for everyone’ and the advancement of the food system.

Spirits Feature: Titans Expand Reach By Investing in Upstart Brands

Big spirits players like Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Stoli are expanding their portfolios by investing in small, entrepreneurial brands, to boost not only their bottom lines but their ability to connect with changing consumer preferences.

Expo West Cancelled, New Hope to Focus on Fall Show

In an email to attendees late this afternoon, Natural Products Expo West producer New Hope announced it would cancel the natural products trade show in favor of focusing on its next large show, Expo East.

Celsius: U.S. Sales Up More Than 50% For Full Year

Fitness energy drink maker Celsius Holdings, Inc. saw a 43% increase in global revenue to $75.1 million last year, up from $52.6 million in 2018, according to its fourth quarter and full year 2019 earnings report released yesterday. In the U.S., sales rose 53% to $60 million and gross profit increased 49% to $31.3 million.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 76: Why ‘Wood Fires’ Are The Key To Long-Term Trends

Mark Alexander, CEO of fast-growing skyr brand Icelandic Provisions, discussed lessons and takeaways from his nearly 30 year career at the Campbell Soup Company, the steepest part of the learning curve in leading an entrepreneurial brand, how Icelandic Provisions assesses trendy concepts and ingredients and how it navigates consumer demand for premium and affordable offerings.

Iconic Protein Innovations Target Opportunities in Coffee, Kids

Having established a solid foundation for the brand with its core ready-to-drink shake line, ICONIC Protein is preparing to unveil a range of long-gestated innovations this year that highlight a shift towards caffeine-added, zero-sugar products.

Elevator Talk Livestream Round 2: Humm Kombucha, Malk Organics, Harmless Harvest

We're back for another 90 minute livestream today, March 12th. The second round of 30 food and beverage brands includes Humm Kombucha, HIPPEAS, Malk Organics, Belgian Boys, Harmless Harvest and Wildbrine. Watch their founders and CEOs jump into the livestream and provide a brief recap of recent Expo West news and updates. 

Icelandic Glacial Targets On-Premise Growth with Sustainability Play

Premium bottled water maker Icelandic Glacial announced this month it is implementing new sustainability initiatives and expanding its product offerings to fuel its omnichannel expansion plans. The push towards sustainability comes eight months after the brand secured $66 million in new financing, including a $35 million investment from BlackRock’s US Private Credit team.