Headlines

Elmhurst Broadens Plant-Based Portfolio with Lattes, Smoothie Bases

In support of its goal to double sales this year, Elmhurst 1925 launched three new product lines this month that take the New York-based plant milk brand into new categories including coffee and tea lattes and smoothie mixes, as well as making a deeper play into creamers.

New Hope, Informa & SFA Update Attendees

Yesterday, Expo West producer New Hope and Fancy Foods Show producer The Specialty Food Association (SFA) updated their respective attendees with show updates. Meanwhile, Supply Side East was postponed until the Summer.

Pathwater Extends Anti-PET Mission With Alkaline, Sparkling Lines

Launching today on the company’s website, Pathwater is introducing alkaline (9.5+ pH) and sparkling varieties in a signature 20 oz. aluminum bottles. All three SKUs will also now contain electrolytes and sport a refreshed package design.

Elevator Talk Livestream Round 1: Tea Riot, Sol-ti, Greenbelt Craft Kombucha

Brand founders and CEOs are joining our team today, March 10th, via livestream to provide a brief recap of their recent Expo West news and updates. The first round of 30 food and beverage brands include Tea Riot, Bobo's, Sol-ti, Ayoba-Yo, Greenbelt Craft Kombucha and The Good Bean.

Taste Radio Ep. 204: How Dang Foods Describes The ‘Perfect Consumer’

We spoke with Vincent Kitirattragarn, co-founder/CEO of Dang Foods, about why he thinks the company is well-positioned to tap into one of the most overlooked and influential minority groups in the U.S. He also explained how Dang communicates its brand story across product lines, why he keeps a tight grip on innovation strategy and his relationship with investment firm Sonoma Brands.

All Market Revamps Runa, Pushes ‘Pressed’ Coconut Waters

All Market Inc. is taking a measured approach for growing both natural energy drink Runa and coconut water brand Vita Coco, aiming to use product innovation and updated branding to develop a bigger and deeper presence within existing key retail accounts.

Hellowater To Enter 400 Southeastern Grocers Accounts

Coming off triple-digit growth in 2019, Hellowater has partnered with Southeastern Grocers to add over 400 grocery channel accounts ahead of broader expansion this year. Co-founder and EVP of sales and marketing Rusty Jones said the Chicago-based brand, which markets a line of flavored waters infused with prebiotic fibers, is now available in BI-LO and Winn Dixie stores, bringing its total nationwide footprint to about 6,000 stores.

Purity Enters CBD Market Via Kadenwood Partnership

Natural beverage brand Purity Organic is teaming with CBD supplier Kadenwood on a partnership to produce a range of CBD-infused food, beverage, personal care and pet products.

Spindrift Raises $29.8M in Funding Round

Premium sparkling water maker Spindrift has raised $29.8 million in a new funding round, its largest single round to date, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) this week. The new round brings the Massachusetts-based company’s total financing to at least $70 million and is the first new funding the brand has received since a $20 million Series B round led by VMG Partners in 2018.

FDA Still Unclear on CBD Safety

In a report submitted yesterday to Congress (a week past its due date) FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn noted the agency still lacks enough evidence to say CBD ‘can’t hurt.’ While the report notes the FDA is “actively considering potential pathways for certain CBD products to be marketed as dietary supplements,” the agency is still seeking more scientific evidence — especially to support CBD’s safety in food.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 75: When Building A Brand Means Creating A New Category

William Siff, founder and CEO of Goldthread, discussed why building the plant-based tonic brand was akin to “inventing a category,” effective methods for driving consumer education and brand awareness, defining metrics for success and how the company incorporates ingredient trends into its innovation strategy.