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BevNET and NOSH Announce Elevator Talk Livestream: Share Your Expo West News

Are you a founder or entrepreneur with a new brand premiere, package refresh, new product or line extension that was supposed to be announced at Expo West 2020 this week? We want to hear from you! Sign up now to take part in our Elevator Talk Livestream on Tuesday, March 10 at 3PM ET. It is free to participate and interviews will be conducted remotely.

News Briefs: DRY Drops ‘Soda’ Title; RISE, illy Debut Cold Brew Innovations

In the first of a series of news briefs, we examine how DRY Soda is reintroducing itself as DRY Botanical Bubbly, positioned as a non-alcoholic alternative for “celebration occasions.” We also explore new cold brew innovations from illy and Rise Brewing Company (including tea).

Expo West: “What’s Next?” Looms Large

Dogged by key cancellations from retailers and big brands, followed by social media protests before yesterday postponing Natural Products Expo West, its biggest event of the year, 48 hours before it was due to begin, New Hope Network yesterday put the big question front and center: “What’s next?”

Elevator Talk: The Plug Provides Alternative Hangover Remedy Made from Herbs

Ray Kim is the co-founder and CEO of The Plug, a startup brand crafting hangover remedies from 13 herbs and flowers. The all natural recovery drink is inspired by similar products available in Korea and aims to serve Millennial and Gen Z professionals who want to enjoy drinking alcohol and socializing in the evening, while still being productive at work the next day.

Expo Aftermath: Attendees, Exhibitors Regroup After Show Postponed

Prior to the postponement of Natural Products Expo West 2020 on Monday, as much as 60% of attendees said they planned to skip this week’s event. But many others -- including early stage entrepreneurs -- were surprised by the late decision. For many, the news came after they had already arrived in Anaheim, and for some mid-flight.

Gallery: Product Reveals and Rebrands

In this gallery, we highlight some of the notable new products, line extensions and rebrands from companies that were scheduled to exhibit at Expo West 2020, including Harmless Harvest's first venture into flavored coconut water, a new look and bottle for KeVita, new shots from More Labs and So Good So You and plant-based milk innovation from Elmhurst and Mamma Chia. 

Taste Radio Ep. 203: The Reason This Indulgent Brand Gets ‘Richer’ Every Year

Ben Van Leeuwen, co-founder & CEO of super-premium brand Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, spoke about how why running a lean and profitable company is a core element of its business strategy, how the brand has bucked the trend toward healthy eating, promoting brand pillars through packaging and the synergistic relationship between its stores and wholesale business.

Brands Grapple With Coronavirus Conundrum at Expo West

Over the weekend, food and beverage companies are facing the potential of a Coronavirus-reduced Natural Products Expo West show were regretting sunk costs as they wondered whether they could do enough business with the show’s drastically-reduced retailer contingent to justify the money they had already laid out.

Proud Source Water Closes $6M Financing Round

Proud Source Water has raised $6 million in a financing round led by AF Ventures, the company announced today. Speaking with BevNET, Proud Source Water president CJ Pennington said the round will go towards increasing sales and marketing efforts for the Idaho-based bottled water brand.

Expo West Approaching, Brands Weigh Coronavirus Fears

As food companies gear up for next week’s Natural Products Expo West conference, some of their conversation has moved from how many samples to bring to potential health and safety risks from the fast moving virus, COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus.

Gallery: February’s New Products

Consumers looking for a jolt of energy were in luck this month, as several new product launches offered consumers a caffeine fix this February, including new coffee launches from STōK, Nitro Beverage Co., Soul Grind and Silk, plus innovations from Reed’s and C4. Check out the gallery for this month’s notable product releases, including new flavors from Cloud Water and Hydrant and a new Super Coffee format.