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Venture Capitalist Chris Hollod on Why He is Investing in the ‘Alternative Alcohol’ Space Venture Capitalist Chris Hollod on Why He is Investing in the ‘Alternative Alcohol’ Space

Venture Capitalist Chris Hollod on Why He is Investing in the ‘Alternative Alcohol’ Space

by Justin Kendall,

Chris Hollod wants to be known as one of the most active angel investors in the alcohol space. After about a decade of making investments with billionaire Ron Burkle and actor Ashton Kutcher, Hollod, a Los Angeles-based venture capitalist, struck out on his own in 2019 and has shifted his focus from investing in tech companies such as Airbnb, Uber, Spotify and Warby Parker, to investing in consumer packaged good companies, specifically “alternative alcohol” companies.

New England Patriots Receiver Julian Edelman Invests in Perfect Hydration New England Patriots Receiver Julian Edelman Invests in Perfect Hydration

New England Patriots Receiver Julian Edelman Invests in Perfect Hydration

by Martín Caballero,

Edelman, a three-time Super Bowl champion, initially partnered with Perfect Hydration as a brand ambassador in June. Speaking with BevNET in January, the wide receiver said he has “always been an advocate of alkaline water,” which he credited with helping him recover quicker from workouts and games.

Soylent CEO Crowley Exits, Demir Vangelov Named as Successor Soylent CEO Crowley Exits, Demir Vangelov Named as Successor

Soylent CEO Crowley Exits, Demir Vangelov Named as Successor

by Brad Avery,

Soylent announced yesterday that CEO Bryan Crowley has been replaced, naming former CFO & COO Demir Vangelov to the chief executive role. In a blog post, Soylent chairman and co-founder Rob Rhinehart said the leadership change comes as the company looks to make changes to its strategy and product.

Elevator Talk: Yumix Offers Fresh Mixed Cocktails Utilizing Unique Packaging Elevator Talk: Yumix Offers Fresh Mixed Cocktails Utilizing Unique Packaging

Elevator Talk: Yumix Offers Fresh Mixed Cocktails Utilizing Unique Packaging

by BevNET.com Staff,

Lea Feghali is the co-founder and chief brand officer at Yumix, a beverage brand with a fresh proposition for cocktail consumers. Instead of offering a premixed ready-to-drink cocktail, the brand’s unique packaging gives the user the experience and ability to mix spirits and fruit juice immediately before consuming.

Dirty Lemon Makes Mass Retail Push With Walmart Launch Dirty Lemon Makes Mass Retail Push With Walmart Launch

Dirty Lemon Makes Mass Retail Push With Walmart Launch

by Martín Caballero,

Functional beverage brand Dirty Lemon today announced it will be making the jump from direct-to-consumer sales to mass retail this spring through a national retail partnership with Walmart. The launch will bring three of the brand’s most popular SKUs — +Charcoal +Collagen, +Ginseng, each in 16 oz. bottles — to 500 store locations nationwide.

Sprite Targets Brand ‘Reinvention’ with Ginger Launch Sprite Targets Brand ‘Reinvention’ with Ginger Launch

Sprite Targets Brand ‘Reinvention’ with Ginger Launch

by Brad Avery,

As The Coca-Cola Company turns toward flavor innovation to grow its core CSD portfolio, Sprite is the latest brand to receive a permanent addition to its lineup with Sprite Ginger, launching this month in original and Zero Sugar varieties.

CBD Brand BLNCD Enters Beverage with Sparkling Water Line CBD Brand BLNCD Enters Beverage with Sparkling Water Line

CBD Brand BLNCD Enters Beverage with Sparkling Water Line

by Brad Avery,

Minnesota-based CBD health and wellness brand BLNCD Naturals (pronounced Balanced) is making its first step into the beverage space, partnering with Big Watt Coffee to produce a line of CBD-infused sparkling waters launching this month.

Former Exec: Outlaw Energy is Shutting Down Former Exec: Outlaw Energy is Shutting Down

Former Exec: Outlaw Energy is Shutting Down

by Brad Avery,

Energy drink maker Outlaw Beverages is shutting down, according to the brand’s VP of sales David Martin. Martin announced on LinkedIn yesterday that the company had been unable to find outside financing to fund operations. As well, president and CEO Jesus Delgado-Jenkins left his position last month, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 71: Why Profitability Means Saying ‘No’ More Often Taste Radio Insider Ep. 71: Why Profitability Means Saying ‘No’ More Often

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 71: Why Profitability Means Saying ‘No’ More Often

by BevNET.com Staff,

Nona Lim spoke about the development of her namesake food brand and the importance of saying “no” to “top-line growth that isn’t in line with our profitability requirements.” She also discussed the ways in which she funded her upstart brand prior to accepting venture capital, how she negotiates favorable terms with suppliers and why she describes venture capital as a “double-edged sword.”

Coffee, California Are Keys to Minor Figures U.S. Oat Milk Debut Coffee, California Are Keys to Minor Figures U.S. Oat Milk Debut

Coffee, California Are Keys to Minor Figures U.S. Oat Milk Debut

by Martín Caballero,

As Minor Figures quietly rolls out to U.S. coffee shops and independent retailers, the four-year-old brand is hoping its coffee credentials and playful personality will help it to disrupt an increasingly crowded marketplace.