John Sorial, founder of Mediterranean-inspired food brand TaDah Foods, spoke about how he navigated the company through a period of constant challenges, why finding a co-packing partner is like “getting married,” preparing for his pitch on “Shark Tank” and what it was like to turn down an offer from Mark Cuban.
![Keurig Dr Pepper Acquires Limitless [Updated]](https://dg6qn11ynnp6a.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/23181355/bevnet_Dr-Pepper_Limitless_thumbnail-150x150.jpg)
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has acquired Chicago-based caffeinated sparkling water maker Limitless for an undisclosed sum, the company announced today. Founded in 2016, Limitless produces a line of zero calorie sparkling waters containing 35 mg of caffeine per 12 oz. can.
Utilizing the entire coconut to minimize its carbon footprint and maximize profitability has been a long-term goal for Harmless Harvest and its CEO Ben Mand. At Winter Fancy Food Show 2020, held January 19-21 in San Francisco, the company unveiled an expanded food and beverage portfolio that delivers on that goal.
Through a long-term licensing agreement, Dyla Brands, the parent company of Stur and FORTO Coffee, has been overseeing marketing, manufacturing and sales for Keurig Dr Pepper’s (KDP) liquid concentrate and powdered mix products since late 2019.
Chicago-based powdered and frozen beverage maker Jel Sert has acquired hydration drink brand All Sport from Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) for an undisclosed sum, the company announced this week. The company had been producing All Sport for KDP for several years prior to its acquisition of the brand last month.
PepsiCo is on track to achieve 100% renewable electricity for its direct U.S. operations this year as part of the company’s push to cut its global emissions by 20%, Fast Company reported last week. The company’s U.S. manufacturing sites comprise half of its global electricity consumption.
Kat Friis is the Founder and CMO of Dr. Scobii, an upstart water kefir company that aims to make gut health more accessible to everyday consumers. The company recognized white space in the market for a better tasting probiotic beverage that would appeal to people beyond kombucha drinkers.
Cannabis-infused “social elixir” Cann has closed a $5 million seed round of financing led by Imaginary and JM10 Partners, the company announced yesterday. Navy Capital, Global Founders Capital and Cresco Capital also participated in this round, as did undisclosed “key strategic investors,” according to a press release.
Andrew Abraham, founder and CEO of Orgain, discussed the creation and early development of the pioneering protein brand, the importance of building a sustainable business infrastructure and how maintaining a positive and steadfast belief in the company’s mission and a focus on meaningful innovation have been key to its success. This episode is presented by Flavorman, the beverage architects.
Ethical Brands, parent company of plant-based pasta brand Explore Cuisine, is introducing Swedish pea protein milk brand Sproud to the U.S. this week at the 2020 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. The company formed a distribution and marketing partnership with the brand last year in an effort to expand upon its goal of offering sustainably-sourced, plant-based products to consumers.
Tribucha Grows in Grocery; Rise Adds 2,000 Kroger Doors, Partners with Nestle ReadyRefresh; Detoxwater Expands in CVS, Adds Winn-Dixie and Bi-Lo; Pillars Grows to Over 2,000 Doors; Navy Hill Goes Chainwide in Earth Fare, World Market; CHERRiSH Adds Albertsons/Safeway
Premier Protein is gearing up for what it hopes could be its biggest year yet as the ready-to-drink protein shake brand looks to expand its audience and drive growth with more than just “fan evangelism.” The brand kicked off the year with the launch of a new marketing campaign (including its first-ever TV spot) to support its protein shake product line and will be rolling out a slate of new products to retailers in the coming months.
In this week’s episode, we’re joined by former NFL star Matt Light and Bill Dessel, the co-founders of sessionable spirit brand Keel Vodka. As part of our conversation, Light explained why despite ruthless competition as a professional football player, entrepreneurship “is more challenging than it ever would be on the playing field.” He and Dessel also discussed how they overcame initial regulatory hurdles, the benefits of a local distribution strategy, and why “living the lifestyle” is critical for brand ambassadors.
If it is passed and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, as is widely expected to happen within weeks, California Assembly Bill 228 will declare that foods, beverages and cosmetics made with industrial hemp should not be considered as adulterated. Until that occurs, however, brands and retailers in Southern California still face an uncertain existence from day to day.
