Headlines

Suja Finds Growth Via D2C, Category Momentum

The California-based cold-pressed juice maker’s strong performance over the course of the last 12 months — dollar sales of its refrigerated organic fruit drinks across MULO plus-convenience were up 517% to $18.6 million through August 18, according to IRI — is a welcome sign for both the Coca-Cola owned brand and the cold pressed juice category as a whole.

Unovis Snags Speranza From 301 Inc.

Pete Speranza, former business development principal at 301 Inc, General Mills’ venture arm, left the company on August 14 and will join venture firm Unovis as an operating partner.

Aramark Acquires Joyride Distribution Services, Brand Set to Re-Launch

Joyride Coffee has secured a partnership with food and beverage service provider Aramark Corporation to cover distribution and equipment service for both existing and future office accounts, the company announced Friday. Under the terms of the deal, Aramark has acquired all assets of Joyride’s delivery business and will create a new division, called Joyride by Aramark.

People Moves: Vanessa Walker, Lee Brody Join 100 Coconuts

New York-based coconut water brand 100 Coconuts announced last week that Walker has joined the startup as board member, while fellow beverage marketing veteran Lee Brody is coming on as an advisor. Elsewhere, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) veteran Charles Murray has joined Boxed Water is Better as the brand’s Director of Operations overseeing R&D, production and distribution.

Distribution Roundup: Celsius Adopts DSD for Target Stores

Celsius Adopts DSD for Target Stores; Rowdy Mermaid Launches Ecommerce Platform; Hubble Adds HiTouch Distribution, Expands Whole Foods; Tea of a Kind Launches New Flavors in Southeast and Midwest; The Bitter Housewife Adds PacNW; KÖE Kombucha Adds SoCal 7-Eleven

Molson Coors Takes Minority Stake in ZenWTR

Molson Coors Beverage Company has taken a minority stake in ZenWTR, the sustainably packaged bottled water brand launched earlier this year by serial entrepreneur Lance Collins, the company announced today. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

WTRMLN WTR Announces Sale to Caribé Juice

The Denver, Colo.-based brand of cold pressed watermelon juice blends has been acquired by Caribé Juice, the company announced today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 98: He ‘Won’ On LinkedIn. And It’s Paying Dividends.

Mark Samuel, founder & CEO of protein-centric snack company IWON Organics, spoke what he defines as the brand’s “why,” the most effective ways to engage with his audience of 20,000-plus followers on LinkedIn, how he incorporates both confidence and vulnerability in his content and why patience is a virtue, especially after hearing the word “no.”

Tractor Expands Nationwide Footprint with “Cool Kids” of Food Service

As the fast casual dining industry has seen an influx of new chains with focuses on rising food trends, Tractor Beverage Co. is hoping to rise with the tide by introducing better-for-you alternatives to the traditional soda fountain. In 2018, the brand launched at restaurant trade shows with a broad, multi-category portfolio of organic, non-GMO beverage products.

Gerber Finance Launches Natural Products Division

Citing ongoing growth in the natural CPG market, asset-based lending company Gerber Finance this week announced it would launch a dedicated natural food and beverage products division.

Survey: Labor Day Fuels Optimism Up Amongst C-Store Retailers

Out of a survey group representing 30,000 U.S. convenience retail locations, or roughly 20% of the channel, 65% of respondents indicated that they had a more positive outlook on the total beverage category as compared to the previous one to two months.

Bolt24 Calls Out BodyArmor in New Ad Campaign

In the competition for sports drink market share, Gatorade’s Bolt24 is pumping up its offense. The functional hydration sub-line will roll out a new ad campaign this month taking aim at rising competitor BodyArmor, calling out the Coke-backed brand by name.