Sparkling Ice Launching ‘Spiked’ Line
Another leading sparkling water brand is making the leap into hard seltzer: Sparkling Ice is set to launch a new alcoholic line called Spiked (4% ABV) this month.
Headlines
Elevator Talk: W*nder, La Di Da, M Kombucha
This episode of Elevator Talk features leaders from Read the Ingredients, W*nder, La Di Da, M Kombucha and Down to Cook Foods. This week's special co-host is Daina Trout, the co-founder and CEO of Health-Ade Kombucha.
Spirits Press Clips: RTD Sparkling Tequila Onda Lands Investment; Industry Reacts to BLM
In this spirits-focused Press Clips roundup, ready-to-drink sparkling tequila maker Onda lands $1.2 million in funding, while delivery app Drizly suffered a major data breach. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs and brand leaders from around the industry respond to the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of nationwide protests against police brutality.
Reed’s: Net Sales Rise, Expenses Fall in Q2
Craft beverage brand Reed’s Inc. reported a 14% increase in net sales during the second quarter of this year, for which the company credited recent product innovation as well as 19% volume growth in the core Reed’s brand.
Koia Launches Thrive to Meet Natural Consumer Needs
According to CEO Chris Hunter, Koia has designed products with the natural consumer in mind, though never more explicitly than with its newest release, Thrive — a three-SKU line of oat milk-based, allergen-free ‘mood booster’ refrigerated smoothies launching this month.
Sports Medicine: Electrolit Makes Rapid Rise into Refreshment
According to market research firm IRI, Electrolit -- developed as a medical solution to treat dehydration -- is among the highest growing sports drinks brands in the country, with dollar sales up 78.4% to $62.9 million for the 52-week period ending June 30 -- making it the fourth largest brand in the category behind Gatorade, Powerade and BodyArmor.
Office Hours: Corporate VC During Covid-19 with General Mills, Pepsi, Distill Ventures
The state of strategic venture units during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic will be explored during Office Hours on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 3 p.m. ET when our guests will be the John Haugen, Heidi Dillon Otto, and Daniel Grubbs, the leaders, respectively, of 301 INC (General Mills), Distill Ventures North America and PepsiCo Ventures Group. Office Hours viewers are encouraged to submit questions before and during the show, and will be invited to join the discussion live.
Covet PR Acquired, CEO Says Traditional PR Is ‘Broken’
This week Covet PR, a public relations firm focused on CPG and wellness, announced it had been acquired by digital marketing company Power Digital. The firm, which was founded by Sara Brooks in 2014, will now be known as the Covet Consumer Business Unit, with Brooks taking on the role of President.
Sanzo Raises $1.3 Million in Funding Round
Sanzo, the New York-based maker of a line of Asian-inspired sparkling waters, announced today that it has raised $1.3 million in a funding round poised to help the brand expand its retail footprint. The round includes investments from Away co-founder Jen Rubio, Adobe Creative Cloud CPO and EVP Scott Belsky and Boba Guys co-founders Andrew Chau and Bin Chen.
Stephen Curry Joins OXIGEN as Investor, Brand Ambassador
Oxygen-enhanced water brand OXIGEN announced today that Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry has joined its team as an investor, advisory board member and global face of the brand.
Distribution Roundup: Cafe Grumpy Targets Retail with Rainforest, KeHE
Cafe Grumpy Targets Retail with Rainforest, KeHE; Sunwink Adds Distributors, Natural Retailers; CHERRiSH Grows in Pac NW; ¡CACTUS! Launches into H-E-B; Pure NZ Expands Ecommerce Presence; Twang Michelada Adds H-E-B
Nielsen: Beverage Sales Up Double-Digits in July
Non-alcoholic beverage sales reported strong double-digit growth last month, with all channel dollar sales up 12.4% for the 4-week period ended July 25, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
Monster: Muted Sales Growth In Q2, But Up 5.2% Year-to-Date
Monster Energy endured an uneven second quarter, as state lockdowns and decreased foot traffic depressed sales early on before improving during the later weeks, according to an earnings report released by the company on Tuesday.
Limitless and Koia Co-Founder Launches CPG Marketplace Bitewell
If you’ve ever wondered what might happen if “Costco met Whole Foods and had an ecommerce child,” the result might look something like Bitewell. The new dietitian-curated CPG marketplace, which launched last month, offers a platform for emerging food and beverage brands while providing consumers with a weekly menu of better-for-you products offered at lower prices.