Coming off triple-digit growth in 2019, Hellowater has partnered with Southeastern Grocers to add over 400 grocery channel accounts ahead of broader expansion this year. Co-founder and EVP of sales and marketing Rusty Jones said the Chicago-based brand, which markets a line of flavored waters infused with prebiotic fibers, is now available in BI-LO and Winn Dixie stores, bringing its total nationwide footprint to about 6,000 stores.
Natural beverage brand Purity Organic is teaming with CBD supplier Kadenwood on a partnership to produce a range of CBD-infused food, beverage, personal care and pet products.
Premium sparkling water maker Spindrift has raised $29.8 million in a new funding round, its largest single round to date, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) this week. The new round brings the Massachusetts-based company’s total financing to at least $70 million and is the first new funding the brand has received since a $20 million Series B round led by VMG Partners in 2018.
In a report submitted yesterday to Congress (a week past its due date) FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn noted the agency still lacks enough evidence to say CBD ‘can’t hurt.’ While the report notes the FDA is “actively considering potential pathways for certain CBD products to be marketed as dietary supplements,” the agency is still seeking more scientific evidence — especially to support CBD’s safety in food.
William Siff, founder and CEO of Goldthread, discussed why building the plant-based tonic brand was akin to “inventing a category,” effective methods for driving consumer education and brand awareness, defining metrics for success and how the company incorporates ingredient trends into its innovation strategy.
Like its consumers, Once Upon a Farm is growing up. The fresh-focused kids CPG brand is launching a new line of non-dairy yogurt and bottled protein smoothies, both moves aimed at helping the brand expand its appeal beyond babies to families.
In the next edition in a series of news briefs, we catch up with Vive Organic to discuss a pair of new additions to its line of functional cold-pressed juice shots, while also checking out new plant-based innovations from teaRIOT and Protein2o.
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.
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).
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?”
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.
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.
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.
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.
