Hoist Hydration Appoints Hallie Lorber as CEO
Hoist Hydration is bringing in some seasoned talent to lead a new stage of growth, naming former Rowdy Energy and Vitaminwater marketer Hallie Lorber as CEO.
Headlines
Sazerac Expands RTD Portfolio with New Texas Brands
Sazerac Company has partnered with Molson Coors-aligned wholesaler Andrews Distributing on three new ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages in Texas, adding a regional portfolio to the spirit company’s expanding RTD business.
UFC Champ Michael Chandler Partners With Phorm Energy; Production Expands
The energy drink brand, a joint venture backed by 1st Phorm, UFC boss Dana White and Anheuser-Busch InBev, has revealed three-time mixed martial arts (MMA) champion Michael Chandler as its newest partner and a central focus of new content and marketing.
Spirits Marketing: Campari Taps Sarah Michelle Gellar; Glenfiddich Brings F1 to Grand Central
The 13th annual Negroni Week came to a close last week, and this year Campari aimed to slay with a new frontwoman.
Pepsi Dives Further into “Dirty Soda” With Mountain Dew, MUG Root Beer
The Pepsi-owned CSD brand is jumping into soda’s hottest trend with the appropriately named Dirty Mountain Dew Cream Soda Dew, available in standard and zero-sugar versions.
Taste Radio: Milk, Money & Momentum. Slate’s Rise & A Bay Area Buzz.
Ten years ago, the idea of canned milk powering a fast-growing brand might have seemed far-fetched. And yet, Slate – which recently announced $23 million in fresh funding – has proven just how powerful a novel concept can be. The hosts also look back on an unforgettable meetup in San Francisco, where industry veterans, insiders, and early-stage founders came together in a high-energy atmosphere.
Marketing: Something & Nothing Rethinks Modern Soda; Jarritos Turns 75
U.K.-based Something & Nothing is seeking to rethink the future of the category with its first stateside out-of-home campaign, “Not Pop.”
New Products: LMNT Slims Down, Ben Stiller Does Soda and Ghia Returns
We have a windfall of new beverage launches in this week’s new product gallery with limited time launches from Celsius, Laird and more. Elsewhere the dairy brands innovated against growing demands from co-op Organic Valley’s push deeper into plant-based, to Koia’s ‘Elite’ line extension with a sweet new flavor.
Starbucks to Shutter 500+ Stores As Coffee Costs Soar
While emerging rivals seek to move in, Starbucks announced on Thursday that it’s shuttering hundreds of stores along with around 900 non-retail jobs in search of around $1 billion in cost savings.
Spirits RTDs: Growth Cools As On-Premise, Unique Flavors Heat Up
Growth is slowing down for spirits-based RTDs, but gains in the on-premise and emerging flavor categories hint at opportunities, according to bev-alc consulting and data firm 3 Tier Beverages.
Hy-Vee Adds FoodHealth Score To Store Shelves
Hy-Vee debuted a new partnership with nutrition intelligence platform FoodHealth Company, becoming the first retailer to bring the color-coded, numerical nutritional score directly to products sold in-stores.
South Africa’s Pura Makes Play for U.S. with Soda, Kids Drink Launches
As the soda category reshapes itself under the influence of new better-for-you brands, South African soda and kids beverage producer Pura is seeking a slice of the pie in America.
Real Estate Developer Enters CPG With $50M Venture Fund
Real estate developer Beckett Industries is launching a $50 million venture capital fund that will target early-stage food and beverage businesses.
Distribution: HappyPop Makes National Debut in Sprouts
Mood-boosting functional beverage brand HappyPop is making its nationwide retail debut at Sprouts Farmers Market stores this month. The launch includes two new flavors, Wonder Berry and Cheery Cherry.