CBD-infused snack and beverage maker Weller has raised $3 million in a funding round led by Brand Foundry Ventures, the company announced Friday. As part of the raise, Brand Foundry founder and general partner Andrew Mitchell will gain a seat on Weller’s board of directors.
When it comes to challenges in legal cannabis, regulatory hurdles are only one issue facing young THC and CBD brands. New entrants to the category must also contend with product quality and efficacy, reliable sourcing, and establishing strong business connections within the CPG industry.
This week’s episode features interviews with the founders of three innovative brands and focuses on how each landed placement in their dream retailers. Jesse Wolfe, the founder of O’Dang Hummus, Kuli Kuli founder/CEO Lisa Curtis, and Tyler Noyes, the co-founder of Kalahari Biltong, discussed their respective paths into popular chains, including Publix, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Wegmans, and revealed key steps along the way.
Bolstered by warm weather, a good economy and the Fourth of July holiday, convenience retailers enjoyed a strong start to the summer season as overall total beverage sales increased 4.8% in the second quarter, according to the latest “Beverage Buzz” survey of c-store retailers by Wells Fargo Securities.
You can order a personalized license plate with just a few clicks online, so why can’t you personalize your nutrition needs? That’s the question Hippeas creator Livio Bisterzo and Dan Obegi, former chief digital officer of GNC and CEO of dermstore.com, both wondered.
![Report: Health-Ade Lands $20M Coke Equity Investment [Updated]](https://dg6qn11ynnp6a.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/28122209/HealthAde_newflavors_970-150x150.jpg)
Kombucha maker Health-Ade has secured a $20 million equity investment from The Coca-Cola Company, according to a report from Mergermarket citing two sources familiar with the matter.
A California judge denied a motion on June 28 to dismiss a class action lawsuit against Keurig Green Mountain (now Keurig Dr Pepper) claiming its single-serve plastic coffee pods were mislabeled as “recyclable.”
Rachael Young is the founder and CEO of YAYAYA, a beverage company focused on crafting feel-good functional energy drinks made with yaupon and infused with herbs. Described as a tea-like plant, Yaupon is high in caffeine and theobromine, a nootropic identified as a mood booster.
In this presentation recorded on June 14, 2019 at Cannabis Forum Summer 2019 in New York City, New Frontier Data chief knowledge officer John Kagia breaks down the “five forces” currently disrupting the global cannabis marketplace, including expanded legal access, therapeutic efficacy, product innovation, convenience, and growing social acceptance.
As part of our interview, Jelly Belly president/CEO Lisa Rowland Brasher discussed how the company’s focus on creating unique experiences for its consumers has contributed to its evolution into an iconic candy brand. She also discussed how “better for you” and functional varieties fit into the portfolio and recounted how one disastrous flavor that never made it to market turned out to be quite useful down the line. This episode is presented by Flavorman, the beverage architects.
SOUND Names New Sales Team Hires; SodaStream CEO Resigns; Rise Brewing Co. Announces New Director of Sales; Caliva Plots New Cannabis Growth Blueprint with Jay-Z
As the sparkling water category experiences all time highs, LaCroix -- the brand that helped ignite the trend -- should have a lot to celebrate right now. Instead, the 38 year-old brand is struggling to maintain dominance in a marketplace that is rapidly moving past it.
Jones Soda came closer to producing a line of CBD-infused drinks yesterday as Hemp and CBD portfolio company HeavenlyRx Ltd., a subsidiary of SOL Global Investments, announced yesterday it has acquired a 25% stake in the Seattle-based beverage maker.
Rick’s Picks founder/CEO Rick Field discussed the origins of his premium pickle brand and how he identified white space in a legacy category. He also explained why he describes his company’s journey as “champagne on a beer budget,” the dangers of hitting an entrepreneurial plateau and how innovation has spurred a renewed interest in his brand.
