In this clip from the BevNET/NOSH Cannabis Forum in Santa Monica, Calif. in December 2018, Michael Lewis, CEO of Sprig, which produces both THC and CBD infused sodas, shared lessons and learnings from his career in cannabis.
According to market research group Euromonitor, which released its five-year growth forecast for U.S. soft drinks on Monday, unsweetened flavored waters, sparkling waters and plant-based hydration drinks have reached a mature growth phase which is set to bring a host of opportunities -- and challenges -- in the years ahead.
Last month, Sipp announced a comprehensive rebrand, including a packaging redesign of its slim cans and a reformulation to cut calories and sugar in half. The announcement comes as Sipp rolls out its organic sparkling water line Sipp Infusions.
L.A. Libations marked ten years in business in 2018, a decade that has taken the Coke-affiliated beverage accelerator down different paths and directions with a wide variety of products and entrepreneurs. In this clip from BevNET Live Winter 2018, co-founders Pat Bolden, Danny Stepper and Dino Sarti reflected on the journey thus far and shared some of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Steve Grasse discussed the roots of his career in branding and design and how he built Sailor Jerry Rum and Hendrick’s from concepts into best-selling brands. He also explained why he views his creative agency, Quaker City Mercantile, as a “spirits company that does corporate gigs to pay for experimentation," how it helped revitalize Guinness beer and why he identifies as a “filmmaker that makes booze.”
All three major beverage manufacturers enjoyed individual sales increases during the four-week period ending on Dec. 29, with all-channel dollar sales up 5.8 percent, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Wells Fargo Securities.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is enjoying its moment as one of the hottest ingredients in the food and beverage industry. But even as regulations on hemp production have been lifted and more states adopt pro-cannabis stances, consumer education remains a key concern for the nascent CBD market.
In this clip from BevNET Live Winter 2018, Spindrift founder and CEO Bill Creelman joined BevNET editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman for a discussion of the company’s journey so far and the key decisions that put it in a position to thrive. Reflecting on Spindrift’s early days, Creelman talked about the importance of developing the brand in the food service channel during its first four years, his decision to “leave the conversation and stand for something different” with regards to using natural flavors, and why brands in fast moving categories need to be committed to continually measuring performance or risk being left behind.
Cognitive function brand BrainJuice saw its retail footprint rise from 150 to nearly 4,000 stores last year, adding Whole Foods Market and more than 1,000 GNC stores this month; Coca-Cola names Boxed exclusive retailer for Smartwater alkaline and antioxidant lines.
Larry Kahn, a partner and managing director with private equity firm Beechwood Capital, spoke about the courtship process between brands and potential capital partners, what entrepreneurs should and shouldn’t say in a funding pitch and why investors loathe surprises. Also: a review of recent beverage investment and acquisition deals involving Tio Gazpacho, Revive Kombucha and Dirty Lemon.
Feeling the pain of a declining sales amidst a dairy backlash, kefir maker Lifeway Foods is preparing a new internal restructuring project that brings a mix of tried and true strategies and new unventured grounds for the 33 year old brand.
As the temperatures outside continue to drop, you'll need something to sip on during the cold months indoors. In this gallery, we highlight a selection of notable new releases for the season, including new premium tequilas and the next expression in Macallan's Fine & Rare series.
As Fiji receives free media play via musicians and late night television skits, its owner The Wonderful Company continues to put in the legwork to maintain its vitality. In this clip from BevNET Live, Fiji president Elizabeth Stephenson walks through how Wonderful is keeping a mature brand like Fiji at the top of the conversation.
Laith Alkhawaja, the Founder and President of MediDate Coffee, is bringing the benefits of roasted date seeds to consumers. Much like traditional coffee, the unique beverage is made by roasting, grinding and brewing date seeds.
