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Photo Gallery: New Products, Brand Updates From Expo West 2017

Natural Products Expo West 2017 concluded its three-day stand in Anaheim, Calif. on Sunday, March 12. Throughout the exhibition halls, many beverage brands utilized the show as a springboard for new product introductions and package revamps. In the following slideshow, we take a look at the numerous updates.

Kevin Klock Departs As CEO of Talking Rain

In a highly unexpected move, Kevin Klock has departed as president and CEO of Talking Rain, the maker of Sparkling Ice. Talking Rain CFO Marcus Smith has assumed Klock’s responsibilities “with full shareholder support,” according to a company statement.

Expo West 2017 Video: Key Discoveries From The Hot Products Exhibits

In this video, BevNET correspondents John Craven and Ray Latif identified several important and impactful new products from Expo West 2017's Hot Products Exhibits and discussed ways in which early-stage brands are aligning with the most significant trends in the industry.

Farmhouse Culture Announces 301 Investment & RTD Line

While Farmhouse most recently closed another round of funding in summer 2016, the brand decided to look for more capital to grow the company and increase the pace at which it scales.

Califia Farms Wades Into Organic With New Nut Milk Line; Revamps Protein Products

Natural beverage maker Califia Farms has for the first time entered the organic drink market with the launch of Homestyle Nutmilks. The drinks will debut this week at Natural Products Expo West 2017, where Califia will also introduce a restaging of its protein beverages, two additions to its Almondmilk line and a new multi-serve offering for its Pure Black cold brew coffee.

AccelFoods Announces Fund Expansion, New Investments

In an e-mail to BevNET, Jordan Gaspar, co-founder and managing partner at AccelFoods, said that the move represented an evolution of the fund to better serve the specific needs of each company and its founders.

Dairy Alternatives Brace for Battle on Capitol Hill

The Good Food Institute, which focuses on the growth of plant-based and cultured “clean” protein and dairy products and businesses, submitted last week a citizen petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which calls for the agency to allow alternative beverages to continue using the term “milk."

Spindrift Eliminates Natural Flavors, Plans to Discontinue Soda Line

In a major step intended to further its commitment toward simple ingredients and transparency, Spindrift has removed all natural flavors and essences from its sparkling waters and will discontinue its soda line. Spindrift founder and CEO Bill Creelman called the moves “belief decisions” that address growing consumer concerns about added flavors and sugar.

Brown Departs as CEO of NWNA, Moves to Chobani

Last week Tim Brown stepped down as the CEO of Nestlé Waters North America (NWNA), and today was named president and chief operating officer of Greek yogurt giant Chobani. He starts in his new position at the privately-owned company on March 20, reporting directly to Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya.

Say ‘Hola’ to Zola 2.0

Last year when KarpReilly purchased Zola, the new owners began rigorous rebranding project that became known internally as “Zola 2.0." With a new team, new packaging, and new innovation, the coconut water and acai juice company is ready to reveal the first stage of its makeover at the 2017 Natural Products Expo West.

Clearly Kombucha Launches Co-Packing Operations

The strategic initiative is intended to support a planned expansion of its production plant. The San Francisco-based company is currently working with two early-stage, non-competing brands and is looking for more, said CEO and co-founder Alison Zarrow.