People Moves: BRĒZ Founder Transitions, Throne Adds Seasoned CMO
BRĒZ founder Aaron Nosbisch is transitioning out of the CEO role at his intoxicating hemp beverage brand to launch an AI business.
Headlines
Sazerac Enters the Ring for Brown-Forman, But Analysts Are Skeptical
Weeks after Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard confirmed they are in merger talks, Sazerac has entered the chat – but analysts are skeptical that the two whiskey giants can make a deal.
Profile: Charm Tonic Puts Gen Z Lens on “Social Wellness”
A pair of young entrepreneurs in Minnesota have launched Charm Social Tonic, an adaptogen-powered mocktail that's gone from a university class project to making its retail debut at stores and cafes around the Twin Cities this spring.
New Products: Bucked Up Innovates; Cann Boosts Buzz With Caffeine
In this week's new products gallery, a trio of hemp brands showcase their 10mg innovations, Bucked Up jumps into hydration (and lower caffeine) and Monster's female-focused FLRT debuts.
Ohio Judge Blocks Hemp Ban; Texas Hemp Group Sues State Officials
Citizens of Fremont, Ohio can still get a legal buzz after a judge in Sandusky County blocked the state’s intoxicating hemp ban within city limits. The ruling could now jeopardize the ban in the rest of the state.
SEC Sues Drake’s Organic Spirits For $2.4M In Investor Fraud
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a lawsuit against Mark D. Anderson, the founder and former CEO of shuttered Drake’s Organic Spirits, alleging he orchestrated a years-long investor fraud scheme that raised $2.4 million.
Report: Sazerac Explores Brown-Forman Deal Following Pernod Ricard Merger Talks
Sazerac is now reportedly eyeing a deal with Brown-Forman, weeks after the Jack Daniel’s maker and Pernod Ricard confirmed that they are in merger talks.
Simply Good Foods Enters ‘Reset Year’ Amid Sales Slump, Bets on Quest to Lead Recovery
The Simply Good Foods Company is seeking to reset its business after a difficult second quarter marked by declining sales, margin pressure and a sizable impairment charge, according to its second-quarter earnings report released today.
Bubly Wine Refresher Launch Shows Pepsi’s Blue Cloud Dream Isn’t Done Yet
Last year, Blue Cloud’s bev-alc crossover portfolio of Hard MTN Dew and Lipton Hard Iced Tea grew revenue 30%, as the new business model takes hold.
Distribution: Koia Brings Protein Pop to Retail with Target Launch
The clear protein line launched as a DTC and TikTok Shop exclusive earlier this year, but now is making its brick-and-mortar debut in Target, introducing a chain-exclusive flavor called Golden Whip with the expansion.
Michael B. Jordan Leaves MOSS As The Brand Restructures
Sea moss beverage brand MOSS is going through "organizational changes" that have limited the availability of the brand in retail.
514 Eagle Rock Colorado Employees Face Layoffs After Southern Glazer’s Sale, Per WARN Notice
All 514 employees at Eagle Rock Distributing Colorado's operations will be permanently laid off in June following the completion of its sale to Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS), according to an April 2 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice.
Target Expands THC Drink Opportunity In Minnesota
After a 10-store trial, Target has added over 60 new licenses to sell low-dose hemp-derived THC beverages in its home state of Minnesota.
Esspo Attacks ‘Afternoon Slump’ With Espresso Soda, Now at Whole Foods
Despite a checkered history for sparkling RTD coffee at retail, Esspo is betting that its combination of flavorful refreshment and moderate caffeine will resonate with consumers seeking something different to shake them out of the afternoon doldrums.