Headlines

Honeydrop Goes Chainwide at Sprouts

Honeydrop, which produces a line of HPP cold-pressed lemonades sweetened with honey, today announced new chainwide distribution at natural retailer Sprouts Farmers Market. The beverages are now available at all 250 Sprouts locations across 13 Southern U.S. states stretching from California to Georgia.

BevNET Podcast Ep. 20: Can Nostalgia Nudge The Needle? (Or, Could Crystal Pepsi Change Your Life?)

The return of Crystal Pepsi came with a few updated graphics, but it’s clear that PepsiCo is aiming for nostalgic appeal. In this podcast, we discuss what, if any, impact retro and throwback products and packaging might have for a brand. We also examine similar attempts of reviving dated imagery and discontinued products by companies seeking a sentimental response.

People Moves: Executive Shifts at Mamma Chia

Beginning this week at Mamma Chia is Lance Dermeik, who has come aboard as the company's new vice president of operations. Dermeik joins Mamma Chia, a maker of chia-based beverages and snacks, after eight years at Hain Celestial as director of contract manufacturing where he oversaw operations on more than 40 contract manufacturers and 15 natural and organic brands.

Press Clips: PepsiCo’s Stubborn on Soda; BevCos Dot Inc. 5000

Earlier this month, PepsiCo introduced a new packaged format for its Stubborn line of craft sodas. Scott Finlow, vice president of innovation and insights for global foodservice at PepsiCo said that the company views craft beverages as an important part of the company’s future, telling Fortune that “Craft is not a fad. It is here to stay.”

Former Whole Foods Execs Join Beyond Brands Group

Errol Schweizer continues to fill out his post-Whole Foods resume, joining another pair of former executives with the chain to work with natural products veteran Eric Schnell’s new consulting conclave, Beyond Brands.

ROAR Announces Upcoming Launch of ROAR Organic

At next month’s Natural Products Expo East trade show in Baltimore, the New York-based brand will debut an organic line extension of “electrolyte infusions” targeting an older demographic and tilting toward more female consumers, the founder says.

Gourmet Guru Founder Discusses UNFI Buyout

Last week natural products distributor United Natural Foods Inc. announced the acquisition of Gourmet Guru, a natural and organic food and beverage distributor and merchandiser serving the Northeast.