Headlines

Beverage or Supplement? FDA Issues Industry Guidance

In its “Guidance for Industry: Distinguishing Liquid Dietary Supplements from Beverages” the FDA updated its 2009 draft guidance, explaining its current thinking on the topic as a way “to help dietary supplement and beverage manufacturers and distributors determine whether a product in liquid form is properly classified as a dietary supplement or as a beverage.”

PepsiCo Renames, Tests Premium Water

Qua had originally been named Om, however, consumer testing led to the name change. It was tested Sunday at the Golden Globes, where the water was handed out at the red carpet and placed on tables at the show in hopes of reaching target influencers.

U.S. Supreme Court Takes POM Wonderful v. Coca-Cola Case

POM Wonderful, which markets a popular line of pomegranate juice products, initially filed a lawsuit against Coke in July 2010 for what it deems as misleading labeling and advertising with Minute Maid’s pomegranate and blueberry flavored juice blend.

Video: A Behind-The-Scenes Look at Evolution Fresh’s New $70 Million Juicery & Interview with Founder Jimmy Rosenberg

In recent interview filmed on location at the company’s vast headquarters and juicery in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., founder and "Chief Juice Officer" Jimmy Rosenberg sat down with BevNET CEO John Craven for a wide-ranging interview in which Rosenberg offers his views on the rapid emergence of the cold-pressed juice category -- and its impact on the overall juice market -- as well as his long term vision for Evolution Fresh.

Stumptown Gives Dairy Aisle Cold Brew Boost

Released this past New Year’s Eve, “Cold Brew Coffee with Milk” further entrenches Stumptown in the ready-to-drink coffee category, while giving it a surprising new push into the dairy aisle.

Activate Co-Founder Now Sole Owner; Brand Looks to Natural Channel for Growth in 2014

Three weeks after BevNET reported on the Tata Group’s decision to cease all new investment in Activate, co-founder Anders Eisner confirmed that he has acquired all financial interest in the brand from Tata as well as that of Tornante Co., the investment firm owned by his father, former Disney chief Michael Eisner. The deals were completed on Jan. 1, and while Eisner declined to share terms of the deals, he stated that he is now the sole owner of the company.

Video: Mamma Chia CEO – Mainstream Has Been “Phenomenal” for Us

In a recent interview, Mamma Chia CEO Janie Hoffman explained that sales of of its chia-infused drinks have “doubled, if not tripled, with going into mainstream,” in large part due to rapidly growing awareness of chia -- and its nutritional content -- among mainstream consumers, and noted that the rapid and positive trajectory of the brand has given it the ability to innovate and take a leadership position in the world of chia.

Project Juice Sells Stake to First Beverage Ventures

Taking a gamble that the future of beverage – specifically, juice -- is going to include snatching meal occasions from quick-serve restaurants and soda companies alike, First Beverage Ventures has invested in Project Juice, a combination storefront and packaged fresh juice operation from the San Francisco Bay area.

Mintel: Majority of Energy Drink Consumers Concerned About Safety of the Products

Fueled by increased scrutiny and criticism about the energy drink category, nearly six in 10 Americans who are current consumers of the products say that they are concerned about potential health risks associated with the highly-caffeinated beverages, according to a new report from Mintel, a global research firm.

Press Clips: Searching for the Next Sweetener; Mexico’s Soda Tax Influence; Advice From a Pro

As more consumers begin to seek beverages with sugar substitutes, scientists aim to solve the massive puzzle of sweeteners. What’s all-natural (whatever that means), calorie-free and tastes, you know, good? In an article for The New York Times that has the meat of War and Peace, Slate.com columnist Daniel Engber writes about the widespread, ongoing journey toward an answer that may or may not exist.

Nielsen Numbers: CSD Sales Decline Slows, But Category Remains Under Pressure

A new Wells Fargo Securities report covering Nielsen xAOC (expanded all outlets combined) sales data over a four-week period ending on Dec. 21 indicated that sales of carbonated soft drinks saw a minor decline in sales growth as compared to the same timeframe in the previous year, but that the category is still facing a difficult road ahead as consumers continue to shift to other beverage categories.