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On Tuesday, a federal judge dismissed a proposed class-action lawsuit filed against FRS and its former endorser Lance Armstrong which claimed that the company deceptively marketed its products by linking them to the success of the disgraced cyclist.

With the company now firmly in control of co-founder Anders Eisner, Activate is in the midst of a refocused sales and marketing strategy that will place greater attention and emphasis on the Southern California market. As a result, Activate recently reduced its East Coast staff to a single employee, but stressed that it will continue to support distribution and retail commitments in region.

Making a major push into the Midwest, Starbucks today announced that its Evolution Fresh cold-pressed juices are now available in the company’s Chicago area cafes. Until now, the brand’s presence in Chicago was limited to Whole Foods stores and other natural grocers in the region. Now with placement in more than 360 Starbucks stores in and around the Windy City, the company is aiming for greater awareness and trial of Evolution Fresh juices.

Long overseeing the transactions of sugar, cocoa and coffee, among other widely-transported ingredients, Fair Trade USA announced last week that it has launched a coconut certification.

When we hear about a new energy drink company with plans to snag market share from Red Bull and Monster, we’re often skeptical. With the category at such a mature state and the two linchpins not going anywhere, most new energy drinks don’t have much of a future beyond niche markets. However, when the energy drink in question is devised by L.A. Libations, the beverage incubator that has helped carry brands such as ZICO and illy issimo to prominence, we take a closer look.

As reported today, investment firm Trian Partners released a white paper and letter to the PepsiCo board, reiterating its belief that PepsiCo should split its beverage and snack businesses into two independent public companies. Trian believes that the restructure would sustain growth and benefit the company and its shareholders. Shortly after the story’s publication, PepsiCo e-mailed BevNET with a response.

Trian remains adamant in its belief that PepsiCo should split its snacks and beverages into two independent public companies. PepsiCo, which has been steadfast in its “Power of One” platform, hasn’t budged. The company believes that the strategy allows for “full coordination across the food and beverage operating systems, while also unlocking opportunities to create value across the business.”

For many Americans, GMOs are like monsters under the bed. They don’t exactly know what GMOs are, but they’re worried about them. This sentiment has already influenced shopping habits, according to a recent write-up on hartbeat, the newsletter of The Hartman Group (HG), a consumer research firm.

Under new management and featuring a reformulated line-up and updated packaging, mix1 is set to make its return to the market. The company today announced that it will debut its new look at the upcoming Natural Products Expo West show, which will take place next month in Anaheim, Calif.

About a month after Michael F. Jacobson, the executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), penned a polemic for The Huffington Post, his group is back at it, questioning former Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan for her endorsement of Coca-Cola and membership of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.