Headlines

We’re pleased to announce that BevNET Live Summer ’13, the ninth consecutive sold-out BevNET Live conference, will feature the return of a free video stream of the event. Broadcast live from New York City, the video stream will cover every presentation and panel from the show, which will take place at the Metropolitan Pavilion on June 4 and 5.

When it comes to protecting the public from the dangers of energy drinks, Monster Beverage Corp. is like the rooster guarding the hen house. That’s the opinion of Kevin Goldberg, an attorney with Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester, and one half of the legal team representing the family of Anais Fournier, a 14 year-old girl whose death in 2011 is blamed on her consumption of two Monster Energy drinks.

When Eric Schnell and Debbie Wildrick agreed to present at BevNET’s Beverage School conference in April, little did they know the event would become a sort of first date for a merger. Since that time, Metabrand has agreed to acquire Growing Innovative Brands and make Wildrick the centerpiece of a new advisory department focusing on snacks and beverages.

It’s a given that most beverage entrepreneurs are constrained by limited financial resources, and when it comes to spending a sizable amount of money to establish proof of concept, it’s imperative to look before leaping. So what’s the best way to create the foundation for a successful product launch without breaking the bank? Start small. That’s the advice of Bob Burke, the founder of Natural Products Consulting, and a longtime advisor for beverage industry start-ups.

Leonard Marsh, a co-founder and former president and CEO of Snapple, died on Tuesday. He was 80, and the last of the Snapple founders to pass away.

In a move that is certain to raise some eyebrows, John Cochran has departed as CEO of AQUAhydrate and taken the top spot at fast-growing Ole Smoky Distillery. Although it is unclear if the split was a mutual decision, the timing of Cochran's exit is somewhat perplexing, particularly after several recent high-profile distribution wins for AQUAhydrate.

With fast-rising competitors marketing their bottles as an embodiment of sleekness and modernity, Evian felt the need for a change.

The folks at Harmless Harvest just can’t seem to shake the innovation bug. Having launched the first 100 percent “raw” and organic coconut water two years ago and recently unveiled a unique cold brewed drink made with raw tea leaves, the company has introduced a new bag-in-box coconut water dispenser. The dispenser was jointly developed with Whole Foods Market, a key strategic retail partner for Harmless Harvest.

In the midst of dramatic leaps in the distribution of its organic energy drinks, Hiball is set to launch a first of its kind energy-infused organic coconut water -- with a chocolate-flavored variety not far behind.

Almonds, monsters and juice… oh my! Whitewave Foods touts the incredible growth of its almond-based products. Monster decides to keep Ultra Pink on the shelf... for now. Suja gets innovative on quality control and charity.

The past two years have brought on tremendous change in the beverage industry, and products and systems of going to market that may once have been considered on the fringe will be have great influence over the future of the entire business.