Headlines

PepsiCo Taps Brett O’Brien as New Gatorade Chief for North America

PepsiCo has named Brett O'Brien, a 12-year veteran of the company, as senior vice president and general manager of Gatorade’s North American business, according to an internal memo obtained by The Chicago Tribune. O'Brien takes the reins of the number one selling sports drink brand following the departure of Sarah Robb O'Hagan, who left PepsiCo in August.

Watch Live Now: Brewbound Session Craft Beer Conference

Brewbound.com –  BevNET.com’s website dedicated to covering the craft beer industry – is hosting the Brewbound Session Winter ’12 from San Diego. Those unable to attend the event can watch…

Durbin and Blumenthal Remain Stalemated by FDA

While Sens. Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) continue to push the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for greater regulation and oversight of the energy drink category, for now, all they’re getting is bureaucratic consideration.

Review: Next10 Energy

Next 10 Energy Shot is a new energy drink created by a neurosurgeon with the aim of offering a healthier and better performing product than what is currently on the market. While the product has a visually appealing design and a relatively enjoyable flavor, we're not sure as to what the point of differentiation is for this product.

BevNET Live: Over 30 Industry-Leading Sponsors and Exhibitors

In addition to one-of -a-kind opportunities to learn and network, BevNET Live attendees will be able to visit and learn from over 30 industry-leading sponsors and exhibitors throughout the course of the two-day event. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity for in-depth discussion with best-in-class sponsors, suppliers, and vendors at the BevNET Live Expo which will take place during the afternoon of Monday, December 3, the first day of the two-day BevNET Live event.

Corn Refiners Association: New Study Alleging HFCS-Diabetes Link Is Flawed and Misleading

Undeterred by failed efforts to rename high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as “corn sugar,” the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) has remained on the offensive to protect the integrity of the widely used ingredient. Today, the CRA released a scathing statement denouncing a forthcoming study that specifically links consumption of HFCS with Type 2 diabetes.

Review: Live Soda Kombucha

The concept behind Live Soda seems like a good one -- at least in theory: take classic soda flavors, cut the calories, and add in some live kombucha culture. While the resulting formulation does taste pretty good, it's hard to comprehend just how many people out there will want to combine something that is a health drink (kombucha) with something that is an indulgence product (soda).

HyDrive Acquisition Adds To Growing Big Red Portfolio

The makers of the most widely consumed red carbonated soft drink are adapting but not changing with the times. Big Red, the Austin, TX, based producer of CSDs among other beverages, announced Tuesday that it acquired HyDrive Energy, the Rye, NY-based company that markets 30-calorie energy drinks and a zero-calorie energy powder drink mix under the slogan “Energy Done Better.”

Chicago Alderman: Ban the Sale of Energy Drinks to People Under 21

Should energy drinks be age-restricted? A prominent elected official in Chicago thinks so. Stating that he doesn’t “want kids dying because of something that shouldn’t be in their hands,” Chicago alderman George Cardenas has proposed banning the sale of energy drinks to individuals under the age of 21, according to a recent article in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Review: Solixir

Solixir has unveiled new branding and a new citrus flavor to its line of sparkling botanical beverages. We like what Solixir has done with the redesign and simplification of its packaging which now connects nicely with the botanical ingredients in the drinks.

Big Red Acquires HyDrive Energy

Big Red, Inc. announced today that it has acquired HYDRIVE Energy, marketer of better-for-you energy drinks. The sale, orchestrated by Gary Smith (Big Red) and Mike Weinstein (HYDRIVE), will be effective immediately and adds HYDRIVE Energy drinks to the Big Red portfolio which includes, All Sport isotonic, NuGrape, Thomas Kemper, Nesbitt’s and other beverage lines.

5-Hour Energy Battles Counterfeit Operations

A few days after The New York Times revealed that 5-Hour Energy had been mentioned in U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports linking consumption of its energy shots to 13 deaths, Living Essentials, which markets and distributes 5-Hour, announced that it was dealing with another potential loss of revenue and brand reputation: counterfeiting.

Review: Zevia Lime Cola

Zevia has come a long way since its inception, with no meaningful difference in flavor between its products and those of mainstream competitors, most of which are, by comparison, not all-natural. The brand's new Lime Cola - a stevia- and erythritol-sweetened zero calorie soda - is a great example of that.