Headlines

Sharks Circle, Bite on RuckPack

A few months after showcasing his line of military-inspired energy shots in New Beverage Showdown 3 at BevNET Live Summer 2012, RuckPack founder Robert Dyer pitched his brand to a panel of veteran investors and entrepreneurs on the ABC reality TV show “Shark Tank.” After Dyer's presentation, two panelists agreed to invest $150,000 in RuckPack for a 20 percent stake in the company.

Review: Celestial Seasonings Enerji Shots

Celestial Seasonings recently launched “Enerji,” a line of green tea-based energy shots. Despite a solid base of energy ingredients and a rather enjoyable trio of flavors, we do have to wonder how consumers will react to the rather classic and reserved brand that is Celestial Seasonings being mixed with something that’s trying to be modern and edgy in the “Enerji” brand.

Morgan Stanley: CSD Pricing Slows, But Remains Competitive

Despite the category’s decline amid growing trends of health and wellness, pricing of carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) slowed, but remains competitive, according to a consumer price index (CPI) report released by Morgan Stanley. Tracking beverage data for October 2012, Morgan Stanley found that CSD pricing grew by only 0.3 percent, well below September’s growth of 1.5 percent and the trailing twelve month (TTM) average of 2.7 percent.

BevNET’s Brewbound.com Expands into Southern California

Brewbound.com, the web site published by BevNET.com, Inc. and dedicated to serving the growing craft beer community, is pleased to announce its expansion into Southern California with the addition of a conference series located in San Diego, as well as a San Diego-based sales and editorial staff.

AQUAhydrate Lands National Distribution at GNC

Less than two months after its relaunch, high-alkaline water AQUAhydrate has gained new national distribution at GNC. AQUAhydrate's deal with the health and nutrition retailer comes on the heels of GNC's partnership with actor Mark Wahlberg, an investor in AQUAhydrate, and his new MARKED line of sports nutrition supplements.

Succession Plan Announced for Nestle Waters

Kim Jeffery has announced that he will be leaving the top spot at Nestle Waters North America as of Feb. 1 to become non-executive chairman. He will be succeeded by Tim Brown, President and CEO of Nestle Canada.

Showcase Your Brand at the Sampling Bar at BevNET Live Winter 12

The "Sampling Bar" is a free promotional opportunity that allows you to have samples of your product at our upcoming BevNET Live conference. It will be displayed during both days of the conference. If you are attending and would like to sample your finished product, please view the link below for more info and to sign up.

SodaStream CEO: Big Two Will Do Anything To Protect Antiquated Business Model

Trading the traditional stoicism of a chief executive for a fiery tongue, SodaStream CEO Daniel Birnbaum bashed the business models of The Coca-Cola Co., Inc. and PepsiCo, Inc. in a Wall Street Journal interview published on Tuesday. “I think it is criminal that the industry, led by two big companies, will do anything to protect their antiquated business model,” Birnbaum told the Journal.

Review: Rockstar Super Sours

Along with a new line of energy waters, Rockstar unveiled its new “Super Sours” line at the recently held 2012 NACS show. The line features two candy-inspired flavors, Bubbleberry and…

Review: Lanilai Relaxation Drink

LANILAI is a new non-carbonated, lightly sweetened relaxation drink. As with other relaxation drinks that don’t contain ingredients that are commonly used in sleep aids, we can’t tell you if this one works, but avoiding potentially controversial ingredients seems like a smart move in the long run. And while we applaud Lanilai for a flavor profile that is both soothing and relaxing, the brand could use an upgrade in its branding and packaging.

Monster Board Approves $250 Million Buy Back in Outstanding Stock

For the second time in three months, Monster Beverage’s board of directors has authorized a repurchase of up to $250 million of the company’s outstanding common stock. Monster’s board initiated the stock repurchase following weaker than expected third quarter revenues and profits. The company achieved $541.9 million in revenue for the quarter – a 14 percent jump in year over year sales – but fell well short of the $578.4 million that analysts projected.

DPSG To Pull 7UP Antioxidant Line Off the Market

Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPSG) is pulling its line of 7UP Antioxidant sodas, the company announced last Thursday, shortly after being hit with a lawsuit alleging that the drinks were misleading to consumers. However, DPSG stated that its decision was based on longstanding plan to reformulate the drinks and is not related to the lawsuit.

Last Call: Apply NOW for New Beverage Showdown 4 at BevNET Live Winter 12

BevNET Live Winter 2012 is only three weeks away, and now is the last chance for beverage companies to apply for New Beverage Showdown 4. If you operate a new beverage company (meaning your brand is less than one year old or not yet on the market), New Beverage Showdown 4 is a one of a kind opportunity to showcase your brand in front of over 500 industry professionals, including investors, suppliers, retailers, and distributors, and a chance to win $10,000 in cash/prizes.