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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.

In a nod of thanks to U.S. military service members and veterans, Red Bull will launch limited-edition camouflage-colored cans to be distributed beginning on Memorial Day and continue to be offered until Labor Day. The 16 oz. cans, which will come in original, Sugar-Free and Total Zero varieties, will be available for sale through military channels and retailers immediately surrounding bases.

Much-maligned in his former job as the CEO of FRS, Carl Sweat has been welcomed with open arms at kids’ beverage outfit In Zone Brands, which recently hired Sweat as its Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer. At In Zone, which markets TummyTickler and Bellywashers beverage brands, Sweat is expected to extend the company’s foray into health and wellness drinks.

Four years after the launch Coca-Cola’s Freestyle, an innovative soda fountain dispenser that allows consumers to create customized drinks, PepsiCo will begin testing “Touch Tower,” a new machine that gives people the ability to add a variety of flavors to a range of its soda brands, according to the Associated Press. News of the test launch was first reported by industry publication Beverage Digest.

MarketsandMarkets, a market research and consulting firm, projects that by 2018, the global market for sugar substitutes will be worth $13.8 billion. Based on increasing awareness, consumption and demand for low-calorie sweeteners including stevia, sorbitol, tagatose, aspartame, sucralose and xylitol, MarketsandMarkets expects the sugar substitute market to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5 percent over the next five years.