Hemp Brand Leaders Talk Battle Plans for 2026
Rather than signaling a death knell, the impending restrictions on hemp-derived THC drinks has spurred industry leaders to regroup, organize and take on the challenge of saving the category.
News
How to Navigate and Scale Within Independents Retailer Networks
Build in your backyard and own a territory before widespread, national expansion. These cliches are often at the core of emerging brands’ growth strategies and for good reason. But finding independent retail accounts can have its limitations and ensuring these are high visibility and high loyalty partnerships is essential.
Reviews: Unwell, Urban Remedy Shake Up Protein Bevs
Protein drinks are primed for next-gen disruption, like the ones seen in this week's reviews of Unwell's category debut and Urban Remedy's latest organic shake.
Spindrift, Gryphon Investors Unpack Acquisition Mechanics
Spindrift and its new owner, Gryphon Investors, spoke at BevNET Live about plans to turn the company into a $1 billion business.
Stateside Aims to Spark Spiked Sports Drink Trend
Stateside Brands, the company that kicked off the vodka-spiked iced tea trend, is now adding vodka to another beverage: the sports drink.
Taste Radio: Replay: Inside Poppi’s Early Playbook & The Moves That Led To A Big Exit
In this replay of a 2023 Taste Radio interview with Poppi founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth – recorded when the BFY soda brand was still firmly in disruptor mode – you’ll hear the blueprint for PepsiCo’s $1.95 billion acquisition years before it happened: a brand that tastes great, moves at the speed of culture, wins both online and in-store, and boldly reclaims the word “soda.”
As Sale Rumors Swirl, What’s Next for Olipop?
It’s logical that there’s building speculation around the next strategic move for Olipop, the brand that built the modern soda category alongside Poppi, but the path forward contains more than a few potential options.
New Jersey Hemp Bill Advances; Ohio Nixes Drink Carve-Out
With the federal ban looming, the future of hemp beverages continues to be litigated by individual states, with New Jersey and Ohio each taking different tracks to manage the explosive growth of hemp-derived THC drinks.
Laird Activates M&A-Driven Platform Strategy With Nexus Backing
Backed by a new investment partner, Laird Superfood has big plans for expansion. The Colorado-based brand is working with Nexus Capital to build a superfood platform.
BodyArmor CEO Set To Exit After Four Years
As the year ends, BodyArmor is preparing for new leadership.
Inside Agrowgate’s 2026 COGS Playbook
Buying smarter can be just as important as selling more. Strategic sourcing – selecting long-term partners for packaging, ingredients and manufacturing – sets the foundation for operational resilience.
Alcohol Alternatives: The Rise of Adaptogenic and THC Drinks – Spate Q4 2025
Alcohol Alternatives: The Rise of Adaptogenic and THC Drinks explores how functional adaptogen beverages and THC-infused drinks are emerging from different corners of wellness and cannabis culture - but converging around a shared consumer desire for controlled, purpose-driven effects.
Non-Alc Pioneer Spirited Away Acquired By Denizen Rum Founder as Category Matures
After five years in operation, Spirited Away, the first non-alcoholic bottle shop in the U.S., has a new owner.
Laird Superfood to Acquire Navitas Organics
Laird Superfood is powering up its food and beverage platform with plans to acquire all outstanding equity of Navitas LLC in an all-cash transaction valued at $38.5 million.