News

NACS 2017: Major Players Move to Address Trends in RTD Beverage

As the dominant players in c-store coolers nationwide, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Monster Energy and other major corporations showed a range of new products and line innovations aimed at taking -- or at least holding -- a larger share of the market. As they do, they are taking different approaches to various opportunities and challenges currently roiling the marketplace, including concerns over sugar content, the development of a broader dairy set, and offering natural and “clean” energy products.

NACS 2017 Video: Muscle Milk Builds Out C-Store Protein Set

In a video interview recorded last week at the NACS 2017 show in Chicago, Lisa Selk, president and CEO of CytoSport, discussed the development of the brand’s recently debuted plant-based protein line, Evolve, and how it fits into the company’s overall C-store strategy. She also explained how Cytosport is diversifying the Muscle Milk portfolio with food and beverage products that fit different use occasions and broaden the brand’s appeal beyond simply supporting athletic performance.

NACS 2017: How the Trump Presidency Affects Convenience

While regulations and bills surrounding immigration, foreign policy and healthcare have been top of mind when discussing Donald Trump’s first year as president, many administration initiatives are having major implications across the food industry -- and those ripples are being felt from the USDA all the way to convenience stores.

NACS 2017: Glanbia Targets C-Stores with New RTD Offerings

Glanbia Performance Nutrition, a subsidiary of Ireland-based ingredient supplier Glanbia, PLC, is seeking to energize its CPG business with several new lines of ready-to-drink performance beverages and protein snacks, set to launch under a variety of brand names in the coming months.

NACS 2017 Video: Kobe Bryant, Michael Fedele Discuss BodyArmor’s Marketing Moves

BodyArmor brought out the big guns at NACS 2017 as investor Kobe Bryant and co-founder/chairman Mike Repole took center stage at the company’s booth on day one of the event, held last week at McCormick Place in Chicago. In an interview recorded at the booth, Bryant discussed his dual roles as an endorser and advisor in the company and how each have evolved since his initial investment in BodyArmor in 2014.

Coke Reports “Solid” Q3 Net Revenues of $9 Billion

During a conference call with investors today, The Coca-Cola Company reported net revenues of $9.08 billion for Q3, surpassing analysts’ projections of $8.72 billion. The company also noted that organic growth was up by 4 percent.

Cascadia Managing Brands Brings On Coke and Pepsi Vet

Beverage industry veteran Robert Muscari has joined Cascadia Managing Brands and will be managing the New England territory for Cascadia’s beverage and snack portfolio. Mr. Muscari has over 30 years of experience with stints at Coca-Cola, Pepsi Cola, A & W Root Beer and Tropicana.

NACS 2017: C-Stores Primed for Premiumization

Even in an era of craft beverages and high demand for natural products, convenience stores remain a stalwart channel for grab-and-go simplicity. And while sugary sodas and 99-cent iced teas still dominate c-store coolers, premium brands are beginning to make inroads. With the presence of several such companies at NACS 2017, brands that made their name in the natural channel now have the corner shop in their targets.

Guest Column: The Journey from Product to Brand

James Richardson, Ph.D., is a strategy consultant for emerging food and beverage brands with a professional background in strategy consulting, market research and social science. In this guest column, he shares his insight on how food and beverage entrepreneurs can effectively nurture products into fully developed brands that consumers love.

Vistaar Adds Dan Ferguson as Vice President of Beverage Alcohol Solutions

In his new role, Ferguson will work closely with Vistaar’s growing list of customers to drive value delivery from their pricing initiatives. Ferguson will also help shape the roadmap for Vistaar’s beverage alcohol product line to ensure the offerings remain cutting-edge and deliver thought-leadership in a rapidly changing industry.

District Distilling Co. Offers Bottle-Your-Own Spirit Program

Handmade gifts reign supreme during the holiday season, secondary only to spirits. This holiday season, Washington, DC’s District Distilling Co. introduces a handmade gift loved ones will actually want with a new Bottle-Your-Own-Spirit program with personalized labels.