News

CircleUp Raises $14 Million for Brand Crowdfunding Platform

Equity crowdfunding platform CircleUp has raised $14 million in a new round of financing, the company announced today. The company, which attempts to enable entrepreneurs to reach qualified investors online to initiate or complete fund-raising rounds, says it has helped more than 30 companies raise over $30 million in growth capital, mostly in the consumer products space.

Expo West 2014: Nistico, McClafferty Back in the Saddle Again

Splash, which is operating as a wide-ranging turnkey sales operation, is being run by original Marley CEO Robert Nistico and Kevin McClafferty, who succeeded Nistico in that position. Also on board is Chief Marketing Officer Lee Brody, Marley’s former global director of marketing.

Video: Expo West 2014 Profile — Baagua

In the embedded video, which was filmed at Natural Products Expo West 2014, Baagua founder and CEO Dale Starnes said that the inclusion of whole-piece ingredients was “a happy accident.” It started as a practice of efficiency.

Beam Inc. Stockholders Approve Acquisition by Suntory Holdings

Beam Stockholders Entitled to Receive $83.50 per Share upon Closing of Transaction; Acquisition on Track for Completion During Week of April 28th DEERFIELD, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–At a special meeting today, stockholders…

formula O2 Launches in Rexam 16 Oz. Cans

CHICAGO – March 25, 2014 – Detox + Hydration + Energy. That is what formula O2 natural recovery drink promises. The new oxygenated beverage has hit the market in Rexam…

BevNET Announces Call for Entries to its Inaugural Craft Spirits and Mixers Guide

BevNET is now accepting submissions for its first Craft Spirits and Mixers Guide. Amid a booming market for artisanal and hand-crafted spirits, the new guide will be a key resource for retailers and distributors who are looking to meet rising consumer demand with new and innovative offerings. The guide will also be a great opportunity for service and supplier companies who work with craft distillers and mixer companies as a way to promote and showcase their products.

Chasing Coconut Water

The triumphant push of coconut water has influenced mainstream consumers to think about water in different terms and paved the way for the next tier of coconut water brands, such as Harmless Harvest and Zola. At Natural Products Expo West 2014 in Anaheim, Calif., yet another tier seemed to be taking shape. But it wasn’t coconut water; it was an amalgam of offbeat water brands. We had maple water, birch tree water and barley water. We had cactus water, olive water and even artichoke water.

7UP Partners With Music Festival Production Company

PLANO, Texas — 7UP is set to kick off the electronic music festival season by announcing today a multiyear partnership with Ultra, the world’s leading festival producer. 7UP is bringing…

SOCIAL Enjoyments, a Sparkling Sake, Launches in Chicago

CHICAGO, IL (March 2014) – SOCIAL Enjoyments, a delicious lower-calorie, organic and gluten-free alcoholic beverage, is ready to launch in Chicago this May! SOCIAL is different – it’s created by…