News

BevNET TV: A Visit with Kevin Klock of Talking Rain

In an interview filmed at Talking Rain headquarters in Preston, Wash., BevNET CEO John Craven spoke with Kevin Klock, the CEO of Talking Rain, about how the runaway success of Sparkling ICE is rooted in the company’s transition from one engrossed in beverage innovation to a more traditional beverage manufacturer focused on sales and marketing.

Jeff Popkin Appointed Vita Coco President

Vita Coco announced that as of yesterday, the former Red Bull executive has gone from VP of Sales at Vita Coco to President. He joined the company 11 months ago. It's not surprising that Vita Coco would go to a veteran to keep the trains running on time as the company's distribution network becomes both larger and more centralized via its ongoing relationship with DPSG.

New Beverage REBBL, Works with Not-For-Sale Organization to Fight Slavery

Bossa Nova co-founder Palo Hawken – the company was eventually purchased by Sunny Delight -- helped develop the soon-to-launch REBBL tea line, which seeks to provide indigenous tribes in the Peruvian rainforest with the means to create a stable business that will allow them to protect themselves from enslavement.

Avitae Lands Safeway, Office Depot

Avitae caffeinated water has landed new authorizations in Safeway's Eastern Division and nationwide at Office Depot retail locations and officedepot.com. The agreements with Safeway and Office Depot will significantly expand distribution of the brand, which promotes itself as healthy alternative to sugary and high-calorie caffeinated drinks. According to CEO Brian Pitzer, Avitae is now available in over 15,000 retailers in 30 states across the U.S.

GPI Founders Split, Focus on Building New LA Distributing Co.

The founders of entrepreneurial Southern California distribution company Gourmet Purveyors International have left the business and started LA Distributing Company, a new Los Angeles-based enterprise. By focusing primarily on LA – where the pair have developed strong ties to independent and chain accounts, they say – they hope to be able to help small brands reach critical mass.