Beverage Forum: Tom Holland’s New Role in Beverage
This week’s Beverage Forum event in California went deep into one area that L.A. Libations CEO Danny Stepper holds near and dear: brands’ relationships with celebrities.
News
New Products: Collabs From Happy Products and Wildwonder, Plus Olipop’s Orange Cream Relaunch
In this week’s new products roundup, Wildwonder partners with at-home manicure kit maker Le Mini Macaron on a cross-branded collaboration, Red Bull gears up for warmer weather with its latest Summer Edition, and Olipop relaunches Orange Cream as a permanent option.
Taste Radio: It’s Better For… Who? Plus, How To ‘Rethink’ Food Insecurity.
They call it “better-for-you.” But better for who, exactly? And are trendy startups solving a problem – or just selling the illusion of one? The hosts dig in. We also revisit four interviews from Taste Radio’s NYC meetup, where leaders from innovative food and beverage organizations, including Rethink Food and The Goods Mart, shared insights on mission-driven business models and scaling with purpose.
One Mother of a Rebrand: Guayakí Becomes Yerba Madre
Guayakí this morning debuted a full rebrand under a new name: Yerba Madre. According to the company, the name – which means “Mother Herb” – is intended to be both easier for consumers to remember and more representative of its diverse set of suppliers and partners across South America.
Marketing: Wildwonder, Le Mini Macaron Toast to ‘Feeling Good’
Female AAPI-founded brands Wildwonder and Le Mini Macaron are coming together for a pair of co-branded releases: a new limited-time RTD, Cherry Lemonade, and a nail lacquer kit. Plus news from 818 Tequila, Happy Products, Brew Dr. and Almave.
Beverage Investment Warmup on Tap for 2025, Investors Say
Brand-focused investors and deal advisors at the recently completed Beverage Forum conference in California this week offered a series of details that indicate that the outlook is trending positive on the investment front.
Reviews: Poppi, Recess, Lapo’s Take On Classic Flavors
There's a good reason why classics never go out of style, as proven again in this week's reviews, highlighted by updated takes on familiar favorite flavors from Poppi, Recess and Lapo's.
Oatly CEO: Company ‘On Track’ for First Year of Profitable Growth Since Going Public
Despite a “dynamic operating environment,” Oatly CEO Jean-Christophe Flatin claims the company remains on track to deliver its first full year of profitable growth since going public in 2021.
Vita Coco: Q1 Sales Come Out Swinging, But Tariffs Raise Uncertainty
The Vita Coco Company kicked off 2025 with a bang as the company touted double-digit net sales growth across all territories in its Q1 earnings report today. Net sales for the company were up 17% in the quarter to $131 million, with the U.S. growing 24% and international sales growing 36%, according to the company.
Strong Soda: Don’t Quit Launching Protein CSD This Summer
Sports nutrition brand Don’t Quit announced today the forthcoming launch of a four-SKU line of Protein Soda in July as well as the closing of a $15 million funding round led by Solyco Capital.
Coke: ‘All-Weather Strategy’ Buoys Q1 Earnings
The Coca-Cola Company reported improved operating margin and earnings per share driven by pricing actions amid a “dynamic external environment” in Q1.
Legal: Mondelez Tells Ghost Hands Off Our ‘Kids’; Ex-Celsius VP Gets 13 Months
Two Mondelez subsidiaries in Illinois are demanding Ghost stop marketing products featuring Sour Patch Kids, Chips Ahoy!, Swedish Fish, Oreo and other well-known trademarks, arguing that the energy drink brand violated a 2018 licensing agreement when it was acquired by Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) last year.
Taste Radio: A Kroger ‘King’ Maker Reveals The Keys To Getting On Shelf – And Staying There
Todd Davis, a veteran category manager with Kroger’s King Soopers and City Market banners, talks about how he identifies standout brands and his belief in founders that are shaking up traditional retail by selling with heart, disrupting with intention and truly connecting with today’s consumer.
Gorgie Nets Glamorous $24.5M Round, Target Rollout Up Next
Working to go from TikTok and DTC to IRL brick-and-mortar, better-for-you energy drink brand Gorgie announced today that it has closed a $24.5 million funding round led by Notable Capital. According to the company, the new capital brings Gorgie’s lifetime funding to $37 million since its launch in 2023.