News

Sproud Appoints GM For North America And Enters Whole Foods Market

Sproud, the Swedish startup behind a range of plant-based milk made from yellow split peas, continues to turn heads within the plant-based industry with today’s announcement that Bill Lange has joined the company as General Manager for North America.

Distribution Roundup: Unity Wellness Expands DSD Reach; Reed’s Debuts Resealable Format

In this week's Distribution Roundup, CBD beverage maker Unity Wellness doubles its nationwide distribution, partnering with several new DSD distributors including Legacy Distribution Group in Colorado and Lipman Brothers in Tennessee. Plus: updates from Reed's, Costa Brava Cocktails, Waterloo, BIOLYTE, Pivot Cold Brew and more.

BellRing Brands To Narrow Focus on Beverage

BellRing Brands, the holding company for Post Consumer Brands’s nutrition entities, including Premier Protein and Dymatize, reported a net sales increase of 9.6% to $282.1 million for the second fiscal quarter ending March 31, according to the company’s earnings report last week.

Bacardi Limited Donates $100,000 To Support India COVID-19 Efforts

Bacardi Limited announced a USD $100,000 contribution to Give India to help the country in its fight against the COVID-19 virus. Funding provided by Bacardi is earmarked to provide immediate assistance to local relief agencies working to mitigate the worsening impact of the coronavirus pandemic in India.

New Realm Launching Spirits-Based RTDs, Exploring NA and CBD Drinks

New Realm will launch three vodka-based, 7.5% ABV canned cocktails by the end of May: Lemon Drop, Orange Crush and Naka Cranberry. A fourth flavor — Tequila Paloma — will launch later in the summer, while gin and bourbon RTDs are also in the works.

Templeton Distillery Launches Entrepreneur’s Grant Program And 10 Year Reserve Rye Whiskey

Templeton Distillery is proud to announce the launch of the Templeton Distillery Entrepreneur’s Grant program, which will award three small businesses $10,000 each. The launch of the grant program is timed alongside the debut of Templeton’s new 10 Year Reserve Rye Whiskey, complete with a refreshed look, marking a new chapter for the brand that respects the past yet is inspired by the future. 

SUNNYD Debuts Two New Flavors and TikTok Challenge

For a limited-time only this month, the boldly original beverage brand owned by Harvest Hill Beverage Company, is debuting two new flavors suited for the season with classic Lemonade and new Raspberry Lemonade. And the fun doesn't stop there – SUNNYD has teamed up with teen music sensation, Johnny Orlando, to host its Sweetest Summer Yet TikTok Hashtag Challenge and Contest, giving fans the chance to win a private virtual concert with the singer during the SUNNY-est season of the year.

DAH! Expands Its Lassi Yogurt Smoothie Line

DAH! (dah-hee), America’s #1 award-winning India-inspired yogurt, will expand its Lassi yogurt smoothie line with three new flavor profiles showcasing brand new packaging. Joining its signature Alphonso Mango and Plain, DAH!’s new flavors include Peach with Honey, Vanilla with Cardamom, and Strawberry with Mint, all available in a 32oz bottle. DAH! is currently rolling out this expansion nationwide.

Taste Radio: Why Whole Foods Bit On — And Built Around — This ‘Wilde’ Concept

Jason Wright, the co-founder and CEO of chicken- and pork-based chip brand Wilde Brands, explained how he was able to land investment without having a finished product, why he regrets working with a co-packer, how he collaborated with retail buyers to establish a new protein-centric segment within the snack category and why the keys to winning consumers over always begins with taste.

Nielsen: CSDs Slow, Energy Surges

Non-alcoholic beverage year-over-year sales remained elevated during the period ending April 24 as the industry moved past the effect of last year’s pandemic-driven pantry loading, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

Sparkling Tequila Soda Onda Closes $5M Series A Round

Sparkling tequila soda brand Onda has closed a $5 million Series A round of funding led by Aria Growth Partners and beverage entrepreneur Clayton Christopher, the company announced last week.

DELOCE Raises $1.5M in Seed Round Led by Vice Ventures

DELOCE, a California-based maker of ready-to-drink espresso martinis, announced last week that it has closed a $1.5 million series seed round led by Vice Ventures. Founded in 2019 by CEO Sean Zoka and CMO Keaton Moody, DELOCE makes a canned Espresso Martini made with 100% cold-pressed arabica espresso beans and premium vodka.