In a conversation with BevNET managing editor Martin Caballero, veteran natural CPG consultant Bob Burke, principal at Natural Products Consulting LLC, offered his insights and perspectives on how brands can manage their teams, relationships and finances to both survive this trying period and to thrive at its conclusion.
As COVID-19 rapidly transforms consumer behavior, data firms are closely monitoring patterns to help predict an uncertain journey ahead. In a report last week, research firm IRI explored current consumer behavior and trends from past economic downturns, along with spending across markets.
Sol-ti, a leading manufacturer of Organic, Glass Bottled, Living Beverages, has announced that they are responding to the rapid increase in demand at this time by continuing to serve the community while keeping their employee’s health as a main priority.
Polish vodka producer, Neilson Europe, launches an organic single-estate rye vodka made from rare Dankowskie platinum rye.
At home happy hours just got an upgrade. The team at Swoon (previously operated under the name and label Be Mixed) has launched a new line of zero sugar, zero calorie cocktail mixers, that get their sweetness from monk fruit.
In a webinar hosted by Rabobank yesterday, analysts at the multinational banking and financial services company offered an overview of the macro impacts of COVID-19 on the food and beverage industry.
As many foodservice operations cease or dramatically reduce their footprint, food products originally produced and packaged for restaurants, hotels, schools and other establishments are being rerouted to retailers and wholesalers. But before feeding the surging demand in stores, they need labels that are approved for these new channels.
GreenSeed is a contract-packaging operations and consultancy firm, servicing middle and large market CPG companies in the natural foods industry. They are seamlessly bridging the gap between manufacturer and consumer with their sustainable packaging solutions. Far more than just an outsourced packaging operation, GreenSeed brings a consultative approach to their clients’ packaging experience, accompanying them on their product’s journey from concept to end user.
Beverage brand Reed’s has converted their consumer sampling truck into a delivery truck. Over the next few weeks, “The Green Machine” will be visiting local hospitals, fire stations and medical centers in the LA, Orange County and San Diego county areas to donate the extra product they were planning on bringing to Expo West (including their Wellness Shot) to medical professionals and first responders.
O2 is a non-carbonated recovery and hydration drink sold in CrossFit, yoga, and group fitness studios across the country. Thousands of these independently owned and operated gyms have been forced to shut down as a result of COVID-19, and O2 is donating 50% of online profits back to gym owners to support them in a challenging time. Those businesses and their owners now face indefinite closures and uncertainties.
Iron Smoke Distillery is launching a new website aimed at helping out-of-work bartenders affected by the Coronavirus.
Sunwink, a sparkling herbal tonic brand that is changing the way people view herbal wellness, is excited to announce the hiring of Sarena Hines as Vice President of Sales and Saveena Kohli as Head of Operations.
Hilary McCain, founder/CEO of CBD-infused sparkling water brand Sweet Reason, spoke about attempting to own a distinct message about the benefits of CBD, strategizing amid an uncertain cannabis regulatory environment and how she convinced Lerer Hippeau, an early-stage venture capital fund notable for early investments in Warby Parker and Casper, to invest in the brand.
While many established companies are bearing up under the storm thus far, small entrepreneurial brands, from early stage startups to regional players, who often have less distribution to start, are feeling the pain from retail disruptions. However, amidst lost supermarket sales or cancelled expansion plans, online is providing a possible bright spot for these brands.
