News

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 64: The ‘Trifecta’ This Investor Looks For In Growing Brands

Megan Bent, founder and managing partner of Harbinger Ventures, spoke about why launching the investment firm was about “rethinking some of the fundamentals in how capital is invested,” why funding decisions are “probably more relational than anything else” and why she encourages “bite-sized actions” to support greater diversity in business.

Distribution Agreement Extended Between Ingredion and SweeGen

SweeGen, a nature-based sweetener company, and Ingredion Incorporated, a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries, today announced an updated agreement that extends its relationship on a non-exclusive basis for three more years, while improving the ease of doing business with customers.

Nutpods to Launch New Line of Oat-Based Creamers Online

nutpods, the dairy-free creamer company based in Bellevue, WA and currently one of the fastest-growing natural food brands in the country, is capping a banner 2019 with the announcement that they are expanding their line of creamers into a new base ingredient: oat.

Spritz Sparkling Tea Now Available

The first two flavors from a Columbus based sparkling tea startup are now officially available to consumers and wholesalers nationwide. Spritz Sparkling Tea, which announced pre-orders a few months back, launched an e-commerce platform this week, featuring both the hibiscus and green tea offerings, and local retailers will begin stocking the bubbly beverage this month.

Cusa Tea Adds New Distributor, New Herbal Tea Line

Cusa Tea, the world's first premium and organic instant tea, announced that is has broadened its global footprint via a nationwide partnership with Vitamin Shoppe, the launch of its first-ever, caffeine-free herbal tea line, and the addition of a key executive in the company’s expanding sales department.

Koia To Launch Coffee Line at Whole Foods in January

Aiming to expand its products across the refrigerated beverage set, plant-based protein drink maker Koia will launch a line of ready-to-drink coffees next month exclusively at Whole Foods stores nationwide. Koia Coffee contains 200 mg of caffeine, 5 grams of MCT oil, 9 grams of protein, zero sugar and 110 calories per 12 oz. bottle.

Pepsi Café Set for April 2020 U.S. Launch

PepsiCo today announced the April 2020 launch of Pepsi Café, a blend of Arabica coffee and original Pepsi cola that will arrive at retailers nationwide in Original and Vanilla flavors.

Refresco Adds AZPACK to Expanding North American Co-Packer Network

Refresco CEO Hans Roelofs said that the acquisition of AZPACK allows Refresco to cover a regional white space in its growing national U.S. network. Based in Tempe, Arizona, AZPACK operates out of a 240,000 sq. ft. facility with hot fill, cold fill and flash pasteurization capabilities.

Blue Pacific Flavors and McCormick Collaborate for High-Impact Powdered Flavors

A new collaboration between Blue Pacific Flavors and McCormick & Company will market non-GMO, natural flavors with FlavorCell, a technology of McCormick’s Flavor Solutions business segment, to provide high-impact, encapsulated flavor delivery in powdered beverages, confectionery and bakery products.

Kerry Releases ProDiem Refresh

Kerry is pleased to introduce ProDiem Refresh as a plant-protein ingredient for use in low-pH beverages such as waters, juices and energy drinks.

Lizzie Ward Roediger Promoted to Sunshine Beverages CEO

Lizzie Ward Roediger has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer for Sunshine Beverages, a fast-growing beverage company based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that manufactures and sells better-for-you energy drinks and sparkling energy waters.

Ocean Spray Expands Its Pure Portfolio of Unsweetened Premium Fruit Juices

Ocean Spray, the agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry farmers, has announced the addition of three new unsweetened juices to their PureFruit Juice portfolio along with redesigned packaging being distributed throughout Walmart stores across the country this month.

Reneva Now Available at Giant Eagle Supermarkets

At Reneva, our mission is to make nutritious and delicious beverages with the highest quality ingredients accessible for everyone through great taste, price point, and distribution.