Following a report on Wednesday that Talking Rain and its former CEO, Kevin Klock, had been named in a lawsuit alleging that Klock had sexually harassed an employee in March, and that the company had retaliated against her even after Klock had left the company, COO Chris Hall told BevNET there was no culture problem at the sparkling water company during a brief talk at the just-concluded National Association of Convenience Stores show this week in Chicago.

While some retailers are scaling back on stocking local brands, Kroger is going full force in the opposite direction, looking to up-and-coming, natural innovators for inspiration.

Since founding Argo Tea in Chicago in 2003, Avakian has seen his business model for natural, premium-priced beverages go from niche to mainstream. Having entered the beverage space promising a drink with a “transparent” supply chain, Avakian hedged his bets that American consumers would eventually recognize better-for-you was in fact better.

A former employee of sparkling water company Talking Rain is suing the company and its former president and chief executive officer, Kevin Klock, alleging sexual harassment, disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, violations of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and retaliation. The complaint was filed on Oct. 10 in the King County Superior Court, in Seattle, Washington.

Ganeden president Michael Bush explained to NOSH why he decided to trust his gut with his decision to sell the leading probiotic company to Irish global nutrition and food conglomerate, Kerry.

Cold pressed juicery Juice Press is seeking to expand its grab-and-go business to travelers from around the world via a partnership with airport retailer OTG that will put some of the company’s ready-to-drink and energy bar products in three major New York City area airports.

Forto today announced the launch of two new reduced caffeine SKUs to its line of organic cold brew coffee shots: Pure Black Espresso and Hershey’s Chocolate, a co-branded release developed in partnership with The Hershey Company. The new flavors, which contain 100mg of caffeine in each 2 oz. serving, will be showcased for the first time on the NACS show floor ahead of a planned roll out on November 1.

Alive will be available in three varieties, each featuring a blend of adaptogenic mushrooms and apple cider vinegar paired with a different tea: Mate Mint, Guayusa Turmeric and Pu-erh Root. Each will be packaged in a 16 oz. glass bottles and contain 30 calories and 7g of sugar.

Barely two months after going into effect, the finance committee of the Cook County, Ill. Board of Commissioners today voted 15-1 to repeal its controversial tax one-penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, known as the Sweetened Beverage Tax Ordinance. The repeal will now go to a full board vote on Wednesday, where it is expected to receive final approval.

Fitness recovery drink Kill Cliff today announced the launch of Kill Cliff Endure, a two-SKU subline aimed at supporting hydration and performance during exercise. The line will be available exclusively at the brand’s fitness account partners for its initial rollout.

At Supply Side West 2017, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from Sept. 26 - 28, BevNET spoke to several companies working in the space about the state of the market for pea protein, what’s driving new innovation on a supplier level, and both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

The branded line of sparkling, erythritol-sweetened “vitamin drinks” in 12 oz. cans will launch with in-store displays and social media backing from Star Wars trademark holder The Walt Disney Company, following a successful debut in Europe last year.