Taste Radio: Fave, Phony & Fading. Brands, Deals & Trends Defining CPG.
A brilliant pitch slam, a buzzy non-alcoholic cocktail acquisition and the quiet decline of meal kits – the hosts break down where CPG is actually gaining (and losing) momentum.
Headlines
Ingredient Provider Prodalim Acquires Sugar-Reduction Co. Better Juice
Netherlands-based Prodalim has acquired Israeli food technology outfit Better Juice and its sugar reduction technology.
Retailers Add More Space For High ABV RTDs, NA Analogs, THC
Buyers at some of the largest bev-alc chains are carving out shelf space for non-alc (NA) analogs and hemp-derived THC beverages, while meeting demand for culturally-inspired and high ABV ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails.
New Products: Brain Boosts From Bulletproof & Vive; Red Bull, OLIPOP Drop Summer LTOs
This week's new products gallery features new releases from Bulletproof, Vive and Gorilla Mind that promise a mental boost, Amra's new colostrum soda, plus summer-ready releases from OLIPOP and Red Bull.
Starbucks: ‘Milestone’ FY Q2 Delivers Top and Bottom-Line Growth for First Time in Over Two Years
Starbucks’ turnaround efforts are beginning to yield results, with the coffee giant delivering both top and bottom-line growth for the first time in two years in fiscal Q2 2026.
Following Surfside Success, Stateside Targets 1.5M Super Lyte Cases This Year
Stateside's new Super Lyte vodka-infused "ade" has already depleted 120,000 cases in its first five weeks, with a target of 1.5 million cases for its inaugural year.
Vita Coco Sales Rise 37% in Q1
Retail growth, improved pricing and positive private label shipment trends led Vita Coco to a strong Q1 2026 performance, announcing this week 37% net sales growth to $180 million in its latest earnings report.
Distribution: Drink Weird, BeGOAT Plot NorCal Expansion
In distribution news, Weird Tea is entering Northern California by partnering with Donaghy Sales as Cómo No targets the Northeast with S.K.I. Beer.
CPG Funding Trends: Capital Gets More Targeted – FABID by Northhall Q1 2026 Report
The Q1 2026 funding report from Northhall paints a picture of a funding environment that is cooling, but not collapsing. Total investment in food, beverage, and CPG brands reached approximately $340M, marking a 13% decline quarter-over-quarter as deal volume also pulled back.
Marketing: Starbucks Taps Kristen Kish for At-Home Sweet Cream Launch; Plus FIJI Water, Pure Leaf
Starbucks has enlisted chef and television personality Kristen Kish to promote its newly released at-home Sweet Cream Enhancers, available in Vanilla, Brown Sugar and White Chocolate Macadamia flavors.
Adapt Pivots From CBD, Charts Future In Functional Powders
Adapt Superwater is relaunching as a CBD-free powdered hydration brand focused on recovery products for athletes.
Phony Negroni Maker St. Agrestis Acquired by The Wine Group
Launched in 2022, Phony Negroni – which includes mezcal and espresso-inspired varieties - is the top selling ready-to-serve 200mL bottled beverage in the non-alcoholic spirits segment, according to Mintel data cited in a press release.
Oatly: Growth Playbook ‘Beginning to Gain Traction’; Q1 North America Revenue +3.8%
Building on momentum from its first full year of profitable growth, Oatly says its refreshed growth playbook is “beginning to gain traction” in North America as it leans into a disciplined operational approach.
Botanical Energy: Redefining How We Energize – Brightfield April 2026 Report
Six botanical beverage subcategories just broke out at once. Tea with Adaptogens (+894%), Yerba Mate (+321%), Botanical Sodas (+273%), and Mineral Water (+170%) are pulling beverage conversation toward 'calm focus.'