Chicago Carves Out Beverages In Hemp THC Ban
Chicago’s City Council excluded hemp beverages and CBD products from a new law banning the sale of hemp-derived THC within the city.
Headlines
IWSR: Health Drives Alcohol Replacements, Curiosity Fuels “Alcohol Adjacent” Drinks
Both direct alcohol replacements and functional “alcohol adjacent” drinks are surging in popularity, but new data suggests the two categories are growing for different reasons – and are not necessarily competing.
Spindrift Is First Beverage to Adopt Non-UPF Verified As Enrollment Opens
The Massachusetts-based brand is the first beverage maker to adopt the new certification and on-package label aimed at helping consumers identify ultra-processed foods.
Reviews: HOPWTR Doubles Down, Gorgie Bulks Up
This week's reviews feature a pair of powerful pairings: HOP WTR teams up with an iconic SoCal craft brewer for an IPA-inspired Double Hopped release, while Gorgie brings new energy (literally) into the flourishing protein category.
Spirits and RTDs Lead Early-Year Rebound as Volumes Tick Up
After a sluggish Christmas season, bev-alc showed some signs of stabilization in early January, with spirits and ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails driving modest momentum, according to analysis of NIQ data from Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
Numerator: Dry January Could Have a Longer Tail
What was once seen as a one-month reset may be evolving into something more lasting for a significant share of Dry January participants, consumer research firm Numerator found in a recent survey of 500 U.S. consumers who planned to partake in the ritual.
Distribution: Uncle Arnie’s Expands In Texas, Target Takes On Recoup
New beverage distribution gains include Uncle Arnie’s THC drinks in Specs, Wet Hydration dips into The Vitamin Shoppe and more gut health drinks for Target.
With GLP-1 & NA Innovations, Langers Juice Sees Functional Future
Backed by a $10 million investment in manufacturing tech, Langers Juice is looking to play a bigger role in the growing functional beverage boom.
Stateside Bets on High-ABV Vodka Sodas and Super Lyte Vodka + Ade to Extend RTD Growth
Vodka-based, ready-to-drink (RTD) hard tea brand Surfside has become a $2 million-a-week or more brand for Stateside in Circana-tracked off-premise channels, but the company is looking beyond its breakout RTD.
Nowadays Eyes Category ‘Longevity’ With New Regulatory Hire
Nowadays is deepening its regulatory bench with the hiring of a former Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) program manager as its first Director of Regulatory Affairs.
Vertosa Faces Legal Challenge Over Hemp THC Production Process
CCT Sciences has filed a legal complaint against California-based Vertosa, challenging its sourcing of hemp-derived THC.
People Moves: Coke Prioritizes Digital With New Executive Role
Recent beverage industry leadership changes include Coke's new digital role, executive changes among THC drinks and a new VMG partner.
Taste Radio: Spend Less, Move Slower. Why Burlap & Barrel’s Blueprint Works.
Burlap & Barrel didn’t chase scale – and that’s why it’s winning. In this episode, Ori Zohar, co-founder and co-CEO of the single-origin spice brand, explains how resisting the urge to go mass, staying profitable, and focusing on quality and relationships helped build a durable CPG brand.
With Big Sipz and Private Label, Patco Brands Readies for the Next Phase of RTD Competition
Patco Brands launched in 2012 with a margarita business and a family-run operation. More than a decade later, the company has quietly evolved into one of the largest producers in the agave wine and ready-to-drink (RTD) space, operating at a scale that rivals far larger beverage groups while maintaining the agility of an independent.