Kroger/Albertsons vs The FTC: What Happens Next?
As speculated last week, the next challenge for the proposed $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons is coming from the federal government.
Headlines
Can Sacred Energy Take Yaupon Mainstream?
Sacred Energy was founded this year by Paul Frantellizzi, a CPG entrepreneur specializing in natural health and wellness foods and supplements, along with his wife and chief brand officer Pamela Peters and business partner Billy Brown, the owner of yerba mate products maker Sol Mate Beverage Group.
Spirits: Export Data Shows Scotch, French Spirits Down; Mezcal Decelerates
Exports of several global spirits slumped in 2023, what does new data say about headwinds facing rising spirits like Scotch whiskey and mezcal?
Taste Radio: ‘Shrooms, Magic & Otherwise, Are On The Rise. Plus, What’s BarTrending?
Mushrooms are having more than a moment. But how far can fungi go? The hosts discuss the potential for “magic” and functional forms of the trendy ingredient. We also speak with Amy Racine, the beverage director for JF Restaurants, about the evolution of on-premise drinking culture.
New Products: G Fuel’s Excellent Adventure With Bill & Ted, Plus Spindrift, Coca-Cola, and More
In this week’s new products roundup, G Fuel goes on an excellent adventure with Bill and Ted, Spindrift reimagines two familiar classics and Mooala introduces a new on-the-go format for its Bananamilks.
United Sodas of America Elects a New President
Election years are marked by major changes in leadership. But while the U.S.A. has until this November to decide their next representatives, United Sodas of America has already elected its new president.
Diageo Sails Captain Morgan into Uncharted Waters with FMB Launch
Captain Morgan has released a new ready-to-drink cocktail, but don’t expect it to contain rum. For the first time, Diageo has extended its flagship rum brand into the flavored malt beverage category with a new cocktail-inspired product, Captain Morgan Sliced.
KDP: Growth in Beverage Offsets ‘Short Term’ Pressures in Coffee
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) today posted a 1.7% rise in net sales to $3.9 billion in Q4, driven by segment growth in U.S. refreshment beverages and international markets that was offset by a continued decline in U.S. coffee sales.
Just Ice Tea Looks to Cans for New Channel Opportunities
The Just Ice Tea express rolled through BevNET HQ yesterday, with CEO Seth Goldman and Cyndi Ireland, Sales Director and Head of Sales for Conventional & Mass Channels in the engine car to talk through developments with the brand.
Distribution: Jones Soda Makes the Play for Foodservice
Seattle-based craft soda producer Jones Soda Co. has created a new internal foodservice division to focus on growing the brand in on-premise accounts; Also, Tulua grows in Whole Foods, Backyard Tea Makers partners with Momentum, Betty Buzz heads to Canada and more.
Bernstein: Is US Alcohol Consumption Decline a Temporary Blip or Long Term-Trend?
Analysts at Bernstein have answered the No. 1 question they were asked last year: What is happening to U.S. alcohol consumption and what does it mean for the future of the sector?
Casa Azul Appoints Former Gallo Exec Dennis Carr as CEO
Casa Azul, the tequila company from the beverage innovators behind non-alc brands Fuze, NOS, BodyArmor and Core, announced today it has appointed Dennis Carr as its new CEO.
Data: Non-Alc Beverage Volumes Rebound in Early February
Non-alcoholic beverage sales were “healthy and accelerated” as volume sales rebounded in the two-week period ending February 10, according to the latest analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
Iowa’s Big Grove Acquires Majority Stake in Cannabis-Infused Sparkling Water Brand Climbing Kites
Big Grove Brewery has acquired a majority stake in Climbing Kites, an Iowa-based maker of Delta 9 THC- and CBD-infused, non-alcoholic sparkling water.