Headlines

Nielsen: Non-Alc Beverage Sales “Healthy” Over Christmas Despite Volume Declines

Non-alcoholic beverage sales “remained healthy” while volume sales worsened during the two-week period ending December 30, 2023, according to the latest analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research. Dollar sales in the two-week period rose 3.4%, compared to +3.5% in the four-weeks and +8.2% in the 52-week period.

Taste Radio: Why Selling Her Company Was The Right – If Unpopular – Decision

Alix Peabody, the founder of pioneering canned wine brand Bev, chronicled the three years leading up the acquisition of her company by global wine and spirits company E & J Gallo, how she analyzed the timing and opportunity to sell, and the resulting – and surprising – fallout with confidants.

Within ‘Intimidating’ Category, American Single Malt Whiskey Brands Seek Education & Evolution

In a move that confirmed growing consumer thirst for what was once a niche spirit, last year the U.S. Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) announced that it is on the cusp of releasing an official definition of American single malt whiskey, the first new spirit category to be defined in several years. As producers await the official standard, we checked in with several leading brands about what it means and what comes next.

Taste Radio: Will Target’s ‘Dry’ Bet Pay Off? Plus, A Convo With CraftCo.

The hosts discussed the retailer’s new curated endcaps of non-alcoholic RTD cocktails and wine, and why a fast-growing hydration brand has taken a bigger-is-better approach to its packaging. We also spoke with master distiller Will Fabry about his stewardship of CraftCo’s acclaimed spirit brands.

Rainforest Distribution Acquires New England Distributor Associated Buyers

Rainforest Distribution Corp. has acquired New England natural and specialty foods distributor Associated Buyers, the companies announced this week. According to a press release, the companies will take roughly two months to transition the Associated Buyers’ network into the Rainforest system.

The Drivers Shaping RTDs, Spirits and Non-Alc in 2024

What core drivers are BevAlc experts watching in 2024? We checked in with a data analyst, consultant and major retailer buyer on their outlook, including what investors will be looking for, where there might be white space in hot categories, and how retailers are making buying decisions.

With Humm Acquisition, SYSTM Homes in on Gut Health

Yesterday, California-based CPG company SYSTM Foods announced it had acquired Humm Kombucha for an undisclosed sum. The deal now places the nearly 15-year-old brand under the command of SYSTM’s executive team, which also operates two other functional beverage acquisitions - REBBL and Chameleon Organic Coffee.

SYSTM Foods Acquires Humm Kombucha

SYSTM Foods, a joint venture between SYSTM Brands and CPG investment firm GroundForce Capital, have acquired Humm Kombucha, the companies announced today. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.