Heineken Acquires Stake in Ellie Goulding’s Served RTDs
Heineken UK has obtained a “significant minority” stake in Served, the ready-to-drink (RTD) brand backed by singer Ellie Goulding. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Headlines
Taste Radio: The Two-Word Phrase That Helps Celsius Generate Over $1 Billion Annually
Celsius CEO John Fieldly spoke about how financial discipline is embedded in company culture, why brand-building is about “figuring out where you fit in a consumer’s life,” navigating expectations and opportunities with strategic partner Pepsico and how junior-level employees influence the company’s innovation strategy.
REBBL Rebrand Targets Mainstream; “It’s a Different Consumer”
REBBL has rebranded its packaging and launched a new website in an effort to simplify its consumer messaging to a broader, mainstream audience.
ZOA+ Pre-Workout Line Expands Into Powder
Energy drink brand ZOA has officially launched its ZOA+ Pre-Workout line in powdered format. Available in Cherry Lime, Fruit Punch and Wild Berry flavors, ZOA+ Pre-Workout powders are sold online direct-to-consumer and on Amazon for $49.99 per 25-serving tub.
Six Questions with Jose “Pepe” Hermosillo, Founder and Master Tequilero of Casa Noble Tequila
We chat with the founder of Casa Noble about why innovation has anchored his business model, what beyond organic means, and how being part of the Constellation portfolio has changed the business.
Flow Reports Record Q3 Revenue, Continues Facility Divestment Plan
As it looks to reduce cash burn and achieve profitability, alkaline water maker Flow Beverage Corp. reported record brand revenue for its flagship water line during its Q3 earnings report this week, growing consolidated net revenue 21% to CAD$10.5 million.
Spirits M&A: Illva Saronno Buys Sagamore, William Grant & Sons Adds Gin
With American whiskey on the rise, a major rye distiller was swooped up by an Italian spirits group, while veteran and new players in spirits made bets on U.K. brands finding success across the pond. We recap another busy week in spirits M&A.
This Week’s New Products: Cannabis Mocktails, Plus Mayawell, Aura Bora, Saint James
In this week’s new products roundup, Aura Bora holds on to the remaining bits of summer with its Peach Honeysuckle flavor, BLNC launches two new THC-infused mocktails ahead of Sober October and Levo makes its debut in the energy shot space.
Taste Radio: Big Deals, Big Impact? Plus, Hilton’s Top F&B Exec Tells All.
Amid a spate of high-profile investments and acquisitions, the hosts assessed Brooklyn Brewery’s alignment with Hoplark and what it means for the emerging segment of hop-centric beverages and also discussed the timing of Smuckers’ $5.6 billion purchase of Hostess Brands. This episode also features an expansive interview with Adam Crocini, the SVP and global head for food and beverage brands at Hilton.
Distribution Roundup: Nguyen, SANG Score Wins for Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee makers Nguyen Coffee Supply and Sang both increased their respective footprints in retail, Positive Beverage brings its energy variety packs to select Costco locations, Yesly makes strides in Texas and the Midwest, and Four Sigmatic finds more distribution in Albertsons.
GURU Touts 15% Q3 Growth, Chief Revenue Officer Grar Exits
GURU’s Theanine Fruit Punch flavor helped drive sales according to the Canadian energy drink company’s Q3 2023 earnings report released today, setting the stage for a U.S. launch this winter. Quarterly net revenue for the brand was up 15% year-over-year to $8.9 million, with gross profit of $4.5 million thanks to sustained strong margins, the company reported.
With Eyes On Gen Z, Planting Hope To Grow “Deep Roots” In Foodservice
The rising costs of retail have pushed The Planting Hope Company to shift its growth strategy outside of the grocery store.
Health-Ade Takes To The Airwaves With iHeartMedia
Audio media giant iHeartMedia has invested an undisclosed amount in kombucha company Health-Ade in a deal that will leverage the media company's reach with consumers and bring the gut health beverage brand to new audiences.
InvestBev Pours $1M into Ten To One Rum
Spirits-focused private equity group InvestBev has found its next partner.