Distribution: VALR Gets Midwestern, Odyssey Lands In Airport Channel
In recent distribution news, energy drink makers are capitalizing on demand in convenience, conventional grocery and airport channels.
Headlines
Report: Luckin Coffee Interested in Potential Blue Bottle Acquisition From Nestlé
Rising Chinese coffee giant Luckin Coffee is reportedly interested in a potential acquisition of Blue Bottle Coffee, according to a report in Bloomberg this week.
Nutrabolt Names Jason Cantelli as Chief Commercial Officer
Nutrabolt, the parent company of C4 Energy and Bloom, has named Jason Cantelli as Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing strategy including the company’s DSD performance and key account relationships.
Kowa Builds U.S. Beverage Lineup with Shohei Ohtani
The family-owned Japanese company has been in operation for over a century, yet its goal to become a major player in U.S. beverages is only beginning.
Reviews: Wizzie’s, Uncle Arnie’s Share New Takes on Tea
This week's review roundup sees two very different takes on teas: freshly brewed (Wizzie's) and freshly buzzed (Uncle Arnie's).
What’s Next for Adult Non-Alc: Bigger Flavors, Tougher Retail, Broader Occasions
The next evolution in adult non-alc (ANA) will require brands to find new occasions, invest in retail strategy, and create forward-thinking flavor profiles.
How To Lean Into Success Without Sacrificing An Insurgent Mindset
At BevNET Live Winter, three brand founders and previous New Beverage Showdown champions discussed strategizing for the next stage of growth.
PepsiCo, Walmart Face Class Action After Unsealing of Dismissed FTC Suit
PepsiCo and Walmart are facing a new proposed consumer antitrust class action this week, following the unsealing of a dismissed Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit against the company that alleged Pepsi gave Walmart exclusive discounts.
PepsiCo Restructures North America Leadership Team
PepsiCo’s leadership structure is getting a year-end refresh with a string of organizational changes announced Wednesday morning. PepsiCo North America CEO Steven Williams has been appointed EVP and Vice Chairman, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Corporate Affairs.
Mark Anthony Brands Reshapes C-Suite With New CEO
Mark Anthony Brands founder and chairman Anthony von Mandl will step down as CEO and has appointed vice chairman Phil Rosse to succeed him, according to a memo shared with distributors.
BevNET Announces 2025 Spirits Award Winners
We are proud to present the winners of BevNET’s 2025 Best Spirits Awards, a group that is reshaping and reimagining consumers’ experiences with alcohol and its zero-proof alternatives with thoughtfulness, vision and creativity.
Lion Beverage Raises $150M Round Ahead of 2026 Expansion
Penn.-based contract manufacturer Lion Beverages, LLC has closed a $150 million investment as it prepares to expand capacity in the new year. The round was led by Apogem Capital and included additional funding by J.P. Morgan Asset Management, RCP Advisors and Montana Capital Partners.
Alix Earle Joins Gorgie As Strategic Partner
Female-focused energy drink Gorgie welcomed influencer and "Dancing With the Stars" runner-up Alix Earle as a strategic investor today, bringing her 10 million-plus social media followers along.
How Health-Ade’s ‘Surgical’ Strategic Approach Led it to an Exit
At BevNET Live Winter 2025, former CEO Chris Lansing shared the stage with Health-Ade investors and board members Steve Young of Manna Tree Partners and Bob Nakasone of First Bev to deconstruct the strategic moves they made to get Health-Ade sale-ready and why their trust in one another was paramount in their plans’ success.