Jones Soda has pulled the plug on a planned merger with Vancouver-based portfolio company Simply Better Brands Corp. (SBBC), citing “current market conditions” as the reason. SBBC previously agreed to purchase Jones Soda in April for roughly $99 million through an acquisition of all issued and outstanding Jones common stock.
Venture capital firm PowerPlant Partners announced an investment in and partnership with holding company SYSTM Brands today to launch SYSTM Foods, a new platform focused on acquiring sustainable and socially conscious food and beverage brands. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Hella Cocktail Co. has raised $5 million in a Series A funding round, fully backed by premium spirits brand Uncle Nearest, the company announced today. Founded in 2012 by CEO Jomaree Pinkard, CMO Eddie Simeon, and COO Tobin Ludwing, New York-based Hella produces a variety of cocktail bitters and mixers, as well as a ready-to-drink Bitters & Soda line.
Koia is strengthening its partnership with NBA All-Star Chris Paul and apparel brand Support Black Colleges to fund historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with the launch of a limited-edition version of its Cinnamon Horchata flavor protein shake.
Colorado-based Hoplark has appointed former DRY Soda president and CMO Betsy Frost as the company’s new chief commercial officer.
Strong demand for RTD products and millennial consumer buying trends helped the global beverage alcohol market to bounce back from the previous year’s losses and grow by 12% to $1.17 million, recovering from pandemic-driven value losses of -4% in 2020.
Specialty coffee roaster BLK & Bold is taking its first step into the ready-to-drink sector with the launch of its canned cold brew coffee line, which is rolling out to Target stores nationwide this month. Founded in 2018, the Des Moines-based brand has established itself as the first nationally distributed Black-owned coffee and tea company in the U.S., selling its whole and ground beans in over 6,000 retail stores, including Target, Albertsons, Vons, Whole Foods and Shop Rite.
After revamping the brand last year with a new look and identity built around the outdoors, Pepsi is moving its plant-based protein line EVOLVE further outdoors this summer with the launch of a mission driven marketing campaign built around sustainability.
Two of the biggest names in beverage-alcohol data are joining forces. Global data giant NielsenIQ announced today it has acquired on-premise data firm CGA, in which it initially invested in 2009. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
This week, country music superstar Brad Paisley joined the podcast to discuss his foray into the spirits business as the founder of American Highway Reserve, a uniquely crafted, super-premium bourbon. Paisley explained why product positioning was determined as the brand was developed, communicating the production story to consumers, why his name isn’t on the label and his ultimate vision for the bourbon.
Minnesota-based food and beverage company SunOpta forecasts it will double its business by 2025 with focused investment in more aseptic manufacturing capacity that will service its move into the RTD nutrition category and will help grow its oat-based products division.
When The Coca-Cola Company announced last month its decision to discontinue Honest Tea by the end of the year, the brand’s founders were dismayed by what they believed was a shortsighted decision. Two weeks later, they’re brewing up a new line of better-for-you teas to take the mantle.
Advisory firm IBC announced it has partnered with Cannaverse Technologies to serve as a brand advisor for Cannaland, a metaverse project intended to act as a hub for the cannabis consumers and members of the industry; Also, what the deal is behind an AriZona-backed stablecoin and Hummii's launch in California.
In the on-premise channel, bars and restaurants have earned more than $12,000 on average from the sale of cocktails in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the 12 weeks that ended October 22, reported CGA, which focuses on on-premise retail occasions.
