Headlines

Molson Coors Takes Minority Stake in ZenWTR

Molson Coors Beverage Company has taken a minority stake in ZenWTR, the sustainably packaged bottled water brand launched earlier this year by serial entrepreneur Lance Collins, the company announced today. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

WTRMLN WTR Announces Sale to Caribé Juice

The Denver, Colo.-based brand of cold pressed watermelon juice blends has been acquired by Caribé Juice, the company announced today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 98: He ‘Won’ On LinkedIn. And It’s Paying Dividends.

Mark Samuel, founder & CEO of protein-centric snack company IWON Organics, spoke what he defines as the brand’s “why,” the most effective ways to engage with his audience of 20,000-plus followers on LinkedIn, how he incorporates both confidence and vulnerability in his content and why patience is a virtue, especially after hearing the word “no.”

Tractor Expands Nationwide Footprint with “Cool Kids” of Food Service

As the fast casual dining industry has seen an influx of new chains with focuses on rising food trends, Tractor Beverage Co. is hoping to rise with the tide by introducing better-for-you alternatives to the traditional soda fountain. In 2018, the brand launched at restaurant trade shows with a broad, multi-category portfolio of organic, non-GMO beverage products.

Gerber Finance Launches Natural Products Division

Citing ongoing growth in the natural CPG market, asset-based lending company Gerber Finance this week announced it would launch a dedicated natural food and beverage products division.

Survey: Labor Day Fuels Optimism Up Amongst C-Store Retailers

Out of a survey group representing 30,000 U.S. convenience retail locations, or roughly 20% of the channel, 65% of respondents indicated that they had a more positive outlook on the total beverage category as compared to the previous one to two months.

Bolt24 Calls Out BodyArmor in New Ad Campaign

In the competition for sports drink market share, Gatorade’s Bolt24 is pumping up its offense. The functional hydration sub-line will roll out a new ad campaign this month taking aim at rising competitor BodyArmor, calling out the Coke-backed brand by name.

Bulletproof Raises $13M to Fuel Product Innovation, Omnichannel Growth

Nutrition platform brand Bulletproof 360 today announced a $13 million capital raise to fund the brand’s omnichannel expansion and the development of products in new and existing categories. The raise was led by Beliv, the Latin America-based business unit of multinational beverage corporation the CBC Group, and Rocana Ventures along with existing investors CAVU Venture Partners and Trinity Ventures.

Capstar Partners, CAVU’s Christopher Launch SPAC

As special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) targeting the CPG sector have experienced a sudden surge in interest this year, Clayton Christopher is the latest food and beverage industry veteran to join the party, joining with Capstar Partners as a co-sponsor and board advisor in Capstar Special Purpose Acquisition Company

Office Hours: How Six Entrepreneurs Faced the Summer of COVID-19

A panel of six food and beverage entrepreneurs from across the country joined up with BevNET Editor in Chief Jeff Klineman to discuss the challenges that the summer of 2020 -- and the ongoing struggle with a global pandemic -- brought them. Speakers addressed ways they are overcoming challenges around production, financing, sales and marketing, offering support and advice to each other.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 97: How This Brand Doubled Sales… While Giving Away 50% Of Its Profits

Dave Colina, founder & CEO of natural sports recovery brand O2, spoke about how the company’s decisions over the past five years prepared it to meet the challenges and opportunities of the last five months, how the brand achieved record sales numbers while donating 50% of profits to independent gym owners affected by COVID-19 and why he believes that entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth as building a successful brand.