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Taste Radio Ep. 174: ‘The Beverage Whisperer’ Reflects, Advises and Predicts

One of the beverage industry’s best known and most respected insiders, Ken Sadowsky has long been an investor and advisor to a range of category-leading brands. In this episode, he discussed how he assesses opportunities to align with and invest in early stage brands, offered his perspective on leadership and shared his thoughts on notable categories and emerging trends.

Powering Up: Gamer-Focused Energy Drinks Target Growing Market

The growth of video game culture has opened the doors for beverage brands able to supply the demand for functional drinks that appeal to the specific needs of gamers. A handful of smaller, innovative energy drink brands have seized on the space to offer authentic, better-for-you options tailored for long, intensive gaming sessions.

Cannabis Forum 2019: Brands and Trademarks with Larry Sandell

Speaking at Cannabis Forum 2019, held on June 14 in New York City, attorney Larry Sandell of Mei & Mark LLP discussed how emerging cannabis brands can avoid the mistakes and pitfalls involved with protecting intellectual property.

Cannabis Forum 2019: Cannabis Cuisine and Culture Connect on the 99th Floor

Speaking at Cannabis Forum 2019, held on June 14 in New York City, the co-founders of 99th Floor -- Doug Cohen and chef Miguel Trinidad -- explained how they are using food as a vehicle to build consumers’ appreciation and understanding for cannabis, in addition to smashing some of the lingering stigma around recreational marijuana use.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 45: The Most Impactful Ways To Win Over New Customers

Ray DeRosa, the founder of dandelion-based tea brand Lion Tea, understands the struggles of consumer education. In this episode, he explained how he’s tackled this issue by using a simple, yet powerful and efficient method to create brand loyalists. He also spoke about why “finding the partners that are going to provide you extraordinary support in the early days ultimately make you successful.”

Minnesota Moves to Block CBD Beverage Sales

Citing U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) guidance prohibiting the sale of CBD-infused food and beverage products, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) last week issued cease and desist notices to CBD beverage manufacturers and has embargoed sales for at least one beverage company.

PowerPlant Ventures Closes Fund II

Plant-based venture firm PowerPlant Ventures announced yesterday the close of its second fund. At over three times the size of its predecessor, Fund II, which closed at $165 million, will allow the company to further refine its deal structure, according to co-founder and partner Mark Rampolla.

Elevator Talk: Joy Tea is Set to Launch CBD Beverages Focused on Simplicity

Jeff Chu is the co-founder and CEO of Joy Tea, a brand focused on delivering simple and transparent CBD teas to millennial and older Gen Z consumers. Using clean ingredients and emotion-based branding, the company aims to inspire a feeling, not just deliver a great product.

Flow Opens $15.5M Virginia Production Facility

Ontario, Canada-based Flow Alkaline Spring Water opened this month a $15.5 million, 55,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Augusta County, Virginia. Flow founder and CEO Nicholas Reichenbach told BevNET that the facility will act as a new “homebase” for manufacturing of products sold in the U.S. while its Canadian operations will serve the international market.

Gallery: July’s New Product Launches

In this gallery, we highlight this month’s notable product launches, including the latest from HUEL, Ocean Spray and Starbucks, along with new brand launches, rebrands and reformulations.

Dunn’s River Brands Sells Controlling Interest in Temple

Turmeric-based beverage brand Temple today announced that Natur International Corp., a producer of plant-based food and beverages based in the Netherlands, has acquired a controlling interest in the company. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The Fresh Market Finalizes Comprehensive Beverage Overhaul

Facing declining sales, this past spring The Fresh Market sent out an open call to beverage brands in every category to submit products for consideration. All told, the company received more than 600 products for consideration. Four months later, The Fresh Market officially began its reset after the Fourth of July holiday with over 300 products.

Cannabis Forum 2019: The Tipping Points in Regulation

During a presentation at Cannabis Forum 2019, held on June 14 in New York City, Alva Mather, partner at law firm DLA Piper, explored the ongoing evolution of cannabis regulations, including an update on the current regulatory framework around cannabis-infused (THC or CBD) brands.