Distribution Roundup: Celsius Adds Ink to Passport
On Tuesday, Celsius announced that it has reached an exclusive partnership with UAE International Investments (UII), a financial and distribution company in the Middle East.
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Expo West Intro: Búcha Yuzu Lemon Kombucha
A couple days ago, BevNET broke the news of the first lemonade and coconut water blends to hit the market. Today, it’s lemonade and… wait for it… kombucha! Well, sort of.
Change in VEB Leadership as Uzzell Takes the Helm
There’s breaking news out of Coke’s Venturing and Emerging Brands unit (VEB) today, as Coca-Cola Co. CEO Muhtar Kent announced in an internal memo that Deryck Van Rensburg, who has run VEB since its inception, will become the President of the newly created Coca-Cola/Keurig Ventures, a joint venture formed as a result of Coke’s recent multimillion dollar investment in Green Mountain Coffee Co.
FDA Announces Proposed Nutrition Facts Updates
Two of the revisions would have particularly broad ramifications for the beverage industry: first, the FDA has proposed that “Added Sugars” be added to the labels, thereby indicating the amount of extra sweetening that has been added to a product, and second, “serving size” would be more in line with the size of an immediate consumption package -- so the nutritional content of a drink in a 12 oz. or 20 oz. package would reflect that entire package, rather than the current standard of an 8 oz. serving.
Federal Judge Dismisses False Advertising Lawsuit Against FRS, Armstrong
On Tuesday, a federal judge dismissed a proposed class-action lawsuit filed against FRS and its former endorser Lance Armstrong which claimed that the company deceptively marketed its products by linking them to the success of the disgraced cyclist.
Activate Dramatically Reduces East Coast Head Count, Focuses Efforts on SoCal Market
With the company now firmly in control of co-founder Anders Eisner, Activate is in the midst of a refocused sales and marketing strategy that will place greater attention and emphasis on the Southern California market. As a result, Activate recently reduced its East Coast staff to a single employee, but stressed that it will continue to support distribution and retail commitments in region.
Expo West Preview: Zola, Vita Coco Squeeze Coconut Water Into Lemonade
Okay, we’ll call it a draw. Zola and Vita Coco have tied in the race to be the first to announce that they will be rolling out a product that combines two of the fastest-growing beverage trends, coconut water and lemonade. Zola is going ingredient-first, calling its product “Coconut Water Lemonade,” while Vita Coco is sticking with the brand, calling itself “Vita Coco Lemonade.”
Evolution Fresh Cracks Chicago Market, Preps for Label Update
Making a major push into the Midwest, Starbucks today announced that its Evolution Fresh cold-pressed juices are now available in the company’s Chicago area cafes. Until now, the brand’s presence in Chicago was limited to Whole Foods stores and other natural grocers in the region. Now with placement in more than 360 Starbucks stores in and around the Windy City, the company is aiming for greater awareness and trial of Evolution Fresh juices.
Fair Trade Coconuts on Tap
Long overseeing the transactions of sugar, cocoa and coffee, among other widely-transported ingredients, Fair Trade USA announced last week that it has launched a coconut certification.
Coke Announces New Bottling Partnerships in Florida, Chicago
During the Coca-Cola Co.’s fourth quarter earnings call held earlier this week, CEO and Chairman Muhtar Kent stated that the company would "imminently announce new bottling partnerships" in North America. By imminently, he must have meant today.
Distribution Roundup: A-GAME Partners With Stop & Shop; Arriba Hits 7-Eleven
When we hear about a new energy drink company with plans to snag market share from Red Bull and Monster, we’re often skeptical. With the category at such a mature state and the two linchpins not going anywhere, most new energy drinks don’t have much of a future beyond niche markets. However, when the energy drink in question is devised by L.A. Libations, the beverage incubator that has helped carry brands such as ZICO and illy issimo to prominence, we take a closer look.
PepsiCo Responds to Trian’s Call for Restructure
As reported today, investment firm Trian Partners released a white paper and letter to the PepsiCo board, reiterating its belief that PepsiCo should split its beverage and snack businesses into two independent public companies. Trian believes that the restructure would sustain growth and benefit the company and its shareholders. Shortly after the story’s publication, PepsiCo e-mailed BevNET with a response.
Trian Reiterates Belief in Splitting PepsiCo’s Snacks and Beverages
Trian remains adamant in its belief that PepsiCo should split its snacks and beverages into two independent public companies. PepsiCo, which has been steadfast in its “Power of One” platform, hasn’t budged. The company believes that the strategy allows for “full coordination across the food and beverage operating systems, while also unlocking opportunities to create value across the business.”
L.A. Libations Set to Launch New Horchata Energy Drink Nationally in 7-Eleven; Partners with Relativity Media in Joint Venture
Set for a national launch in 8,300 7-Eleven stores, Arriba is a new horchata energy drink that is targeted to reach a specific demographic in Latino consumers. L.A. Libations entered into a joint venture with film studio and entertainment powerhouse Relativity Media, which is investor in Arriba and will play a major role in the marketing of the brand with product placement in Relativity-produced TV shows and movies.