Headlines

BevNET Announces its Best of 2012 Award Winners BevNET Announces its Best of 2012 Award Winners

BevNET Announces its Best of 2012 Award Winners

by Ray Latif,

BevNET.com is pleased to announce its Best of 2012 award winners. Selecting from a pool of nearly 300 new product introductions, brand revamps, and line extensions, an overarching theme of health and wellness dominated this year’s list of winners. From cold pressed, high-pressure processed juices, to beverages infused with emerging functional ingredients, to natural energy drinks, the 17 award winners represent brands that have become key drivers of innovation in the beverage industry.

Cobá’s Ventura Meets With Obama To Discuss New Small Business Initiatives Cobá’s Ventura Meets With Obama To Discuss New Small Business Initiatives

Cobá’s Ventura Meets With Obama To Discuss New Small Business Initiatives

by Max Rothman,

As the White House administration aims to avoid the so-called “fiscal cliff,” President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden met with small business representatives from a range of industries earlier this week. Cobá co-founder Arnulfo Ventura was one of those representatives and shared his ideas for change, in particular, scaled labor practices and reduced capital gains taxes.

PepsiCo Taps Brett O’Brien as New Gatorade Chief for North America PepsiCo Taps Brett O’Brien as New Gatorade Chief for North America

PepsiCo Taps Brett O’Brien as New Gatorade Chief for North America

by Ray Latif,

PepsiCo has named Brett O'Brien, a 12-year veteran of the company, as senior vice president and general manager of Gatorade’s North American business, according to an internal memo obtained by The Chicago Tribune. O'Brien takes the reins of the number one selling sports drink brand following the departure of Sarah Robb O'Hagan, who left PepsiCo in August.

Watch Live Now: Brewbound Session Craft Beer Conference Watch Live Now: Brewbound Session Craft Beer Conference

Watch Live Now: Brewbound Session Craft Beer Conference

by BevNET.com Staff,

Brewbound.com –  BevNET.com’s website dedicated to covering the craft beer industry – is hosting the Brewbound Session Winter ’12 from San Diego. Those unable to attend the event can watch…

Durbin and Blumenthal Remain Stalemated by FDA Durbin and Blumenthal Remain Stalemated by FDA

Durbin and Blumenthal Remain Stalemated by FDA

by Max Rothman,

While Sens. Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) continue to push the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for greater regulation and oversight of the energy drink category, for now, all they’re getting is bureaucratic consideration.

Review: Next10 Energy Review: Next10 Energy

Review: Next10 Energy

by BevNET.com Staff,

Next 10 Energy Shot is a new energy drink created by a neurosurgeon with the aim of offering a healthier and better performing product than what is currently on the market. While the product has a visually appealing design and a relatively enjoyable flavor, we're not sure as to what the point of differentiation is for this product.

BevNET Live: Over 30 Industry-Leading Sponsors and Exhibitors BevNET Live: Over 30 Industry-Leading Sponsors and Exhibitors

BevNET Live: Over 30 Industry-Leading Sponsors and Exhibitors

by BevNET.com Staff,

In addition to one-of -a-kind opportunities to learn and network, BevNET Live attendees will be able to visit and learn from over 30 industry-leading sponsors and exhibitors throughout the course of the two-day event. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity for in-depth discussion with best-in-class sponsors, suppliers, and vendors at the BevNET Live Expo which will take place during the afternoon of Monday, December 3, the first day of the two-day BevNET Live event.

Corn Refiners Association: New Study Alleging HFCS-Diabetes Link Is Flawed and Misleading Corn Refiners Association: New Study Alleging HFCS-Diabetes Link Is Flawed and Misleading

Corn Refiners Association: New Study Alleging HFCS-Diabetes Link Is Flawed and Misleading

by Max Rothman,

Undeterred by failed efforts to rename high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as “corn sugar,” the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) has remained on the offensive to protect the integrity of the widely used ingredient. Today, the CRA released a scathing statement denouncing a forthcoming study that specifically links consumption of HFCS with Type 2 diabetes.

Review: Live Soda Kombucha Review: Live Soda Kombucha

Review: Live Soda Kombucha

by BevNET.com Staff,

The concept behind Live Soda seems like a good one -- at least in theory: take classic soda flavors, cut the calories, and add in some live kombucha culture. While the resulting formulation does taste pretty good, it's hard to comprehend just how many people out there will want to combine something that is a health drink (kombucha) with something that is an indulgence product (soda).

HyDrive Acquisition Adds To Growing Big Red Portfolio HyDrive Acquisition Adds To Growing Big Red Portfolio

HyDrive Acquisition Adds To Growing Big Red Portfolio

by Max Rothman,

The makers of the most widely consumed red carbonated soft drink are adapting but not changing with the times. Big Red, the Austin, TX, based producer of CSDs among other beverages, announced Tuesday that it acquired HyDrive Energy, the Rye, NY-based company that markets 30-calorie energy drinks and a zero-calorie energy powder drink mix under the slogan “Energy Done Better.”

Chicago Alderman: Ban the Sale of Energy Drinks to People Under 21 Chicago Alderman: Ban the Sale of Energy Drinks to People Under 21

Chicago Alderman: Ban the Sale of Energy Drinks to People Under 21

by Ray Latif,

Should energy drinks be age-restricted? A prominent elected official in Chicago thinks so. Stating that he doesn’t “want kids dying because of something that shouldn’t be in their hands,” Chicago alderman George Cardenas has proposed banning the sale of energy drinks to individuals under the age of 21, according to a recent article in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Review: Solixir Review: Solixir

Review: Solixir

by BevNET.com Staff,

Solixir has unveiled new branding and a new citrus flavor to its line of sparkling botanical beverages. We like what Solixir has done with the redesign and simplification of its packaging which now connects nicely with the botanical ingredients in the drinks.

Big Red Acquires HyDrive Energy Big Red Acquires HyDrive Energy

Big Red Acquires HyDrive Energy

by Ray Latif,

Big Red, Inc. announced today that it has acquired HYDRIVE Energy, marketer of better-for-you energy drinks. The sale, orchestrated by Gary Smith (Big Red) and Mike Weinstein (HYDRIVE), will be effective immediately and adds HYDRIVE Energy drinks to the Big Red portfolio which includes, All Sport isotonic, NuGrape, Thomas Kemper, Nesbitt’s and other beverage lines.