Former Casamigos Team Launches RTD
The former executive team behind Casamigos (excluding its celebrity owners) are at it again with Por Qué No, a ready-to-drink (RTD) tequila and vodka offering.
Headlines
Constellation Brands Agrees To Acquire HOPWTR
The deal comes roughly five years after Constellation's initial investment in HOPWTR in 2021 through its Venture division.
Brown-Forman, Pernod Ricard Confirm Discussions; Wall Street Sees ‘Significant Merit’
Hours after a Bloomberg report sent the beverage-alcohol rumor mill into overdrive about a potential deal between spirits giants Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman, both companies confirmed Thursday evening that they are in talks.
Hemp Industry Braces for Last Minute Action, Worst Case Scenarios, on Looming Ban
If there’s a stay of execution, it’ll probably be at the last minute. That’s what hemp lobbyists and industry groups are starting to believe about the potential for a reprieve from the upcoming November 12 THC ban, according to the Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives (CABA).
Taste Radio: Your ‘Crazy’ Idea Could Be Worth $1 Billion. Proda Is Up Next.
Billion-dollar deals, breakout brands, and “crazy ideas” that actually worked. The hosts dive into a wave of recent CPG acquisitions and what they signal for founders. Plus, a look at brands going global, a buzzworthy Negroni-inspired sparkling water, and a conversation with industry veteran Jeff Church and “Peaky Blinders” actor Matthew Postlethwaite on their upstart protein soda brand, Proda.
New Products: Calm Coffee, Creatine Shakes and Plenty Of Protein
This week's new products gallery features several protein releases (of course) but also sees Prime playing in creatine, Cann and good2grow going "big" (in very different ways), and a sweet coffee treat courtesy of Chobani.
Laird Superfood Loss Widens Amid Multi-Brand Push
Laird Superfood is doubling down on its efforts to become a “scaled, diversified platform with greater reach,” despite facing increased margin pressure and a wider net loss in 2025.
Report: Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman In Merger Talks (UPDATED)
Spirits giants Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman have reportedly held talks about a possible merger, according to a report from Bloomberg News.
Sol-ti Bets on Foodservice Expansion With Key Hires, Multifunctional Shots
Functional wellness shot and cold-pressed juice brand Sol-ti has hired experienced beverage industry operators to help expand its retail footprint.
Diageo’s New CEO Sees RTDs Differently
Diageo’s new CEO Dave Lewis is reframing ready-to-drink (RTD) from a margin liability to an opportunity, but the spirits giant has ground to make up.
Reviews: Proda Is Nostalgic Protein Soda, Fave Is A Modern Drink Mix
This week's reviews examine a pair of upstart brands looking to shake up existing categories: protein soda Proda and organic vitamin-enhanced drink mix Fave.
Reed’s CEO Steps Down as COO Cohane Steps Into Role, 2025 Earnings Down
After nearly a year with the Connecticut-based craft soda brand, Cyril Wallace has resigned as CEO of Reed’s, Inc. and stepped from the board of directors. COO Neal Cohane has been named as interim CEO as the board begins seeking a permanent replacement.
Tarte Cosmetics Founder Expands into Beverage with ‘Sippable Self-Care’ Brand
More than two decades after founding billion-dollar cosmetics brand Tarte, Maureen Kelly is seeking to make a splash in the beverage space with the launch of a hydration mix brand called FINNSUL.
Swig on Pace for Record Growth As Dirty Soda Craze Continues
Swig, the Utah-based quick service restaurant concept that popularized the dirty soda trend, is on pace for record growth this year as the 16-year-old company expands its national presence with nearly 150 locations.