Headlines

Yerbae Raises $5M, Signs with Big Geyser

Yerbae, maker of a line of enhanced sparkling waters made with yerba mate, has raised $5 million in a round led by Arizona-based firm Zenfinity Capital. The investment will fund the company’s 2019 distribution expansion, which includes a partnership with New York metro distributor Big Geyser set to begin in January.

Huel Launches Ready-to-Drink Line

Nearly a year-and-a-half after launching in the U.S., British meal replacement powder brand Huel is releasing a line of ready-to-drink “nutritionally complete” beverages. The new products generated massive single day sales when they became available for pre-order online this week, according to the company.

Elevator Talk: HyVida Hydrogen-Infused Sparkling Water Brings Consumers Antioxidants

Rick Smith, President & CEO of HyVida, has engineered a functional sparkling water line by adding hydrogen gas. Incorporating hydrogen through a unique technology provides consumers a beverage with added antioxidants. With new technology and a unique concept, Smith has found developing a narrative the most challenging piece of the puzzle.

Editor’s Note: In Memoriam – Ryan Ziegelmann

Ryan Ziegelmann, president of Starbucks-owned organic beverage brand Evolution Fresh, passed away from cancer on November 8, the company told BevNET in an email.

Gallery: November’s New Product Launches

We recap some of the past month's notable new product launches, including a pair of new premium teas from Tejava, plant-based holiday nogs from Good Karma, and a new entrant to the dairy free milk category.

Taste Radio Ep. 139: The ‘Accident’ That Made AriZona Co-Founder Don Vultaggio a Billionaire

AriZona co-founder/chairman Don Vultaggio discussed how his experience as a beer distributor paved the way for the development and stunning rise of AriZona. He also explained how the company has maintained its iconic 99 cent pricing model for 26 years, why he views AriZona as “one big incubator,” and why running a business means handling all kinds of problems, even if it means mopping up blood.

Press Clips: Chris Hunter’s Journey from Four Loko to Koia

Entrepreneur interviews Koia founder Chris Hunter on his journey from Four Loko co-founder to plant-based beverage maker; The Kombucha Shop wins investment on TV's Shark Tank; Forbes looks at the rise of sugar-free soda; Keurig partners with Anheuser-Busch for pod-based cocktail system

Elevator Talk: Bitter Love Takes a Functional Approach to Sparkling Water

Taja Dockendorf, Co-founder of Bitter Love, is focusing on a new flavor profile to differentiate in the sparkling water category. The brand combines digestive bitters like ashwagandha, ginger and wormwood with carbonated water and a splash of fruit juice to offer a functional sparkling bitter beverage.

Profile: With C4, Nutrabolt Steers Sports Nutrition to Mainstream

In making the jump into the competitive energy drink space with the launch of a carbonated C4 On-the-Go in April, sports nutrition company Nutrabolt is betting that the brand’s existing audience — the over 5 million customers who have purchased its products — will follow along with them.

Brewers Large and Small Take Aim at Non-Alcoholic Beer Segment

In an effort to attract a growing number of drinkers who are moderating alcohol consumption, several beer companies are looking toward non-alcoholic brews as a way to boost sales and court the 30 percent of U.S. adults who don’t imbibe.