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.
Headlines
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
Taste Radio Insider Ep. 9: Barnana’s Co-Founder Explains Why Package Design Is Everything; Beyond The Headlines: Nootropics and CBD
How Barnana Co-Founder/CMO Nik Ingersöll makes ugly bananas look amazing; also featured: an exploration into the brain-boosting business of nootropic beverages and why CBD drink brands might find a friendly bill coming their way.
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.
Law and Policy: Monster Wins Trademark Suit, But Contract Dispute Looms
Monster Wins Trademark Suit, But Contract Dispute Looms; The Wonderful Company Faces Pregnancy Discrimination Accusations; Consumer Group Asks FTC to Investigate Sucralose Advertising
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.
Taste Radio Ep. 138: How Essentia’s Ken Uptain Went From Semi-Retired to Stunning Success
At the helm of a brand with nearly $180 million in annual retail sales, Essentia founder Ken Uptain explained why timing has been so critical to success. He also spoke about his leadership style, why all potential employees have to pass “Ken’s Good Guy Test,” and the one thing he’ll never share with his team.
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.
Perfect Day CEO on ADM Partnership: ‘The More We Do, the More Good We’re Achieving’
A2, which produces animal-free dairy products, announced last week a partnership with global ingredient firm ADM that aims to demonstrate the market potential of its technology through the launch of a milk-free whey protein.
The Morning After: 82 Labs Evolves Amid Retail Push
Over the last four-plus weeks, Morning Recovery, the first product from 82 Labs, has enjoyed a successful launch at 70 7-Eleven locations in Chicago, one of its three retail test markets along with San Francisco and Los Angeles.
People Moves: Former PepsiCola President Joins Cannabiniers Board
Former PepsiCola-East President Michael Lorelli has joined the board of directors for cannabis company Cannabiniers which produces THC-infused beers and teas; actress and activist Ruby Rose invests in REBBL and will serve as an advisor the elixir brand.
Reed’s: Virgil’s Rebrand Bolsters Q3 Earnings
Reed’s, Inc.’s rebranded Virgil’s soda line helped spur a 29 percent increase in gross margins in the third quarter, CEO Val Stalowir told investors during the company’s Q3 earnings report this week. According to Stalowir, buyer interest in Virgil’s Zero Sugar helped Reed’s to open 1,100 new doors in Q3.
Taste Radio Insider Ep. 8: Why ‘Digital First’ Is The Ugly Way to Succeed
Ugly Drinks co-founders Hugh Thomas and Joe Benn discussed growth planning for both the U.S. and U.K. markets, how the perspective of Ugly as a “digital brand” has shaped its overall business strategy, and how its loyal consumers -- aka the “Ugly Mob” -- have enabled the company to rapidly iterate and innovate.