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The position had been vacant since May, 2013, when John Cochran left the company to become CEO of Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine.

“In earlier stage companies, there’s a lot of excitement around what we might be creating -- but you have to channel some of that into what the world’s ready for,” said Califia Farms CEO Greg Steltenpohl.

After two days of animated and inspirational presentations, Tio Gazpacho, an RTD version of the famous Spanish soup, took two titles: Audience Favorite & winner of New Beverage Showdown 8.

“These nutso ideas are what everybody’s looking for right now” Primozich said. “Weirdo ideas like putting soup in a bottle and throwing it in the beverage case.”

Two common threads link this year’s best: One, brands have maintained a focus on health-driven trends, initiating timely innovation in both formulation and packaging. Two, companies have executed on multi-channel retail and distribution strategies at a time when mainstream consumers become increasingly aware and actively pursue beverages in natural-focused categories.

The round is the third in the past 18 months for the company, taking the total amount invested in the brand to $45 million.

Bob Groux of Coast Brands will be stepping in to replace former U.S. CEO John Carroll on an interim basis.

Last month, New York-based Exotic Superfoods voluntarily recalled its flagship Young Thai Coconut water product, following a visit from the FDA.