Headlines

A new study funded by the American Beverage Association has determined that diet soda is a better beverage option than water for individuals trying to lose weight.

A recent Wall Street report indicates that the energy drink category’s progress in convenience stores has slowed to its lowest point in more than a year.

Walmart continues to express interest in smaller, emerging brands. We’ve seen brands like Inko’s and KonaRed land nationwide distribution deals. In April, the retailer announced that it will stock Wild Oats organic foods. And on May 13, WAT-AAH! announced that it has expanded its distribution network with authorization in Walmart Neighborhood Markets.

The Verge recently reported that Otsuka’s Pocari Sweat will be the first commercial product to touch down on another land surface in space. Along with Pocari Sweat, the can will contain the wishes of children across Asia, which were sent in letters to Otsuka and then etched onto silver disks.

Yakult, a probiotic dairy beverage popular in Japan and sold in over 30 countries, is getting a big boost in the U.S. with the launch of a new state-of-the -art production facility in Southern California that is capable of producing 400,000 bottles per day.

After a remarkable stretch in-house – one that culminated in Suja being named supplier of the year at Whole Foods – Fleishman is returning to his consultancy, Purely Righteous Brands, one that partner and longtime friend Andrew Aussie incubated during his absence.

Remarkably, the percentage of organic as part of the overall food basket remains less than 10 percent – much as the share of craft beer isn’t much more than 10 percent as well, but the indications are clear: better-crafted, innovative products that have a conscious component are at a tipping point.

Be realistic in your positioning, claims and posturing. Retailers and distributors have a long term, largely successful game plan. Be realistic in approaching them, and help guide them to where you think your brand should be.