Could Conor McGregor’s MAC Energy Kickstart Ketones?
If the emerging ketone market could use a kick, who better to call than a mixed martial arts superstar?
Headlines
Energy Drinks Slide, But Non-Alc Sales Mostly Steady in Early May
Non-alcoholic beverage sales maintained a steady growth curve in the first half of May, as dollar sales rose 2.5% in the 52-week period ending May 16, according to the latest analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
Marketing: Pepsi, Electrolit Celebrate Summer of Soccer
Pepsi and Electrolit are embracing the summer of soccer with new campaigns launching in partnership with national team players.
PLEZi Rebuilds Around Steph Curry with Hydration Refresh
The better-for-you beverage brand first founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama and led by L.A. Libations is rolling out a rebrand for its 16.9 oz. PLEZi Hydration line, with plans to focus fully on a cross-generational opportunity in sports drinks, having dropped its original kids juice line.
Uncle Nearest Stays in Receivership; Founder’s Holding Company Added
A federal judge has issued a ruling maintaining the court-supervised receivership for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and broadening that oversight to encompass founder Fawn Weaver’s personal holding company.
Distribution: Little Saints Focuses on Florida
Adult NA cocktail maker Little Saints is mounting a concerted effort to grow across its home state of Florida, launching 120 ABC Fine Wine & Spirits stores across the Sunshine State next month, marking the startup’s largest retail expansion to date.
RNDC Layoffs Continue in WA, SD Ahead of Potential Deals
Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) plans to lay off 267 employees in Washington and 53 in South Dakota, as other distributors potentially prepare to take over RNDC’s distribution rights or operations across the country.
Looming THC Ban Has Retailers, Brands Searching For Alternative Buzzes
Hemp beverage retailers and non-alc brands are preparing to pivot into non-THC alternatives as the November ban looms.
Zevia Taps Brian Bousley As New EVP, Chief Commercial Officer
Zevia has appointed Brian Bousley as its new executive vice president and chief commercial officer, bringing the former Yerba Madre leader in to help steer an ongoing strategic turnaround.
Taste Radio: The Simple & Reliable Secret Behind Ithaca’s Success & Guillermo’s Hot Start
A relentless focus on product quality and operational discipline helped Chris Kirby build Ithaca Hummus into one of the most successful CPG brands of the past decade. With Guillermo’s Salsa, he’s putting that same playbook to work again – but at a notably faster rate of growth.
Former NFL Star Micah Hyde Seeks to Bridge Beer, Hemp Drinks
After over a decade ball-hawking in the backfield, the former Green Bay Packer and Buffalo Bill is taking on a new position: hemp beverage entrepreneur.
Taste Radio: As Investors Get More Selective, Grocery Gets More Curated
What actually gets investors to say yes in today’s CPG market? We revisit conversations with founders, operators and investors at Taste Radio’s NYC Meetup who share candid advice on why disciplined growth, financial transparency and strong regional traction matter far more than hype. The hosts also dive into the rise of luxury and small-format grocery and discuss Olipop’s recent refresh.
New RTDs From Mission Craft, Tavern, Boston Beer and More
May’s RTD releases beckon in the summer with golf course-inspired libations from High Noon and Good Boy vodka to glow-in-the-dark bottles from Boston Beer, as well as tropical margaritas, hard teas, and vodka-based energy drinks.
‘Healthy Enough’ Products Dominate 2025 New Product Pacesetters
Healthy, but not too healthy. That’s the gist of the products that made this year’s edition of Circana’s 2025 New Product Pacesetters.