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California Voters Say No to GMO Labeling, Soda Taxes California Voters Say No to GMO Labeling, Soda Taxes

California Voters Say No to GMO Labeling, Soda Taxes

by Ray Latif,

While Election Day yielded few changes within the overall political landscape in the U.S., three referendum votes in California that were likely to have a significant impact on the sale of beverages in the state were defeated. Californians said no to Proposition 37, which would have required mandatory labeling of genetically engineered food, and voters in El Monte and Richmond, Calif. rejected measures that would have added a one-cent-per-ounce tax on purchases of sugary drinks.

Review: Hoist Review: Hoist

Review: Hoist

by BevNET.com Staff,

Hoist has re-branded and repackaged its "rapid rehydration" formulation that the company once touted for hangover recovery, and is now positioning itself as an isotonic sports drink. The brand recently moved from an aluminum can to a 12 oz. plastic bottle that is more in line with the sports drink category. Still, there’s something about this product that feels ambiguous, particularly as a small package size and “Hoist” name that feels out of line with the overall sports segment.

Mix1 Revamp: “The Sky is the Limit” Mix1 Revamp: “The Sky is the Limit”

Mix1 Revamp: “The Sky is the Limit”

by Ray Latif,

Nine months after The Hershey Company acquired a controlling interest in the company, mix1 is set to launch a major revamp of its nutritional shake/meal replacement line of beverages.Now armed with a sleek upgrade in packaging, mix1 vice president of sales Kevin Conrad said that the company is taking direct aim at category leader Muscle Milk and building a new DSD network “from scratch” in order to position itself for a dramatic leap in sales.

A Watery Storm Blows Over, Revealing New Growth A Watery Storm Blows Over, Revealing New Growth

A Watery Storm Blows Over, Revealing New Growth

by Gerry Khermouch,

A few years ago, when high-end bottled water got slammed with the twin effects of a deep recession and an environmental backlash, many of us called it the perfect storm. A sector that was riding high suddenly was in an impossible situation: only fairly affluent consumers could afford those brands any more, and within that social stratum it suddenly had become unfashionable to be spotted carrying around plastic bottles containing water shipped from halfway around the world.

HPP = High Profit Payday for BluePrint as Hain Scoops it Up HPP = High Profit Payday for BluePrint as Hain Scoops it Up

HPP = High Profit Payday for BluePrint as Hain Scoops it Up

by Jeffrey Klineman,

It went unnoticed last week, but fast-growing BluePrint -- which makes raw juices and direct-to-consumer juice cleanse products -- has been scooped up by natural foods conglomerate Hain Celestial. Hain did not disclose the amount of money it was paying for BluePrint. Hain Celestial CEO Irwin Simon called BluePrint "an innovative leader." Huss declined comment to BevNET, saying through a spokesman that the deal was not yet finalized.

Review: Samu Coconut Water Review: Samu Coconut Water

Review: Samu Coconut Water

by BevNET.com Staff,

Samu Thai Coconut Water is a not-from-concentrate coconut water that comes packaged in a 12 oz. aluminum can. With a tagline of “thirst intelligence” and the phrase “naturally the best tasting” on the front of the can, we were somewhat surprised to see that this product contains added sugar. We’re really not sure what factored into their decision to go down the added sugar path, but it has definitely hurt this drink...

San Francisco City Attorney Files Inquiry with Monster Beverage San Francisco City Attorney Files Inquiry with Monster Beverage

San Francisco City Attorney Files Inquiry with Monster Beverage

by Ray Latif,

And the hits just keep on coming for Monster Beverage. The energy drink giant is facing new scrutiny about the safety of its products, this time from the city attorney in San Francisco. In a letter sent to the company on Wednesday, Dennis J. Herrera alleged that Monster's marketing campaigns have led to “unsafe and irresponsible consumption of its products,” and asked Monster to substantiate its claims that consuming large amounts of its highly caffeinated drinks is safe for consumers.

Review: Tea Of A Kind Review: Tea Of A Kind

Review: Tea Of A Kind

by BevNET.com Staff,

Tea of a Kind is a new line of teas equipped with a patented cap-activated closure called “Gizmo." When twisted, the pressurized bottle cap forces ingredients - brewed tea, natural flavors, and antioxidants - into a bottle of water, which makes shaking generally unnecessary. While we like the innovative technology, we did experience some significant problems with the cap. Moreover, the branding and packaging of the product definitely needs some work.

Consumer Perception of Energy Drinks Plummets Consumer Perception of Energy Drinks Plummets

Consumer Perception of Energy Drinks Plummets

by Ray Latif,

Amid the recent wave of negative publicity surrounding energy drinks, and the ire of some elected leaders calling for greater oversight and regulation of the category, consumer perception of the top energy drink brands has fallen to its lowest level since 2009, according to consumer research firm YouGov.

Review: Orgain – New Formulation/Packaging Review: Orgain – New Formulation/Packaging

Review: Orgain – New Formulation/Packaging

by BevNET.com Staff,

Orgain recently launched a new formulation and packaging for its line of organic meal replacement shakes. Now filled in 11 oz. Tetra Paks with a resealable “Dreamcap” top, Orgain is placing more emphasis on its high protein content, which along with an updated blend of vitamins, vegetables, fruit, DHA, soy and dairy, and mix of sweeteners, make for an overall upgrade and step in the right direction for the brand.

Waiting for a Game-Breaker? Start a Rookie! Waiting for a Game-Breaker? Start a Rookie!

Waiting for a Game-Breaker? Start a Rookie!

by Barry Nathanson,

In an industry that is often risk averse, BevNET Magazine publisher Barry Nathanson suggests that beverage retailers and distributors take more chances on new brands and innovative products. "Beverages are in a lull, waiting for the next great thing. If it arrives soon, terrific. But until then, take a chance on some exciting new entries," said Nathanson.

What Are the Most Effective Ways to Screen Potential Employees? What Are the Most Effective Ways to Screen Potential Employees?

What Are the Most Effective Ways to Screen Potential Employees?

by Ray Latif,

Screening job candidates is one of the first - and perhaps most critical - parts of the hiring process. It can, however, be very time-consuming and difficult to navigate, particularly for a company with limited resources. In order to more efficiently manage the screening process, Josh Wand, the founder of BevForce, a staffing agency focused on the beverage industry, shares a few ways to most effectively screen potential employees.

Arnold Greenberg, Snapple Co-Founder, Passes Away at 80 Arnold Greenberg, Snapple Co-Founder, Passes Away at 80

Arnold Greenberg, Snapple Co-Founder, Passes Away at 80

by Jeffrey Klineman,

Arnold Greenberg, one of three friends who started the new age beverage revolution with the introduction of Snapple drinks, died on Friday, according to an obituary in the New York Times. It was known that he had been battling cancer for some time.