Hella Cocktail Co. has raised $5 million in a Series A funding round, fully backed by premium spirits brand Uncle Nearest, the company announced today. Founded in 2012 by CEO Jomaree Pinkard, CMO Eddie Simeon, and COO Tobin Ludwing, New York-based Hella produces a variety of cocktail bitters and mixers, as well as a ready-to-drink Bitters & Soda line.
Koia is strengthening its partnership with NBA All-Star Chris Paul and apparel brand Support Black Colleges to fund historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with the launch of a limited-edition version of its Cinnamon Horchata flavor protein shake.
Lux Row Distillers – the Bardstown, Kentucky, home of the Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Daviess County, David Nicholson and Blood Oath bourbon brands – has added two SKUs to its repertoire of offerings at retail. Beginning in June, the distillery’s Ezra Brooks 99 and Rebel 100 brands will be available in 1.75L bottles at a minimum suggested retail price of $44.99 and $35.99, respectively.
Pioneers of the Brunello category, Banfi, producer and importer of fine wines, proudly introduces the 2017 vintage of Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. Once dubbed the “Builders of Brunello,” the award-winning winery estate is credited with bringing the industry’s attention to this southern Tuscan region.
American Canning has officially opened their second shrink-sleeve line. Operational as of June 1, 2022, the additional line increases their sleeving capacity and ability to service craft beverage producers needing decorated cans at lower minimum quantity orders.
Given the runaway success of its highly-acclaimed Straight Rye Whiskey, Frey Ranch Distillery announces the release of a limited-edition Single Barrel Rye. Bottled at barrel strength and featuring a mash bill consisting of 100 percent rye, the launch of Frey Ranch Single Barrel Rye keeps pace with current dark spirits trends, as more bourbon consumers add rye to their repertoire of whiskeys. In fact, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS.org), rye whiskey volumes increased 1,275 percent – growing to 1.2 billion cases from 2009 to 2018 – a time when the classic cocktail renaissance began to hit its stride.
ANGEL’S ENVY, the Kentucky-based craft distiller that produces finished whiskeys, unveiled its completed $8.2 million Brand Home expansion at 500 E. Main St. in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. The expansion, which adds 13,000 square feet to the facility, will allow ANGEL’S ENVY to welcome an additional 64,000 visitors each year, doubling annual guest capacity.
GREY GOOSE Essences, the line of low-calorie* vodkas infused with real fruit and botanical essences, is thrilled to announce GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Kehlani as the headliner for its second annual "In Bloom" experience. On July 10th in New York City, Kehlani will immerse fans in the brand's blooming natural world with a rooftop concert performance. Singing beloved classics and new music from her latest LP "Blue Water Road" live for the very first time, the global event will be made available to NYC-based fans aged 21+ on a first come, first serve basis and experienced by even more virtually, via a specialty YouTube livestream.
Woodford Reserve released a new limited-edition bottle as part of its annual Distillery Series – Toasted Oak Oat Grain.
Colorado-based Hoplark has appointed former DRY Soda president and CMO Betsy Frost as the company’s new chief commercial officer.
Strong demand for RTD products and millennial consumer buying trends helped the global beverage alcohol market to bounce back from the previous year’s losses and grow by 12% to $1.17 million, recovering from pandemic-driven value losses of -4% in 2020.
Specialty coffee roaster BLK & Bold is taking its first step into the ready-to-drink sector with the launch of its canned cold brew coffee line, which is rolling out to Target stores nationwide this month. Founded in 2018, the Des Moines-based brand has established itself as the first nationally distributed Black-owned coffee and tea company in the U.S., selling its whole and ground beans in over 6,000 retail stores, including Target, Albertsons, Vons, Whole Foods and Shop Rite.
Uncle Tim’s Cocktails launches two award winning tasting sets of ready to drink cocktails featuring both classic and unique renditions of the Negroni and Manhattan.
After revamping the brand last year with a new look and identity built around the outdoors, Pepsi is moving its plant-based protein line EVOLVE further outdoors this summer with the launch of a mission driven marketing campaign built around sustainability.
