Headlines

Stoli Group Backs Hemp-Based Pathfinder to Find Non-Alc Growth Route

Stoli Group has invested in The Pathfinder Hemp and Root, a fermented and distilled non-alcoholic amaro. Made from fermented and distilled hemp (non-intoxicating), the non-alcoholic spirit sits at the nexus of two rising categories: cannabis drinks and no/low alcohol.

NielsenIQ: Bev Sales Growth Slows to +8.8% In Early May

Non-alcoholic beverage sales remained “healthy but decelerated sequentially,” growing 8.8% in the two-week period ending May 6, according to an analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

Distribution Roundup: Midwest Juicery Crafts Regional Strategy for Cold-Pressed Products

After watching cold-pressed juice establish a place for itself in the tastemaker markets of New York and Los Angeles, Midwest Juicery is looking to reinvigorate the category in its own backyard. Also, ShineWater and Remedy Organic expand their Northeast presence, Hella Cocktail Co. partners with Rainforest, and Mineragua enters select Whole Foods doors.

Taste Radio: How A ‘Global’ Perspective Yielded Deals With Post Malone, A$AP Rocky & Kevin Hart

James Morrissey, the founder of beverage alcohol platform Global Brand Equities, discussed his vision to meet modern consumers where they live and drink via a contemporary approach to brand and promotion, how he cultivates mutually beneficial celebrity partnerships and why moving at “the speed of culture” is key to the company’s marketing strategy.

Natural Sweeteners Were Supposed to Replace Artificial Ones. They Haven’t.

While consumers may not necessarily be flocking to artificial ingredients with open arms, the data shows that strong product launches from top beverage conglomerates and insurgent brands, such as sucralose-sweetened energy players PRIME and Celsius, are pushing lab-developed sweeteners ahead in certain parts of the store.

Taste Radio: Michelle Obama’s Foray Into CPG – On Target Or Missing The Mark?

The hosts discussed the news that Michelle Obama has joined kids’ food and beverage company PLEZi Nutrition as a co-founder and strategic partner and spoke about the potential impact of the former first lady’s influence and political connections on the brand’s development. They also highlighted the 10 brands named as part of Target’s third Takeoff Food and Beverage program.

This Week’s New Products: Non-Alcoholic Cocktails, Plus SunnyD Super Greens

In this week’s new products gallery, health and wellness brand BEAM teams up with SunnyD to create a limited edition Super Greens flavor, Spindrift kicks off summer early with its Peach Strawberry offering and Devil’s Foot and ISH roll out new non-alcoholic cocktail offerings.