Betsy Frost Joins Hoplark as Chief Commercial Officer
Colorado-based Hoplark has appointed former DRY Soda president and CMO Betsy Frost as the company’s new chief commercial officer.
Headlines
IWSR: Global Alcohol Bounces Back In 2021 On Pandemic-Driven Consumer Trends
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.
BLK & Bold Heads into RTD with Cold Brew Coffee Launch
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.
Marketing: Pepsi Speaks for the Trees with New EVOLVE Campaign; Bubly Honors LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces in Short Film
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.
NielsenIQ Acquires On-Premise Data Firm CGA
Two of the biggest names in beverage-alcohol data are joining forces. Global data giant NielsenIQ announced today it has acquired on-premise data firm CGA, in which it initially invested in 2009. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Brad Paisley’s Bourbon Is On A Bumpy Ride. And, That’s A Good Thing.
This week, country music superstar Brad Paisley joined the podcast to discuss his foray into the spirits business as the founder of American Highway Reserve, a uniquely crafted, super-premium bourbon. Paisley explained why product positioning was determined as the brand was developed, communicating the production story to consumers, why his name isn’t on the label and his ultimate vision for the bourbon.
SunOpta: Manufacturing, Oat Milk Set to Drive Business 2X by 2025
Minnesota-based food and beverage company SunOpta forecasts it will double its business by 2025 with focused investment in more aseptic manufacturing capacity that will service its move into the RTD nutrition category and will help grow its oat-based products division.
Honest Founder Seth Goldman Seeks Organic Tea Revival Under Eat the Change
When The Coca-Cola Company announced last month its decision to discontinue Honest Tea by the end of the year, the brand’s founders were dismayed by what they believed was a shortsighted decision. Two weeks later, they’re brewing up a new line of better-for-you teas to take the mantle.
Web3 Roundup: IBC Places High Hopes for the Metaverse into Cannaland
Advisory firm IBC announced it has partnered with Cannaverse Technologies to serve as a brand advisor for Cannaland, a metaverse project intended to act as a hub for the cannabis consumers and members of the industry; Also, what the deal is behind an AriZona-backed stablecoin and Hummii's launch in California.
CGA: Elevated Cocktail Sales Driving Revenue; Spirits-Based Seltzers +80.9% in Off-Premise Retailers, per IRI
In the on-premise channel, bars and restaurants have earned more than $12,000 on average from the sale of cocktails in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the 12 weeks that ended October 22, reported CGA, which focuses on on-premise retail occasions.
Colorado Enacts New WWF-backed Recycling Program, Operated and Funded By Packaging Producers
Colorado governor Jared Polis has signed a bill that requires packaging producers and printed paper manufacturers to help operate and fund a new statewide recycling program that aims to increase recycling rates and create a circular economy for all recyclable materials, primarily plastic bottles, paper-based packaging and cans.
Alkaline Water Co. CEO Richard Wright Resigns, Successor Named
The Alkaline Water Company is officially under new leadership after longtime CEO and President Richard “Ricky” Wright resigned, effective immediately, and was quickly replaced by company director Frank Lazaran on Friday.
Taste Radio: Honest Tea Opened Doors. Its Closure Might Open Even More.
Taste Radio’s hosts discussed Coca-Cola’s decision to discontinue Honest Tea, the brand’s legacy and impact on better-for-you beverage and food companies and what the move might mean for emerging upstarts. They also highlighted recently announced speakers, including top executives from Whole Foods and Kroger, that will be joining the stages at BevNET Live and NOSH Live this summer and chatted about several innovative products that crossed their desks over the past month.
This Week’s New Products: Barista-Designed Oat Milk, Fruity Summer Flavors and Brisk’s First Sparkling Tea
In this week’s roundup of new product launches, Brisk launches its first-ever sparkling tea with Taco Bell, Vita Coco adds juice to its portfolio and cannabis-infused beverage maker Cann introduces new “lite” offerings with zero sugar, plus new plant-based milks for at-home baristas, non-alcoholic cocktails and electrolyte drink mixes.