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BevNET Category Closeup Returns Wednesday With Panel Discussion on “Zero Proof” Drinks BevNET Category Closeup Returns Wednesday With Panel Discussion on “Zero Proof” Drinks

BevNET Category Closeup Returns Wednesday With Panel Discussion on “Zero Proof” Drinks

by BevNET.com Staff,

BevNET's Category Closeup video series returns this week with a panel discussion focused on the emergence of the no/low alcohol and "zero-proof" drinks movement, examining why the trend is gaining momentum, how entrepreneurs in the space are standing out in an increasingly competitive category, the impact of format and packaging innovations, and how the shifting context around health and wellness is influencing overall growth in the segment.

Soda Startup Perfy Builds Brand Around Brain Benefits, NFTs Soda Startup Perfy Builds Brand Around Brain Benefits, NFTs

Soda Startup Perfy Builds Brand Around Brain Benefits, NFTs

by Brad Avery,

Entrepreneurs frequently put their heart and soul into their products, but for Perfy founder Vasa Martinez, the new functional soda brand is personal from the name to the ingredients. And when it comes to marketing, Perfy is focused on connecting with consumers in the Web3 and NFT community where the brand has already made an impact.

Taste Radio: You Just Can’t Beat IRL. And, Why This ‘Ugly’ Exit Got An Online Ovation. Taste Radio: You Just Can’t Beat IRL. And, Why This ‘Ugly’ Exit Got An Online Ovation.

Taste Radio: You Just Can’t Beat IRL. And, Why This ‘Ugly’ Exit Got An Online Ovation.

by BevNET.com Staff,

Taste Radio’s hosts reflected on a nine-day, three-event, four-competition extravaganza, discussed the value of in-person networking and connecting with entrepreneurs for the first time after two years of virtual meetings. They also chatted about the decision of a well-known entrepreneur to step down as CEO of his company and riffed on new products that came to market over the past month.

Distribution Roundup: VYBES, Day One Bring CBD to San Diego Distribution Roundup: VYBES, Day One Bring CBD to San Diego

Distribution Roundup: VYBES, Day One Bring CBD to San Diego

by Martín Caballero and Brad Avery,

Having built its core business in Southern California, functional beverage brand VYBES is now aiming to capture one of the region’s biggest markets; Also, Angry Angel makes its debut in Publix, Rowdy Energy expands nationwide with 7-Eleven, and Wilfred's Non-Alcoholic Aperitif launches in the U.S.

J.M. Smucker Co. Divests From Natural Beverages, Grains J.M. Smucker Co. Divests From Natural Beverages, Grains

J.M. Smucker Co. Divests From Natural Beverages, Grains

by Martín Caballero,

The J.M. Smucker Company continued to cull its CPG brand portfolio today with the announcement of an agreement to sell its natural and organic beverage and grains business to venture group Nexus Capital Management in a cash deal valued at around $110 million.

Nielsen: Non-Alc Beverages See Robust Growth Through November Nielsen: Non-Alc Beverages See Robust Growth Through November

Nielsen: Non-Alc Beverages See Robust Growth Through November

by Brad Avery,

All channel non-alcoholic beverage sales saw “robust” growth across categories in the period ending December 4, according to an analysis of NelsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research. Beverage dollar sales were up 16.1% in the two-week period, compared to 13.8% in the four-weeks. On a two-year stack basis, total dollar sales rose 23.4%.

Four Sigmatic Shifts Focus From Function to Flavor With Creamers Launch Four Sigmatic Shifts Focus From Function to Flavor With Creamers Launch

Four Sigmatic Shifts Focus From Function to Flavor With Creamers Launch

by Martín Caballero,

Where function had previously been paramount, the proliferation of the functional mushroom category — rising to $7.98 billion in 2020, according to Allied Market Research — means Four Sigmatic is making a slight pivot in messaging with its latest release.

Green Circle Capital Launches Hormel-Backed Foodtech Venture Fund Green Circle Capital Launches Hormel-Backed Foodtech Venture Fund

Green Circle Capital Launches Hormel-Backed Foodtech Venture Fund

by Brad Avery,

Green Circle Capital Partners announced today it has raised $13 million for its first fund in a new venture capital division, Green Circle Foodtech Ventures (GCFV), with an anchor investment from Hormel Foods’ VC arm 199 Ventures. The new investment vehicle will target early stage, innovative foodtech companies working across a number of spaces, including food safety, sustainable packaging, sugar reduction, food waste and supply chain efficiency.