Headlines

Slate Milk Raises $1.7 Million, Expands to 3,000 Doors

Slate Milk, the Boston-based maker of lactose-free chocolate milks marketed towards adults, has raised $1.7 million in a funding round led by Riverpark Ventures. The round brings the company’s total financing to $2.5 million and also features a number of angel investors including Halo Top executives Doug Bolton.

Steaz Announces Rebrand, Launches Yerba Mate Line

It’s a new year and a new look for ready-to-drink tea brand Steaz. The company, which operates as a part of Novamex-owned beverage portfolio subsidiary Nova Naturals, announced a rebrand this week that increases emphasis on the drink’s antioxidant content with a new design, formulation and new product launches.

Category Closeup: Product Showcase – Energy Drinks

On this edition of Product Showcase, you’ll hear about the latest product innovations and brand updates from Wingman Smart Energy, GO BIG, Celsius, LifeAID, Pink & Blue, SWAY Energy, Riff Cold Brewed and Kill Cliff.

SORSE Technology “Canna-Bus” Takes Processor On the Road

What began as a quick on-site fix has evolved into a new way for SORSE to grow its business with Cann and other clients at a time when CBD and cannabis co-packers are unevenly distributed and regulated across the country.

Category Close-Up: Expert Analysis – Energy Drinks

In this episode of Category Closeup: Expert Analysis, the panel examined the development of the modern energy drink market, framing current trends against historical precedents and consumer preferences.

Office Hours: Firm Up Financially in 2021; Join the Live Studio Audience

Office Hours, the show where experts bring their strategy and experience to bear against the complexities of growing brands, is returning to serve the BevNET and NOSH community with all-new episodes starting March 3. Join the live studio audience and submit your questions for the upcoming show.

Taste Radio Ep. 239: Uncovering A Billion-Dollar Opportunity ‘Hidden In Plain Sight’

Bill Shufelt, the co-founder and CEO of non-alcoholic beer maker Athletic Brewing Co., spoke about the critical importance of market research, how he dealt with consistent rejection from beer industry professionals and why he believes that “drama is so unproductive.” He also discussed how he planned for and is managing explosive growth and how he evaluates strategic partnerships.

Spindrift Launches Lemonade Sparkling Water Line

Spindrift is preparing for its largest product launch thus far with the announcement of three Lemonade-based sparkling waters. The new varieties, which launch in March, are available in 12 oz. cans in Lemon Limeade, Pink Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade. Each drink features real fruit juice and less than one gram of sugar with no added sweeteners.

PepsiCo: Sales ‘Resilient’ in 2020, Despite COVID Challenges

Despite unprecedented headwinds from the COVID-19 pandemic, PepsiCo showed “resilient” growth in its full year 2020 and Q4 earnings report this week. The company reported organic revenue growth of 4.3% for the full year and 5.7% in the fourth quarter. Net revenue for the year was up 4.8% and increased 8.8% in the quarter.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 111: How This Brand Quietly Built A $100M DTC Powerhouse

Organifi CEO Mae Steigler spoke about the origins of the powdered juice and supplement brand, the company’s impressive DTC business and how she and her team crafted an effective consumer acquisition and retention strategy. She also discussed how Organifi scaled while being bootstrapped and how daily huddles and employee empowerment are key to the company culture.

PepsiCo Debuts Caffeinated Bubly ‘Bounce’ Line

PepsiCo is officially expanding its interests in the flavored sparkling water market with the release of Bubly Bounce, a caffeine-infused line extension launching nationwide today.