USDA Issues Final Rule for Hemp Production
Americans are closer to seeing what a federally regulated hemp industry looks like today, after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its finalized regulations.
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Category Close-Up: Kombucha and Probiotics – Expert Analysis
In this episode of Category Close-Up: Expert Analysis, we explore kombucha and probiotic beverages with experts from SPINS, Gelson's Markets, Whipstitch Capital and Aqua ViTea. For the greater part of the last decade, kombucha has been one of the great success stories in better-for-you beverages, giving health conscious consumers a powerful alternative to sodas and high-sugar drinks.
Taste Radio Ep. 237: How Celsius Rose From The Ashes To Become One Of The Hottest Brands In CPG
John Fieldly, CEO of fitness-centric energy brand Celsius, discussed the company’s turnaround from turmoil to over $100 million in sales in 2020, including the importance of setting expectations with staff and investors, how to optimize placement at key retailers and why he has an open door policy.
Remedy Organics Launches Immunity Shots Line
Citing the growing demand for immunity-boosting beverages, Remedy Organics has launched a new line of wellness shots, available online ahead of a planned retail rollout later this year. Developed by co-founder Cindy Kasindorf, the plant-based Immunity+ line is available in four flavors.
Taste Radio Insider Ep. 109: How Cleveland Kitchen Is Using Data And Innovation To Become A Household Name
Drew and Mac Anderson, co-founders of the fast-growing fermented food platform Cleveland Kitchen, spoke about how the brand drew its inspiration from their mother and from the city of Cleveland, their experience leaning into new use occasions for sauerkraut and why it was key to growth, the impact of data on its merchandising and sales and how the brothers balance family and business.
Rise Aims to Fuel Market Momentum With New Flavor, Funding
As one of the RTD cold brew and oat milk pioneers, the success of RISE Brewing Co., which launched its three-SKU line of oat milk lattes in 7 oz. cans in 2018, has helped pave the way for others to enter the category. The brand is seeking to leverage its first-mover advantage in oat milk to broaden its presence, starting with this month’s launch of a new Vanilla flavor.
Monster Unveils 2021 Product Slate But No Seltzer, Schlosberg Named Co-CEO
Defying the predictions of many industry analysts, Monster Beverage Corporation offered no official confirmation of nor announcement for its rumored alcoholic hard seltzer product during its 2021 Virtual Investors Meeting on Thursday. However, the company did announce Thursday that longtime president, CFO and COO Hilton Schlosberg has been named co-CEO of the company.
Zico Returns As Founder Rampolla, PowerPlant Ventures Buys Brand
Over a decade after its sale, Zico founder Mark Rampolla finds himself writing the next chapter in the coconut water brand's history, having reacquired the brand from Coca-Cola via investment fund PowerPlant Ventures, of which he is a partner and co-founder.
Chobani Enters RTD Coffee Category With Multi-Serve Cold Brews
Just over a month after releasing a slate of new innovations across several product categories, Chobani’s platform expansion continued today as the Greek yogurt maker revealed a new line of ready-to-drink cold brew coffees that highlight its expertise in dairy and plant-based dairy alternatives.
EverGrain Gives Spent Grain a Second Life as Plant-Based Barley Protein Ingredient
The brewing industry produces 9 million metric tons of spent grain annually, and rather than discard it, Anheuser Busch InBev-backed ingredient supplier EverGrain is giving the nutrient-rich brewing byproduct a second chance as a food and beverage ingredient.
KiiTO Rebrands as Vast, Targets Conventional Channel Growth
Plant protein drink maker KiiTO has rebranded as Vast, a move aimed at broadening the brand’s identity beyond keto-friendly products and expanding into conventional and club retailers. According to co-founder and chief sales officer Kendall Dreyer, the change comes as the brand has grown its presence outside of the natural channel through retailers such as 7-Eleven.
Bang Counters PepsiCo Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit
As VPX Pharmaceuticals seeks to end its distribution agreement with PepsiCo in court, the Florida-based maker of Bang energy drink has filed a response in opposition to the soda giant’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
Molson Coors Launches Its First U.S. CBD Drink in Colorado
Beer giant Molson Coors is continuing its push into non-alcoholic beverage categories with the U.S. launch of Veryvell, a line of sparkling CBD-infused drinks available exclusively in Colorado.
Coca-Cola Announces Suspension of All Political Donations After “Unlawful and Violent Events”
The country’s largest beverage company has announced the suspension of all political donations in response to last week’s violent mob attack on the U.S. Capitol.