Nielsen: Red Bull Outpacing Category As Energy Decelerates
After months of climbing, energy drinks sales slowed during the two week period ending on November 28, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Goldman Sachs.
Headlines
Chobani Unveils Yogurt, Oat Milk Innovations in Wave of Product Launches
Building out their stake in rising consumer trends like gut health and plant-based diets, Chobani this month is releasing a broad slate of new products, including the Chobani Probiotics line of yogurts and drinks, and flavor extensions to its existing oat milk and creamers portfolio.
Update: Arbitrator Rules Pepsi-Bang Deal Remains Intact
Despite claims by Vital Pharmaceuticals/VPX Sports boss Jack Owoc that “terminated means terminated,” PepsiCo can continue to distribute the energy drink until the completion of ongoing dispute between the two parties, according to an emergency arbitration ruling issued on Monday.
Molson Coors Invests in Arriba, Deepening L.A. Libations Partnership
Molson Coors Beverage Company is further solidifying its relationship with L.A. Libations by investing in Arriba, a brand of michelada mixers operated by the California-based incubator. The partnership will place Arriba into Molson Coors’ distribution network, with a focus on growing the brand in the California and Texas markets.
Taste Radio Ep. 234: ‘Once’ Co-Founders Garner & Foraker Open Up About The Importance Of Mission, Middle America & BLM
Once Upon a Farm co-founders Jennifer Garner and John Foraker spoke about the evolution of the company’s strategy for winning over retail buyers, merchandising and communicating brand attributes over recent years and why they believe that “everything starts with the consumer.” They also discussed the company’s relationship with Save The Children and its response to the Black Lives Matter movement.
BevNET Live is Today! Access the Virtual Venue.
The virtual main stage at BevNET Live begins with Kara Goldin, HINT's CEO, sharing the lessons she has learned and how they can help beverage brands as they deal with these tumultuous times. Her discussion will be followed by a panel of executives from Ollipop, Better Booch, and So Good So You discussing how their brands managed raises, rebrands, and sales growth in the midst of all the upheaval. Registered attendees can access today's presentations, networking and on-demand content through the virtual venue.
Blue Ridge Bucha Acquired by Venture Capitalist Hank Heyming
Virginia-based kombucha brand Blue Ridge Bucha announced last week that it has been acquired by Hank Heyming, a venture capitalist who is also the co-founder and a managing partner of Trolley Ventures. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
BevNET Best Of 2020 Award Finalists and Nominees
The nominees and finalists for BevNET’s “Best of 2020” Awards reflect the variety and strength within the beverage industry both in front of and behind the scenes, whether it’s delivering bold new innovation and inspiring product concepts, executing effective marketing, or managing operations and supply chain in an unpredictable economic climate. For the first time, BevNET accepted nominations for the 2020 awards, resulting in a wide field of over 320 brands, products, campaigns and individuals that reflected the diversity and rich tapestry of our industry.
Owoc Declares “Termination” Completed As Pepsi-Bang Battle Continues
In an interview with Beverage Digest, Bang CEO Jack Owoc declared the company's distribution agreement with PepsiCo as decisively "terminated" despite the soda giant's saying otherwise.
Flame On: Kill Cliff, Podcasting Giant Joe Rogan Collaborate on CBD Drink
The beverage company today revealed “The Flaming Joe,” a new spicy pineapple-flavored SKU in its CBD-infused energy line developed in collaboration with Rogan, best known as the host of The Joe Rogan Experience.
Taste Radio Insider Ep. 106: The ‘Future’ Of Millennial & Gen Z Brands
The co-founders of next-generation beverage company Future/Proof, spoke about why naiveté, scrappiness and business school connections were critical to the early development of their flagship brand, BeatBox Beverages. They also explained why over-preparation is key to fundraising and how the convergence of lifestyle and liquid play into the company’s trade and consumer marketing strategies.
CANarchy Makes First Non-Alc Partnership, Inks Distribution Agreement with Recovery Drink Revitalyte
The CANarchy Brewery Collective has forged its first non-alcoholic beverage partnership. The craft brewery rollup announced today a master distribution agreement with Revitalyte, a recovery beverage sold in convenience and liquor stores that is targeted to those seeking a remedy for hangovers and athletes looking for a recovery drink.
People Moves: Jones Soda Names Mark Murray as CEO; Aqua ViTea Builds Out C-Suite
Jones Soda has named Mark Murray as its permanent president and CEO; Vermont-based kombucha maker Aqua ViTea announced an expansion of its leadership team with three new additions to its c-suite; Soylent co-founder Rob Rhinehart has stepped down as chairman of the company’s board of directors.
Venus Williams, Dyla Brands Collaborate on Happy Viking Protein Shake
Beverage company Dyla Brands is expanding into a new category with the launch of Happy Viking, a line of plant-based protein drinks developed by tennis superstar Venus Williams.