Calypso Acquires Mela Watermelon Water
King Juice, the parent company of Calypso Lemonades, is expanding its beverage portfolio with the acquisition of plant-based hydration brand Mela Water, producers of a premium watermelon water in cans.
Headlines
Wet Hydration Closes $4.5M Round, Former Celsius EVP Joins
Functional beverage startup Wet Hydration has closed a $4.5 million funding round, backed exclusively by private investors, as the brand looks to amp up its market presence this year with new innovation and key new personnel hires, including a former Celsius sales executive.
Distribution: TRIP Hits the Bullseye; 7-Eleven Teams with AriZona on Private Label Brand
U.K.-based functional beverage maker TRIP Drinks expanded its reach to Target stores across the U.S. this month, bringing the brand’s total global distribution footprint to 40,000 doors.
Nixie Nets Nearly $27M Investment
Nixie Beverage Company has landed a $26.9 million investment as it scales deeper into the zero-sugar soda set.
Nutcracker: Could Costco Cut $90M From Vita Coco?
Attempting to separate fact from fiction in a short seller report is a dangerous pastime, no doubt. Last week’s NINGI Research report on Vita Coco does all but light the final match after dousing the coconut water company in flammable rhetoric, concluding after an incendiary 20 pages that “we don’t see why anyone should bet on this horse.”
Taste Radio: Startup To $800M Sale. How A Three-Word Mantra Guided Kevin McCray.
Kevin McCray, the co-founder behind groundbreaking brand Kevin's Natural Foods, reveals the strategic playbook that propelled his namesake brand to an $800 million acquisition by Mars, Inc. in 2023, and how he's applying those same winning principles to his latest CPG venture, Wild Fox Foods.
Stone Distributing and Classic Beverage Acquired By Hand Family Companies’ Sunset Distributing
Hand Family Companies (HFC) has made a blockbuster deal to add Stone Distributing Company and Classic Beverage in Southern California to its newly formed Sunset Distributing subsidiary, the multistate independent Anheuser-Busch distributor announced today.
On-Premise Update & Outlook – CGA by NIQ March 2025
The On Premise universe grew in December, particularly driven by openings of Casual dining outlets, which were the most common venue type.
Daily Briefing (Insiders Only): Saratoga’s Morning Routine Bump
Fitness influencer Ashton Hall’s morning routine has turned into a huge boost for Saratoga Spring Water, and after a viral video last month turbo-charged the brand’s sales, we’re watching for their next move.
DISCUS: Industry Battles Tariffs Uncertainty, Anti-Alcohol Trends
Advocating for the federal government to untangle distilled spirits from tariff policy was the major theme at the annual Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) conference in Washington D.C. this week.
Taste Radio: A Surprising Salvo On Artificial Colors. Plus, Ben Stiller… Pop?
Is West Virginia’s groundbreaking move to ban artificial dyes in food the pebble that causes an avalanche? And, is Ben Stiller really leaping into an already crowded pool for BFY soda? Lots to discuss. We also sit down with Dan Grim, the CEO of functional drink manufacturer Lucky To Be Beverage Co.
New Products: Co-Brands, Multipacks and Golf-Themed Cocktail Capsules
In this week’s new products gallery, we take a look at co-branded launches from Starbucks and Nespresso, Bang and Any Means Possible, and VMI Sports and PEZ. As well, we feature multipack launches from Electrolit and St. Cecilia Soda.
A Drink With…Ty Gilmore, President Tilray Beverages, North America
Tilray Brands announced its launch into intoxicating hemp drinks last year, Ty Gilmore, the company's president of North America, chatted about the strategy it is taking to the category.
Lucky Energy Nets $14.2 Million in Fresh Funding
Clean ingredient energy drink maker Lucky Energy has secured a new tranche of growth capital as it looks to double down in key markets while broadening its team.