Headlines

Anheuser-Busch to Acquire Fast-Growing Cutwater Spirits

The world’s largest beer company today announced the purchase of fast-growing Cutwater Spirits, a craft distilling venture that was originally born inside of Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits.

Brand Profile: PathWater Seeks to Reroute PET Water

PathWater is a California-based water brand packaged in reusable aluminum bottles intended as an environmentally-friendly alternative to single-use plastic. The company’s founders say they’re not overly concerned with the brand’s profit margins, but are seeking to launch a “revolution” that will reduce waste and curb the industry’s carbon footprint.

Rowdy Mermaid Raises $3.5M in Series A

Colorado-based kombucha maker Rowdy Mermaid has raised $3.5 million in a Series A round led by private investment firm KarpReilly, the company announced today. Rowdy Mermaid plans to build the brand’s presence in the conventional and convenience channels, but will also focus on adding food service accounts including schools and universities and vending.

Euromonitor: CBD, Personalization Set to Drive Cannabis Market

In a webinar entitled “Cannabis Legalisation: How It Will Disrupt the Future” hosted by market research company Euromonitor International on Thursday, Shane MacGuill, head of tobacco research, and Spiros Malandrakis, head of alcoholic drinks research, looked at several ways in which cannabis will likely disrupt the tobacco and alcohol industries as well as how these industries can adapt.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 21: This is Why Nestlé Invested a Half-Billion in Blue Bottle Coffee

After spending $500 million to acquire a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee, it might be surprising to hear that Nestlé is content to let the premium roaster and retailer “just be.” Blue Bottle CEO Bryan Meehan spoke about the company’s relationship with Nestlé, its purposeful innovation strategy and efforts to enhance consumers’ experience with coffee. Also in this episode: an interview with former N’Sync star Lance Bass, who recently launched a cocktail mixer brand.

Coke: Poor Outlook Hits Stock Price Despite Solid Q4

Despite a 5 percent increase in organic sales in the fourth quarter, The Coca-Cola Company’s poor 2019 outlook resulted in the company’s largest single day drop in stock price since 2008 following its Q4 and full year earnings report.

Teamsters: Survey Finds “Significant Disruption” in SoCal Coke Distribution

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters claimed today that strategic decisions made by Coca-Cola bottler and distributor Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling (RCCB) “have created significant disruption in the quality of service” for customers in Southern California, according to the results of a survey of over 100 retailers.

Distribution Roundup: GLOE Ramps Up Retail Activations

GLOE Brands will add thousands of new locations for its Organic GLOE Sparkling line; Celsius adds Anheuser-Busch InBev DSD distributors; Origin Almond partners with Rainforest and KeHE; Koia adds 530 new Target stores.

Elevator Talk: Marin Kombucha Focuses on the Craft of Brewing

Marin Kombucha offers a line of oak aged kombuchas that are craft brewed in small batches. CEO & Brewmaster Brian Igersheim is focused on delivering high quality kombucha that highlights the special qualities of the tea leaves.

Sonoma Brands Sees Management Additions

Over the past two months, investment group and incubator Sonoma Brands has seen changes to its operating team including the addition of two managing directors. Founder Jon Sebastiani told NOSH the additions are reflective of how the firm has evolved since its inception.

Press Clips: Emails Show Coke Courting Favor with CDC

Report finds emails between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Coca-Cola Company; Coke apologizes for Delta Airlines napkin ads; Maine coffee shop claims trademark infringement on "CBD Coffee"; Forbes profiles Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Company