L.A. Libations marked ten years in business in 2018, a decade that has taken the Coke-affiliated beverage accelerator down different paths and directions with a wide variety of products and entrepreneurs. In this clip from BevNET Live Winter 2018, co-founders Pat Bolden, Danny Stepper and Dino Sarti reflected on the journey thus far and shared some of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Steve Grasse discussed the roots of his career in branding and design and how he built Sailor Jerry Rum and Hendrick’s from concepts into best-selling brands. He also explained why he views his creative agency, Quaker City Mercantile, as a “spirits company that does corporate gigs to pay for experimentation," how it helped revitalize Guinness beer and why he identifies as a “filmmaker that makes booze.”
All three major beverage manufacturers enjoyed individual sales increases during the four-week period ending on Dec. 29, with all-channel dollar sales up 5.8 percent, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Wells Fargo Securities.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is enjoying its moment as one of the hottest ingredients in the food and beverage industry. But even as regulations on hemp production have been lifted and more states adopt pro-cannabis stances, consumer education remains a key concern for the nascent CBD market.
In this clip from BevNET Live Winter 2018, Spindrift founder and CEO Bill Creelman joined BevNET editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman for a discussion of the company’s journey so far and the key decisions that put it in a position to thrive. Reflecting on Spindrift’s early days, Creelman talked about the importance of developing the brand in the food service channel during its first four years, his decision to “leave the conversation and stand for something different” with regards to using natural flavors, and why brands in fast moving categories need to be committed to continually measuring performance or risk being left behind.
Cognitive function brand BrainJuice saw its retail footprint rise from 150 to nearly 4,000 stores last year, adding Whole Foods Market and more than 1,000 GNC stores this month; Coca-Cola names Boxed exclusive retailer for Smartwater alkaline and antioxidant lines.
Larry Kahn, a partner and managing director with private equity firm Beechwood Capital, spoke about the courtship process between brands and potential capital partners, what entrepreneurs should and shouldn’t say in a funding pitch and why investors loathe surprises. Also: a review of recent beverage investment and acquisition deals involving Tio Gazpacho, Revive Kombucha and Dirty Lemon.
Feeling the pain of a declining sales amidst a dairy backlash, kefir maker Lifeway Foods is preparing a new internal restructuring project that brings a mix of tried and true strategies and new unventured grounds for the 33 year old brand.
As the temperatures outside continue to drop, you'll need something to sip on during the cold months indoors. In this gallery, we highlight a selection of notable new releases for the season, including new premium tequilas and the next expression in Macallan's Fine & Rare series.
As Fiji receives free media play via musicians and late night television skits, its owner The Wonderful Company continues to put in the legwork to maintain its vitality. In this clip from BevNET Live, Fiji president Elizabeth Stephenson walks through how Wonderful is keeping a mature brand like Fiji at the top of the conversation.
Laith Alkhawaja, the Founder and President of MediDate Coffee, is bringing the benefits of roasted date seeds to consumers. Much like traditional coffee, the unique beverage is made by roasting, grinding and brewing date seeds.
When investors and entrepreneurs clash, it can be a recipe for disaster. But when the partnership is honest and supportive, it can be the key to taking a business to the next level. In this clip from BevNET Live Winter 2018, REBBL CEO Sheryl O'Loughlin and BIGR Ventures co-founder Duane Primozich talk about how they have developed the traditional investment/brand dynamic into a true friendship.
Meal replacement maker Soylent’s natural use occasion is clear: three meals a day, three reasons to purchase a Soylent. Now as the brand moves into the mainstream retail environment, the company is creating new use occasions for its growing consumer base with Soylent Bridge, a new low calorie snacking line
Highlights from interviews with a few of the leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs and who joined us on the podcast during the second half of 2018, including Kobe Bryant, Angie Bastian of Angie’s Boomchickapop, Andrew Zimmern, Blueprint founders Zoe Sakoutis and Erica Huss, America’s Test Kitchen/Milk Street creator Christopher Kimball, and AriZona Beverages co-founder and chairman Don Vultaggio.
