Marketing: Something & Nothing Rethinks Modern Soda; Jarritos Turns 75
U.K.-based Something & Nothing is seeking to rethink the future of the category with its first stateside out-of-home campaign, “Not Pop.”
News
New Products: LMNT Slims Down, Ben Stiller Does Soda and Ghia Returns
We have a windfall of new beverage launches in this week’s new product gallery with limited time launches from Celsius, Laird and more. Elsewhere the dairy brands innovated against growing demands from co-op Organic Valley’s push deeper into plant-based, to Koia’s ‘Elite’ line extension with a sweet new flavor.
Starbucks to Shutter 500+ Stores As Coffee Costs Soar
While emerging rivals seek to move in, Starbucks announced on Thursday that it’s shuttering hundreds of stores along with around 900 non-retail jobs in search of around $1 billion in cost savings.
Spirits RTDs: Growth Cools As On-Premise, Unique Flavors Heat Up
Growth is slowing down for spirits-based RTDs, but gains in the on-premise and emerging flavor categories hint at opportunities, according to bev-alc consulting and data firm 3 Tier Beverages.
Hy-Vee Adds FoodHealth Score To Store Shelves
Hy-Vee debuted a new partnership with nutrition intelligence platform FoodHealth Company, becoming the first retailer to bring the color-coded, numerical nutritional score directly to products sold in-stores.
South Africa’s Pura Makes Play for U.S. with Soda, Kids Drink Launches
As the soda category reshapes itself under the influence of new better-for-you brands, South African soda and kids beverage producer Pura is seeking a slice of the pie in America.
Real Estate Developer Enters CPG With $50M Venture Fund
Real estate developer Beckett Industries is launching a $50 million venture capital fund that will target early-stage food and beverage businesses.
Distribution: HappyPop Makes National Debut in Sprouts
Mood-boosting functional beverage brand HappyPop is making its nationwide retail debut at Sprouts Farmers Market stores this month. The launch includes two new flavors, Wonder Berry and Cheery Cherry.
Reviews: Strive Hydration Soda, Birdie Sparkling Tea & Mateína’s Energy Brews
To sparkle or not to sparkle? Whatever you fancy, we've got it this week with Mateina's yerba mate brews, Strive's take on hydration soda, and Birdie sparkling tea.
Waku Tea Raising $1.5M Seed, As Brand Hits Retail ‘Inflection Point’
Prebiotic drink brand Waku Tea is closing a $1.5 million seed round by the end of the year, backed by the venture arm of Beckett Industries.
Delta Beverages Unveils Refresh, Targets C-Stores for Hemp THC Growth
Delta Beverages unveiled a new visual identity and a marketing campaign that seek to “humanize” the brand while eliminating the stigma often associated with cannabis use.
Judge Allows Class-Action Lawsuit Over Sazerac’s Fireball to Proceed
Sazerac is facing legal heat again for selling malt-based versions of Fireball and Parrot Bay that allegedly misled consumers who believed they were spirits-based products.
Ben Stiller Launches New ‘Nostalgic’ BFY Soda Brand Stiller’s
Actor Ben Stiller is joining the likes of beverage heavyweights Coca-Cola and PepsiCo in the modern soda stakes, launching his new low-sugar CSD line.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka to Acquire Majority Stake in LALO Tequila
Tito’s Handmade Vodka has struck a deal to acquire a majority stake in LALO Tequila, a fast-growing tequila brand often dubbed the “Tito’s of tequila.”