Suntory Names New Global Head of RTDs
Suntory Global Spirits has appointed longtime beverage executive Davin Nugent as president of global ready-to-drink (RTD), signaling a sharpened focus on that industry bright spot.
News
Spirits Declines Persist as RTDs Drive Holiday Alcohol Sales
Despite a seasonal lift from Christmas week, bev-alc sales closed out December in decline, with spirits weighing on the industry while ready-to-drink (RTD) delivered one of the few bright spots.
Non-Alc Beverage Sales Accelerate In Late December
Volume sales gains contributed to “modestly accelerated” growth for non-alc beverages in the two-week period ending December 27, according to the latest analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
InvestBev Lands $14M From ‘Leading Global Beverage Company’
InvestBev Capital's flagship Fund V has received a $14 million strategic investment from a “leading global beverage company," the private equity firm announced today.
Zico Raising: Brand Aiming for $7M Investment
Coconut water brand Zico Rising reported that it has secured $2.2 million of an expected $7 million funding round.
RYZE Brings Its Mushroom Coffees to Retail with Exclusive Target Rollout
Functional mushroom coffee maker RYZE is hitting brick and mortar stores with its first national retail launch in Target this month. The clean label brand had primarily grown its business online since launching in 2020.
Gorgie Keeps On Trend with Protein Energy Launch
Debuting in two flavors – Strawberry Pop and Power Punch, each 12 oz. can of Protein Energy contains 8 grams of protein, zero sugar, L-theanine, biotin, B vitamins and 150 mg of caffeine from green tea.
Taste Radio: Lessons Learned, Applied. A CPG Pioneer’s ‘Second’ Act.
She helped redefine premium soda. Now she’s rethinking the martini. In this episode, Sharelle Klaus shares how the lessons, missteps and successes of building DRY Soda informed the launch of Second Sip, a lower-proof gin designed for today’s intentional drinker. She reflects on how her second act is more focused, shaped by patience, distribution strategy, brand clarity and long-term scale.
THC Cocktail Brand Jeng Nets VC Investment, Emphasizes Female Focus
Jeng received a seed round investment from beverage-focused VC firm Quench Ventures, as the brand emphasizes its female consumer positioning.
Author and Podcast Host Mel Robbins Launches Pure Genius Protein Shot
Author and podcast host Mel Robbins is entering the functional beverage space with the launch of Pure Genius Protein, her first consumer product.
Taste Radio: For Ryan Phillippe, The Real Drama Is In The Beverage Aisle
On location at BevNET Live L.A. 2025, actor and investor Ryan Phillippe – attending alongside Pretty Tasty co-founder Scarlett Leung – explains why functional beverages, credible health benefits, and shelf-grabbing design are the factors that separate forgettable brands from the next breakout hit.
Spirit Industry Vets Launch Hemp-THC Platform Highpour
Alcohol losing share to cannabis drinks has been the cause for much pearl-clutching in the booze industry, but not for this Texas-based team of entrepreneurs.
Reviews: Recess, Dad Grass Take on Dry January
Just in time for Dry January, this week's reviews features two brands specializing in alcohol-free relaxation, including a winter-themed mock-tini and a functional "leisure drink."
Consultancy Firm Outlier Initiative’s Strategy To Build For The ‘Long-Haul’
In a BevNET Live replay, beverage marketing consultant Courtney O’Brien discussed how emerging brands can build for long-term growth.