News

Performance energy brand Adrenaline Shoc (A Shoc) is tapping into the natural space with this week’s announcement of A Shoc Accelerator, a new line of plant-based drinks featuring a “thermogenic blend” of functional ingredients. Accelerator is rolling out into select stores now and next month will add 7-Eleven stores nationwide.

Through its use of ultra-filtered milk permeate as a nutrient-rich base, the company brand is aiming to position its debut product — a four-SKU line of sports drinks in 16.9 oz. bottles — as delivering electrolytes and vitamins “from the goodness of milk.

The Coca-Cola Company confirmed Friday that it has notified U.S. antitrust regulators that it has begun the process of acquiring a controlling stake in sports drink brand BodyArmor. If the deal goes through, it could give Coke a commanding presence in the sports drink category with a serious competitor to PepsiCo’s Gatorade.

With the debut of its new visual identity and packaging design on March 1, New York-based Sound company is taking its most intentional steps yet towards penetrating the premium sparkling water space.

In this week's Distribution Roundup, two innovative and better-for-you beverage brands -- plant-based shake maker Koia and mamaki tea company Shaka Tea -- enter 7-Eleven stores nationwide. Elsewhere, Sanzo expands its retail presence with new DSD partners in New York and Los Angeles.

The Coca-Cola Company has begun the process of acquiring a controlling stake in sports drink brand BodyArmor.

Slate Milk, the Boston-based maker of lactose-free chocolate milks marketed towards adults, has raised $1.7 million in a funding round led by Riverpark Ventures. The round brings the company’s total financing to $2.5 million and also features a number of angel investors including Halo Top executives Doug Bolton.