News

BevNET Live Winter 2018 Video: Building Premium Brands with Spindrift’s Bill Creelman

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.

Catoctin Creek Distilling Company Releases 2 Bottled in Bond Spirits

Catoctin Creek Distillery is celebrating its 10th anniversary next month with the release of two limited-edition Bottled in Bond spirits, Rabble Rouser Rye Whisky and 1757 Virginia XO Brandy, both launching Feb. 16. For more information, visit CatoctinCreekDistilling.com.

Koia Introduces New Keto Line

Koia, the 100-percent plant-based protein drink that is naturally craveable and nutritious, today announced the launch of Koia Keto in collaboration with Whole Foods Market. The dessert-inspired line offers consumers a convenient, sweet indulgence to complement their ketogenic journey with three delicious flavors: Chocolate Brownie, Cake Batter and Caramel Crème. 

BodyArmor Sports Drink Names Paul Lukanowski Chief Operating Officer

BodyArmor, the fastest-growing sports drink in the category, today announced that Paul Lukanowski will join the team as Chief Operating Officer. Lukanowski will join BodyArmor on March 4 and will be responsible for overseeing bottler relations, national accounts, commercial operations and international expansion.

Distribution Roundup: BrainJuice Enters Whole Foods and GNC

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.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 15: How To Win Over Venture Capitalists… And What They Don’t Want to Hear In Your Pitch

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.

Mindfulll Launches Two Organic Tea Brands

MindFull, Inc. is introducing Gaiam and Vibe, two ready-to-drink organic electrolyte tea brands as the first products in their beverage portfolio. Both product lines will launch nationwide in January of 2019 in retail stores as well as e-commerce sites.

Sunshine Beverages Expands West with New Age Beverages Distribution Partnership

Sunshine Beverages, a fast-growing beverage company based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is expanding west into select markets and has announced a state-wide launch in Colorado. Sunshine Beverages produces, markets and sells a “better-for-you” energy beverage, branded Sunshine, in three refreshing flavors: Ginger Berry, Blueberry Lemonade and Clementine Twist.

Lifeway Charts Path to Renewed Growth with ‘2.0’ Plan

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.

Yönalé Launches New Line of Birch Waters

Once a year, deep in the pristine forests of the Finnish archipelago, locals collect a light, crisp, subtly sweet liquid from the trunks of birch trees: birch water. Packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, birch water has been enjoyed by Northern and Eastern Europeans for centuries and is known for giving the immune system a boost after long, dark Scandinavian winters.

Gallery: New Year, New Spirits

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.

BevNET Live Winter 2018 Video: Keeping a Mature Brand Vital with Fiji Water

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.