If you have news for The Flow, contact Matt Casey at mcasey@bevnet.com.
LAW AND POLICY
Redux Beverages, makers of Cocaine Energy Drink, joined a growing list of beverage companies that signed PETA’s statement of assurance that no animals will be harmed in the production of their beverage. Other companies to sign the pledge include Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Ocean Spray, Welch’s and POM Wonderful. • Dozens of New York City’s restaurants joined eateries in Boston and San Francisco by banning bottled water from their establishments. • Red Bull settled a lawsuit with another Florida bar that “passed off” generic energy drinks as Red Bull. The settlement includes a $75,000 judgment and a permanent injunction against Ft. Lauderdale-based Dicey Riley’s that prevents the bar’s employees from continuing the practice .
PEOPLE
Vita Coco hired three new sales managers in the New York/Tri-state and Boston areas. Jon Van Steenbergen worked for automobile brand Saturn. Tom Puntoompoti worked at glaceau vitaminwater, and David “D-Mac” McAlister worked for Great Street Beverage in New Hampshire. • Skinny Nutritional Corp., makers of Skinny Water, added Ron Wilson, former president and COO of Coca-Cola Philadelphia, to their board.
DISTRIBUTION
Potencia USA LLC partnered with International Foods of Metairie Louisiana to make Potencia Energy Drink available directly to all the retailers, Jobbers, and all other consumers in New Orleans.
PROMOTIONS/APPEARANCES
Coca-Cola sponsored Idol Gives Back, which will air April 9 on Fox. • Bawls Guarana — with help from an online community called Sweet on Geeks — will co-host a singles night for geeks at comic book store in Lauderhill, Fla. April 11. • Inko’s White Tea will sponsor the National Multiple Sclerosis Society MS Walk in New York City on April 11, where they will hand out free samples of Inko’s White Tea and Inko’s White Tea Energy to nearly 7000 participants. • Redux Beverages and Brawndo: The Thirst Mutilator signed a multi-year sponsorship of the Team Solitaire/MB1 Racing motorcycle team.