ON TOP
- There were lots of attendees but not a lot of beverage brands at the Fancy Foods Show earlier this week — check it out in BevNET's coverage. Link
- Video: See new product makers squirm during BevNET Live's live review segment. Link
ON THE SHELVES
- Last week marked the launch of refine, a new line of all-natural and zero-calorie mixers sweetened with stevia. Link
- Starbucks is extending its Via instant coffee line to include an instant iced coffee. The product will dissolve in cold water. Link
- Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Company unveiled a new line of custom-blended juices at the 56th Annual Fancy Food Show in New York. Link
- Dr Pepper will release cans of Dr Pepper made with cane sugar as part of its 125th anniversary celebration. Link
DISTRIBUTION
- Neuro announced that Fry's Food and Drug in Arizona will carry Neuro. Link
- Game Juice Inc. announced that national computer and electronics retailer Micro Center will be selling Game Juice in its 23 stores located across 16 states. Link
BRAND MARKETING & PROMOTION
- The New York Post has a story on a lawsuit a Brooklyn man filed against Yoo-Hoo. He claims it's not that good for you. Link
- Salada Tea has announced the top 10 finalists in the company’s nationwide search for its first-ever consumer spokesperson. That person's mission? To tout the wellness, environmental and financial benefits of selecting freshly brewed tea made with tea bags instead of ready-to-drink (RTD) bottled teas. Link
- Jones Soda has ended its sponsorship relationship with the Seattle Seahawks. Now the Coca-Cola Co., Inc. has pouring rights at Qwest Field. Link
- RelaxZen, Inc, the makers of RelaxZen relaxation products, has entered into an agreement to sponsor Pro Beach Volleyball Players Angie Akers and Tyra Turner. They are the reigning silver medal winners in Seoul Korea. Link
- XYIENCE is bringing UFC Fighter Dan Hardy to Terrible Herbst in Las Vegas Popular mixed martial arts fighter to sign autographs for fans on Saturday, July 3. Link
- BeBevCo has announced that anyone anywhere in the United States who wants a free KOMA UNWIND relaxation drink or relaxation shot can simply head to the website and order a sample. Pay for shipping and handling, and BeBevCo will do the rest. Link
IN THE MEDIA
- In a column on vitaminwater, a Washington Post columnist concludes the extra vitamins aren't worth the cost. Link
- ABC News carried an interview with Peter Gleick, who has written Bottled and Sold, about the bottled water industry in America. Link
RELIEF EFFORTS
- The Pepsi Refresh Project has pledged $1.3 million to fund ideas to support communities in the Gulf States. Link
SUPPLIER SIDE
- Comax Flavors has started a line of coconut water flavors. Link
- Wild Flavors recently showcased healthy ingredients with extra functionality at the 2010 IFT Show. Link
- Virginia Dare has added a suite of coconut water flavors, including Maqui Berry, Strawberry White Tea, Nectarine Rose, Orange Blossom Rooibos, Earl Grey Black Tea, Guava, Papaya Passionfruit, and Cherry Vanilla.
INTERNATIONAL
- Nothing But Nature Inc., makers of Canada’s leading organic juice brand, Kiju, announced that their Organic Apple juice box is now available at Starbucks locations throughout Canada.
PEOPLE
- FONA International made several new hires, including Sandra Balco as the Business Unit Director for Beverage. Link
- The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) announced that Dan Felton, formerly the Director of Government Relations at IBWA, has been promoted to Vice President of Government Relations. Sarah Lashford has joined IBWA as Director of Government Relations.
ETC.
- Apparently, there's a lot of Yerba Mate floating around the World Cup this year — in fact, according to Guayaki founder David Karr, the four Yerba Mate-producing countries made the quarterfinals. Link
- They're already getting fired up Down South for Cheerwine-filled Krispy Kreme donuts, which will be in limited release in North Carolina. Link