ON TOP
- GT’s Synergy Kombucha & Organic Raw Kombucha has begun distribution of their AP5 product line, or “Above .5%,” in Southern California markets. Link
- Video: Visit with Zola's Chris Cuvelier Link
- BevNET/Beverage Spectrum’s sixth annual Energy Guide is now accepting submissions. The early sign up deadline is JANUARY 28! Link
ON THE SHELVES
- Vibranz Beverages has expanded their distribution to include grocery franchises Albertsons, Raley’s, and H-E-B. Link
- Phusion Projects announced the launch of Four Loko XXX Limited Edition. Link
DISTRIBUTION
- Dr.Tim's ISO-5 Hydration from Coconut Water drink is now available through Kehe distribution. Link
- DynaPep Energy announced that it has entered into a new relationship with Star Distributing Inc. Link
- Wayne Densch has joined the growing list of Anheuser Busch distributors in Florida to sell DNA Brands'.
- Boreal increases sales and marketing presence in Manhattan and Brooklyn as it signs with a well known national airport retailer. Link
IN THE COURTS
- FIJI Water sued over carbon negative claims. Link
IN THE MEDIA
- The ebbs and flows of Pepsi and their social media efforts, as noted by the following examples from last week:
- A PepsiCo Super Bowl ad contest illustrated the potential PR backlash from crowdsourced advertisements. Link
- According to the New York Times, new charges of cheating may tarnish Pepsi Refresh, its fund-raising contest for nonprofits. Link
BRAND MARKETING & PROMOTION
- Jeremy Shockey has become a spokesperson for Cult Energy beverage. Link
- 'Gossip Girl' Jessica Szohr and SoBe Lifewater heat up Costa Rica's jungles to launch new SoBe Lifewater with electrolytes. Link
- Celsius winner meets Mario Lopez on set of "Extra". Link
- Bazi sets out to help energy-a-holics. Link
TRENDS AND STUDIES
- Best and worst bottled water brands. Link
- The Center for Culinary Development and Packaged Facts, expert trend trackers, make their predictions on the food and beverage trends that will be buzz-generating this year. Link
ETC.