NielsenIQ: Non-Alc Beverage Sales Decelerate in Early August

Non-alcoholic beverage sales decelerated in the two-week period ending August 12, according to the latest analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research. Total retail dollar sales in tracked channels was up 6.7% in the two-week period, compared to +7.4% in the four-weeks and +8.3% in the 12-weeks.

Taste Radio: Dan Aykroyd Is (Probably) A Better Salesman Than You

Sketch comedian. Ghostbuster. Vodka entrepreneur. It’s all in a life’s work for Dan Aykroyd. The co-founder of iconic spirit brand Crystal Head Vodka, Aykroyd spoke about the company’s adherence to business fundamentals and premium positioning, what makes him an effective salesman and the limited impact of his celebrity on the brand’s success. He also explained what postal work has to do with the ownership team’s harmonious relationship and answered an infamous question with a “little g.”

Yerbaé Raises $4M, Leans Into Sports & Entertainment

Yerbaé has raised over $4 million in the “first tranche” of a new funding round backed by a variety of athletes and entertainers, the Arizona-based plant-based beverage brand announced yesterday.

Jove Launches New Formats, Brand Partnerships To Build Distribution

Functional alkaline water brand Jovē has been building retail partnerships in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic and is preparing for a national push on the back of new format innovation, a hybrid distribution model and brand sponsorships.

Ex-Pressed Juicery Chief Kalra Joins Sol-ti as President and CEO

Organic juice brand Sol-ti has named former Pressed Juicery chief Pawan Kalra as its new president and CEO, who steps into the role as Sol-ti founder Ryne O’Donnell shifts to the role of chairman and “Chief Vitality Advocate.”

Taste Radio: Do Gen Z Consumers Shop The Way We Think They Do?

They talk the talk, but does Gen Z walk the walk? The hosts discuss the generation’s complicated relationship with food and whether their values actually impact purchasing decisions. This episode also features an interview with Jorge Antonio Salles, the third-generation master distiller for iconic tequila brand El Tequileño.