Distribution: Wandering Bear Finds Way Back to Retail; Leisure Project, Twrl Updates

In this roundup of distribution news, we chat with Wandering Bear CEO Matt Bachmann about the cold brew brand's approach to "thoughtful expansion" in natural/specialty grocery -- in the form of 200+ new Whole Foods locations across five regions -- with its 32 oz. cartons. Plus updates from Leisure Project and Twrl Milk Tea.

Expo East: Elmhurst Reboots Coffee; ShineWater Meets ‘Trolls’

Our Expo East 2023 coverage continues with a look into Elmhurst's revamped line of plant-based cold brew lattes, as well as ShineWater's ongoing move into cans under new CEO Clare Verdery. Plus updates from 100 Coconuts and Gorgie, and trend insights from SPINS.

Data: FMB & RTD Cocktail Sales Up, As BevAlc Steady Over Labor Day Weekend

Volume improved slightly on a sequential basis across wine, spirits and flavored malt beverage categories, while decelerating across hard seltzer in the two-week period ending September 9, according to an analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

Missed Shots: How 5-Hour Is Responding to Slumping Sales

After 20 years controlling the energy shot category, 5-Hour has seen sales slip in recent years as consumers have adapted new shopping behaviors while also favoring the innovation coming from energy drinks.

New Hope Ending Expo East; New Trade Event Set for 2024

Savor the nostalgia because after nearly four decades, Natural Products Expo East is on its last lap. Organizer New Hope Network confirmed in a letter to attendees yesterday that this year’s annual conference, which begins today in Philadelphia and runs through Saturday Sept 23, will be the show’s last.

Taste Radio: The Two-Word Phrase That Helps Celsius Generate Over $1 Billion Annually

Celsius CEO John Fieldly spoke about how financial discipline is embedded in company culture, why brand-building is about “figuring out where you fit in a consumer’s life,” navigating expectations and opportunities with strategic partner Pepsico and how junior-level employees influence the company’s innovation strategy.