Taste Radio: Focus On Taste, Not Trends. It’s What Makes This ‘Goat’ Great.

James Beard award-winning chef Stephanie Izard spoke about the origins of her globally inspired consumer brand This Little Goat, how taste and accessibility guide its thoughtful product and marketing strategy, why the company turned to self-manufacturing and how she became more comfortable as the primary spokesperson for her restaurants and brand.

AMASS Brands Expands From Spirits To Wine, Acquires Winc

Botanical products manufacturer AMASS has made its first acquisition, purchasing the operating assets of direct-to-consumer wine subscription platform Winc, in an effort to expand its alcohol business beyond spirits and hard seltzer.

Six Questions With Mercenary-Strikepoint

Late last year, CPG brand builder Mercenary acquired StrikePoint CPG Accelerator with the aim of creating a next-gen consumer goods accelerator that can develop, scale and commercial brands across a range of natural and better-for-you categories. Led by new venture partner Joey Murray, the $20 million Mercenary Ventures fund will cut checks from $10,000 to $250,000 to pre-revenue and seed-stage brands – including California-based iced tea maker HALFDAY – over the next three years.

Richard’s Rainwater Eyes Scaling Nationally With Increased Supply

Richard’s Rainwater announced the completion of the world’s largest potable rainwater collection site in Louisiana, setting its sustainability sights on reducing its carbon footprint with a network of decentralized collection and distribution hubs.

GURU Reports -3.7% Revenue Drop in FY2022, Shifts Focus to Sales Velocity

Canadian energy drink maker Guru Organic Energy Corp. reported a full-year net revenue of CAD$29.1 million, down 3.7% from CAD$30.2 million in 2021, and announced plans to shift its primary focus from brand awareness to sales velocity in the upcoming fiscal year.

NielsenIQ: Non-Alc Sales Remain Robust, But Decelerate Incrementally

Non-alcoholic beverage retail growth remained positive, up 13% over the two week period ending January 14, 2023, according to an analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research. However, sales decelerated year-over-year as increases in average pricing (+15.9%) drove volume down (-2.9%).

This Week’s New Products: Simply Mixology and DRY Soda Co. Liven Up Dry January

As Dry January participants enter their final stretch, this week’s new products gallery features alcohol-free drinks from Simply and DRY Soda Co. which are rolling out nationwide. As well, classic CSD brands introduce new and revamped flavors, Rockstar Energy expands its better-for-you offerings and BodyArmor pays tribute to the troops.