Unilever Names New CEO, Reaffirms Food Brands Strategy
Unilever has appointed former H.J. Heinz executive Hein Schumacher to lead the CPG company effective July 1 reaffirming the multinational company's commitment to its food brands.
Marketing: MALK Highlights Its Simple Ingredient Roster; CELSIUS Takes to the NASCAR Track with Logan Misuraca
MALK’s recent $9 million round was all about funding more distribution, but the alternative dairy brand’s first task for 2023 is driving awareness via a new commercial, Farmer’s Market. The 30-second ad was filmed at a farmer’s market and features real consumers.
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.
BevNET and Naturally San Diego Kick Off Partnership with Industry Meetup on Feb. 20
BevNET is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Naturally San Diego, a community of local CPG businesses aiming to make greater San Diego the new nexus of natural products entrepreneurship.
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.
FDA Says CBD Is Not A Dietary Supplement, Tasks Congress With New Oversight Plan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is looking for Congress to take charge in regulating cannabinoid (CBD) products after concluding the agency’s existing authority over food additives and supplements does not provide all the necessary tools for managing the risks of CBD.
Distribution Roundup: Non-Alc Brand Free AF U.S. Launch, Sunwink Expands Target Footprint
New Zealand's first non-alcoholic spirits brand is preparing for a March launch in the U.S. thanks to a partnership with Sprouts nationwide. Sunwink increases its offerings in Target and instant boba tea maker BobaBam hits the club channel.
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%).
Milo’s Tea Company to Invest $130M in Fourth U.S. Production Plant
Alabama-based Milo’s Tea Company is constructing a new $130 million manufacturing and production facility in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, its fourth plant in the U.S.
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.
Traverse City Whiskey To Open $20M Michigan Production Campus
Traverse City Whiskey Co. has broken ground on a new 70,000 square foot distillery in hopes of turning Northern Michigan into a hub for whiskey in the Midwest.
Taste Radio: To Unlock Their Brand’s Full Potential, They Had To Get Uncomfortable
Wholly Veggie co-founders John Bonnell and David Gaucher spoke about how a comprehensive brand brief enabled them to better understand their products’ value to retailers and consumers and the impact of a striking design revamp. They also discussed their adherence to business fundamentals, a challenging environment for private capital and how the most commonly consumed ingredients factor into their innovation strategy.