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.

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.

Guayaki Raises $75M, SEC Filing Shows

Yerba mate company Guayaki has raised $75 million in a funding round, according to a January 13 SEC filing by the company. The filing reflects over half of the company’s $142.8 million offering amount in the equity fundraise, with $67.8 million remaining to be sold.

People Moves: De La Calle President Departs, MāKā Adds Sales Executive

De La Calle president Danielle Calabrese has left Here Studio's tepache beverage brand. Wheatgrass RTD company MāKā brought on Jeff Maher to lead a national distribution push in natural and industry veteran Dave Peacock has been appointed the new CEO of Advantage Solutions.

8 New Whiskeys Debuting This Dry January

Dry January may be in full swing, but that hasn’t stopped spirits brands from rolling out new offerings. In this roundup of new whiskey releases, Fercullen Irish Whiskey makes its U.S. debut and Woodford Reserve unveiled this year’s edition of Double Double Oaked Bourbon.

Taste Radio: More Than A Few Highlights From A ‘Fancy’ Feast

Fresh off the conclusion of the 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show, Taste Radio editor Ray Latif highlighted new, innovative and better-for-you products from over a dozen exhibitors at the annual event, including a plant-centric soup brand, spicy and chewy candy, sunflower seed-based milk, non-alcoholic wine alternatives and gourmet marshmallows.