District of Columbia, Washington AGs Sue to Stop Albertsons Payout

Attorneys general from Washington state and the District of Columbia are seeking to temporarily block a $4 billion payout to Albertsons’ shareholders on November 7, filing lawsuits this week to put a hold on the cash dividend at least until the grocery giant’s proposed merger with Kroger can be reviewed by federal regulators.

Jarritos Maker Novamex Partners with Anheuser-Busch on Cantaritos Hard Sodas

Another soda company is testing the beverage-alcohol market – this time with the world’s largest beer manufacturer. Novamex, the maker of Mexican soda brand Jarritos, is partnering with Anheuser-Busch InBev (A-B) to launch Cantaritos Hard Sodas in California and Texas markets next spring.

Meet 1:1 With Industry Experts at Our Next Virtual Networking Event on November 9

Our next virtual networking event is on Wednesday, November 9th from 3:00 - 4:00 PM ET. Virtual networking is a series that connects food and beverage brands with industry experts. Growing brands will have the opportunity to meet 1:1 with leaders from Whipstitch Capital, Piper Sandler, FDM Sales Management, Chase Ink. Public Relations, MomentumCPG, and Arena Partners.

Elevator Talk: Marquis, Transcendence Coffee, Après Hours, Country Luau

Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week's special co-host is Andrew Guard, the founder of The Guard Agency and Right Coast Brands, who shared his thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

Review: Joyo Adaptogenic Sparkling Tea

Joyo is a line of USDA Organic adaptogenic sparkling teas that are low calorie and low in sugar. The brand was founded by author and podcast host Jay Shetty and his wife Radhi Devlukia-Shetty.

Spirits: 15 New Autumn Releases From Top Chef to King Tut

In this autumn edition roundup of new spirits releases, Highclere Castle celebrates the anniversary of discovery of King Tut’s tomb, Åhus Akvavit introduces its seasonal blend in the U.S. and Yobo Kish teams up with Top Chef winner Kristen Kish to launch a new aperitif line.

Connecticut Bottle Bill Expansion to Take Effect in January

Beverage companies operating in Connecticut have just two more months to prepare for a sweeping expansion of the state’s bottle laws, which will extend the five cent deposit on packaged drinks to cover the vast bulk of beverage categories and packaging formats effective January 1, 2023.

Taste Radio: The Most ‘Outstanding’ Advantage A Brand Can Have Is One That Many Overlook

Outstanding Foods co-founder and CEO Bill Glaser spoke about how he has applied lessons from prior entrepreneurial ventures to the company’s business strategy, how the brand has attracted celebrity investors and involved them in marketing and promotion efforts, and the evolution of Outstanding Foods’ package design and its alignment with the company’s innovation and retail strategies.

Campari Acquires Wilderness Trail, Extending Bourbon Interests

Campari Group is boosting its Kentucky bourbon portfolio by taking a majority stake in Wilderness Trail Distillery, the company announced today. The move comes at a time when American whiskey continues to rise, and particularly higher-priced brands.

Review: Halmi

Halmi is a line of Korean-inspired sparkling beverages that are made with fruit juice and spices. The product line presently consists of a single SKU, which is flavored with cinnamon, ginger, jujube and persimmon.

SEC: New Age, Brent Willis Misled Public on CBD Bevs, Distribution Gains

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last week sent a cease-and-desist letter to Colorado-based NewAge Inc. in which it accuses the company and former CEO Brent Willis of making multiple false and misleading public statements regarding the company’s CBD beverage business.

GLOW Promises Bright Future with Kylie Jenner, Dak Prescott Partnerships

The California-based beverage company announced this month it has brought on celebrity influencer Kylie Jenner and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott as brand ambassadors and equity stakeholders, kickstarting a national media campaign aimed at rapidly increasing brand awareness.