High Spirits: Next-Gen Cannabis Drinks Seek to Emulate, Evolve Alcohol
Rather than trying to pull spirits drinkers into a new format, a cohort of emerging brands are looking to make the transition from cocktails to cannabis as smooth as possible.
Experts: Austin Cocktails Purchase Doesn’t Signal Open Season on RTD M&A
Another independent canned cocktail maker boarded the “mother ship” last week when Constellation Brands announced Thursday the full acquisition of Austin Cocktails. It’s a move that’s in step with the other global beverage companies picking up fast-growing RTD producers - but observers in the industry caution that the deal may not be the harbinger of a flood of RTD acquisitions.
Taste Radio: TCHO Doesn’t Need To Be A Big Brand. But It Has To Be An Excellent One.
Brad Kintzer, Chief Chocolate Maker at TCHO, discussed the company’s emphasis on sustainable and ethical sourcing as a key metric of quality, how it defines “better” when evaluating progress, how he’s been inspired by winemaking and why, despite TCHO’s cachet, the brand recently introduced massive changes in its formulation and branding.
Droplet Fundraises On New Crowdfunding Platform Designed For PoC Founders
Female PoC-owned sparkling, adaptogen-enhanced water brand Droplet activated a crowdfunding campaign this month on NuAMP, a new platform dedicated to connecting PoC founders with various forms of capital. Created in collaboration with community fundraising platform NuMarket and AMP, a tech company connecting PoC founders with funding resources, the NuAMP program debuted with seven active crowdfunding campaigns to support diverse founders across the country
Talking Rain Names Ken Sylvia as CEO
Talking Rain Beverage Company, the parent company of Sparkling Ice, announced today it has appointed Ken Sylvia as its new permanent CEO, effective immediately. He had been serving as interim CEO since Chris Hall’s abrupt departure on April 1. Sylvia joined the Seattle-based company in 2010 and has held a variety of roles, most recently serving as COO overseeing sales and supply chain.
Waterbird Spirits to Fly into C-Stores with Resealable Single-Serve Cans; Adds Boston Beer and Athletic Vets to Lead Sales
Waterbird Spirits believes two container sizes will take the brand to the next stratosphere of growth: 24 oz. single-serve cans and half-barrel kegs, according to founder Wilson Craig.
Hydrogen Water Brand Susosu Closes Seed Round from Union Kitchen
Hydrogen-infused water maker Susosu has closed a seed round backed by food and beverage accelerator Union Kitchen, marking the Virginia-based brand’s first ever outside investment. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Review: Avocajoe Avocado Coffee
Avacajoe is a line of RTD coffees that blend cold brew coffee with avocado milk to create the first “avocado coffee.” The product line is packaged in 7.5 oz cans and available in three flavors: Dark Roast, Vanilla and Mocha.
Legal Experts: Provi Suit Against Distributors ‘A Major Antitrust Case’
Last week, e-commerce beverage-alcohol platform Provi filed a complaint against Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits and Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), alleging that the companies have unlawfully stifled the growth of its platform. The complaint filed March 29 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division, alleges that the defendants have acted together and individually to “boycott, disparage and tortiously interfere with Provi’s business.”
Ingredient Spotlight: Cleanmood Gets Off the Ground with Kowa Launch
New beverage startup Kowa has teamed with ingredient maker Nura to feature its branded organic 5-HTP supplement in its line of mood-boosting functional drinks; U.K.-based ingredients manufacturer Tate & Lyle announced last week that it has signed an agreement to acquire Chinese fiber producer Quantum Hi-Tech Biological Co., Ltd for $237 million; and more news from Kerry and Sweegen.
This Week’s New Products: Pixel Cola, Cannabis Seasonals and Functional Soda
In this week’s roundup of new product launches, both Coca-Cola and MTN Dew rolled out new limited edition soda flavors targeting the gaming community, regional cannabis beverage makers introduced new line extensions, and the gut health boosting soda and seltzer trend continues with launches from emerging player Poppi and newcomer Aqua ViTea.
Taste Radio: The New Products That Have Us Delighted, Divided And Drooling
In this episode, Taste Radio’s hosts discussed new products in several food and beverage categories, including a nootropic-boosted hydration drink brand launched by an NFL star and NFT icon, a nostalgia-inspiring cinnamon spread, RTD milk teas and spiked tonics, artisanal and low-sugar sweets and perhaps the best-tasting tortillas on the market. They also riffed on this weekend’s Specialty Coffee Association trade show and a funding round for a brand of experimental condiments and beverages.
BevNET & NOSH Present SuperCharge: Living the Brand with Seth Goldman on April 21
For the SuperCharge: Living the Brand virtual event on April 21st, BevNET and NOSH will bring entrepreneurs an interview and live Q&A session with Seth Goldman, the co-founder of Honest Tea who has recently started another brand, Eat the Change, as well as observations and inspiration from new entrepreneurs Zach and Delisa Harper of Funky Mello and Parker Olson of Forij.
RTD Cocktails: Summer Arrives Early with New Margaritas, Spritzes
Spring is here, but ready-to-drink cocktail brands are already getting ready for the summer with a number of new product launches made for the heat – including vodka spitzes, frozen margaritas, and a classic Cape Codder.