New Beverage Showdown 23: Meet the Semifinalists and Judges

In just one week, New Beverage Showdown 23 kicks off BevNET Live Summer 2022 in New York City, which means it’s time to reveal the pitch competition's semifinalists and judges, who will take the stage.

Hella Cocktail Co. Raises $5 Million Round from Uncle Nearest

Hella Cocktail Co. has raised $5 million in a Series A funding round, fully backed by premium spirits brand Uncle Nearest, the company announced today. Founded in 2012 by CEO Jomaree Pinkard, CMO Eddie Simeon, and COO Tobin Ludwing, New York-based Hella produces a variety of cocktail bitters and mixers, as well as a ready-to-drink Bitters & Soda line.

Koia and Chris Paul Release Exclusive Protein Shake Supporting HBCUs

Koia is strengthening its partnership with NBA All-Star Chris Paul and apparel brand Support Black Colleges to fund historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with the launch of a limited-edition version of its Cinnamon Horchata flavor protein shake.

Review: Perfect Pour Cocktails

Perfect Pour Cocktails is a new line of shelf stable ready to pour cocktails that features a patented bottle design with a dual chamber bottle that mixes the ingredients at the time of serving. The product line presently features two flavors, Margarita and Whiskey Sour.

BevNET Live: Navigating the ‘New’ World Of Non-Alc

With brands, consumers and retailers all eager to see this trend continue to grow double-digits annually, the question isn’t if or when this category is going to take off – it’s how.

BLK & Bold Heads into RTD with Cold Brew Coffee Launch

Specialty coffee roaster BLK & Bold is taking its first step into the ready-to-drink sector with the launch of its canned cold brew coffee line, which is rolling out to Target stores nationwide this month. Founded in 2018, the Des Moines-based brand has established itself as the first nationally distributed Black-owned coffee and tea company in the U.S., selling its whole and ground beans in over 6,000 retail stores, including Target, Albertsons, Vons, Whole Foods and Shop Rite.

Review: Kimbala Chai

Austin, Texas-based Kimbala is focused on creating authentic RTD chai in both concentrate and RTD formats. The brand also features several coffee based beverages. 

NielsenIQ Acquires On-Premise Data Firm CGA

Two of the biggest names in beverage-alcohol data are joining forces. Global data giant NielsenIQ announced today it has acquired on-premise data firm CGA, in which it initially invested in 2009. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Brad Paisley’s Bourbon Is On A Bumpy Ride. And, That’s A Good Thing.

This week, country music superstar Brad Paisley joined the podcast to discuss his foray into the spirits business as the founder of American Highway Reserve, a uniquely crafted, super-premium bourbon. Paisley explained why product positioning was determined as the brand was developed, communicating the production story to consumers, why his name isn’t on the label and his ultimate vision for the bourbon.