To “Simplify Everything,” Elegance Brands to Become SWAY Energy Corp.

Elegance Brands announced this week it will change its name to SWAY Energy Corporation, reflecting a shift in focus on its two leading brands, SWAY Energy and ready-to-drink vodka cocktail VOCO. Launched in spring 2021, SWAY and VOCO have quickly emerged as the fastest growing lines for the California-based beverage portfolio company.

Better-For-You Brands Form ‘Alliance’ to Reduce Sugar Consumption

As sugar reduction continues to be a top priority for food and beverage manufacturers, seven low- and zero-sugar brands are banding together to form the Alliance to Control Excessive Sugar (ACES), a new business group dedicated to promoting better-for-you products.

Elevator Talk: Soda Bossa, Starla Wines, Whitefang Water, Odyssey Elixir

Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week's special co-host is Maxine Kozler Koven, Co-Managing Director of LDR Ventures, who will share her thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

Coke Update: Mocha ‘With Coffee’ Arrives Via Robot Delivery, Plus New ‘Flavors’ Look

While divesting from some of its other well-known, better-for-you brands in recent years, Coca-Cola has been eager to use its flagship soda line as a platform for innovation, both inside the can and out. This morning, the company announced the release of Mocha, the fifth SKU for the Coca-Cola with Coffee line introduced in January 2021.

Flying Embers Closes $20 Million Funding Round Led by Beam Suntory

Ojai, California-based hard kombucha and hard seltzer-maker Flying Embers has closed a $20 million series C funding round, led by global spirits giant Beam Suntory. The investment will help fund expanded marketing and sales initiatives, as well as new product launches and the expansion of the company’s beyond beer portfolio.

After Pace-Setting First Year, ZOA Aims Higher

This year, the brand is looking to continue expanding its audience with the release of two new zero-sugar flavors — White Peach and Tropical Punch, which will replace Original and Lemon Lime — and a 12 oz. can format.

Taste Radio: How A ‘Goat’ Of Beverage And Food Investment Picks Winners

Goat Rodeo Capital managing partner Carlton Fowler reflected upon the data and business criteria that influenced the firm’s initial investments and offered his evaluation of non-portfolio DTC brands and their potential for omnichannel success. He also weighed in on the continued blurring of lines within the non-alcoholic beverage and beverage alcohol industries and explained why Goat Rodeo’s second fund will not include investments in cannabis beverages.

Review: XUA Superfood Energy Drink

XUA (pronounced shoo-AH) Superfood Energy Drink is a recently launched energy drink that blends superfood ingredients and juice to create a formulation that’s low in calories but big on flavor. The brand currently features a single SKU, Brazilian Berry, which is packaged in a slim 8.45 oz can.

1933 Industries to Acquire CBD Beverage Brand Day One

Cannabis portfolio company 1933 Industries announced today it has signed a binding letter of intent to acquire CBD beverage maker Day One in an all-stock transaction, just four months after the sparkling water brand relaunched as an independent business.

Acosta: Pandemic’s Impact on CPG Industry to Continue Throughout 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to impact consumer attitudes towards shopping and eating this year, according to a new 2022 trend outlook report by sales and marketing firm Acosta. Consumers surveyed by Acosta in July and October said they were continuing to eat more at home than they did prior to the pandemic.

Will Dry January Lead to a Flood of NA Investment?

Dry January started in England before it crossed the Atlantic to the U.S. Now, non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits brands chasing the Dry January crowd have followed. It looks like a crowd of eager investors may be close behind.

Taste Radio: We’re Focused On Blurred Lines, A ‘Deadly’ Deal And CANNnuary

Taste Radio’s hosts reflected upon last week’s highly publicized deal between the Coca-Cola Co. and Constellation Brands, the growing pool of hop-centric drinks and news of Liquid Death’s colossal funding round. They also discussed a “flamin’ hot” line extension for a not-so-NOSHy snack brand, why “Cannuary” is trending among some folks in the office and highlighted several new beverages and bites.