Boston Beer and PepsiCo Launch Hard MTN Dew in Florida, Iowa and Tennessee
Hard MTN Dew – the partnership project between Boston Beer Company and PepsiCo Beverages – launched in three states this week: Florida, Iowa and Tennessee.
People Moves: PepsiCo Appoints Derek Lewis to Lead New Multicultural Business Unit
PepsiCo has named Derek Lewis, a 34-year veteran with the company, as the president of its new Multicultural Business and Equity Development Organization; Also, ROAR CEO Alex Galindez, who joined the hydration drink brand in 2020 as part of a turnaround effort, announced last week that she has left the company.
Sanzo Lands $10M Investment from CircleUp; Disney-Pixar LTO Arrives in March
On Monday, the company announced the closing of a $10 million Series A funding round led by CircleUp Growth Partners, and with participation from Convivialite Ventures, Semillero Partners, Gold House Ventures, Kaya Ventures, and former Coca-Cola Company chief growth officer Francisco Crespo.
Talking Rain CEO Chris Hall Talks Growth and Innovation at Sparkling Ice
The past year has seen Talking Rain's broader vision come into focus, with a balanced strategy of growing through innovation and continuing to execute against business fundamentals.
This Week’s New Products: Starlight, Star Fruit and “Loud” Drinks
From Coca-Cola Starlight to Lemon Perfect Kiwi Star Fruit, beverage makers debuted a variety of new products this week, including functional plant-based creamers from Silk, a new limited edition flavor from Brew Dr., and a new permanent addition to Red Bull’s flavored line. Meanwhile, cannabis beverage startup Drink Loud is debuting micro-sized THC drinks that pack a wallop, and LaCroix getting ready for spring with a new flavor.
Mast-Jägermeister US Names New CEO
Mast-Jägermeister US has named its chief operating officer Joe Fortune as CEO, effective April 1, the company announced Thursday. Fortune assumes the role from outgoing CEO Jeff Popkin, who has held the role since 2015.
Coca-Cola Starlight Kicks Off LTO “Creations” Series
Coca-Cola’s new “global innovation platform,” Coca-Cola Creations, was unveiled this week, kicking off with the release of Starlight, the first in a series of limited-edition products and experiences that will be introduced “across physical and digital worlds.”
Binske Hones in on High-End Edibles With Intelligentsia Collaboration
In partnering with specialty coffee roaster Intelligentsia to collaborate on new products – the first being a cannabis-infused chocolate bar with espresso shavings – the self-styled “luxury cannabis” brand is aiming to distinguish itself as a leader in boutique, artisanal edibles.
Bizzy Coffee Raises $7.1M to Support Manufacturing, Retail Growth
Minnesota-based Bizzy Coffee announced today it has closed a $7.1 million funding round led by venture capital firm Sidekick Partners. The financing comes as the company prepares to move into a new 50,000 square foot production facility to help support national retail expansion.
Review: Liquid Death Flavored Sparkling Water
Canned water maker Liquid Death has made a name for itself using an unorthodox – and highly catchy – approach to its branding and marketing. Now the company is hoping to take its momentum into a new category with the release of its first flavored varieties.
IRI: CPG Sales Rise in 2021; Red Bull, BodyArmor Among Top Brands
The total U.S. CPG industry grew 2.7% to $962 billion in 2021 as pandemic-related shifts in consumer behavior and routes to market began to cement themselves, according to the latest CPG Growth Leaders report by market research firm IRI.
Golden Grail Acquires Kids Drink Brand Tickle Water
Florida-based holding company Golden Grail Technology is continuing to build out its beverage portfolio with the acquisition of kids sparkling water brand Tickle Water, the company announced on Tuesday.
KOS Closes $12M Round, Clayton Christopher Joins Board
Plant-based products brand KOS announced today it has closed a $12 million Series A financing round led by food and beverage industry veterans Clayton Christopher and Brian Goldberg. The two investors are now playing active roles in guiding the brand’s strategy.
Taste Radio: She’s The Archetype Of Modern Leadership. And For Kat Cole, It All Starts With Community.
This week we’re joined by Kat Cole, the president and COO of rapidly growing wellness brand Athletic Greens, who spoke about how she’s applying her extensive experience in branding, leadership and community building to the recently minted unicorn company, which last month raised $115 million at a valuation of over $1 billion.