CANarchy Purchase, Spirit Plans Signal Independent Monster, Observers Note

The energy drink company continues to have ambitions to produce spiked seltzer brands of its own, said co-founder Hilton Schlosberg on an analyst call that addressed its quarterly earnings and today’s announced purchase of the CANarchy collective of craft beer brands.

Levia, Hi5 Seeding Growth for Cannabis Seltzers in New England

For both cannabis seltzer brands, each owned by vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operators, this year is poised to be a critical one for growth, as the former completes its takeover by Florida-based Ayr Wellness, and the latter aims to tackle pricing while preparing to debut an innovative new product.

CANarchy to be Sold to Monster Beverage Corporation in $330M Deal

Energy drink maker Monster Beverage has reached “a definitive agreement” to acquire the CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective for $330 million in cash, the company announced today. The all cash deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022, pending “customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.”

Lifeway Announces “3.0” Strategic Plan Following Return to Growth

In 2018, fermented dairy brand Lifeway announced the beginning of “Lifeway 2.0,” a strategic revitalization plan to invigorate growth and expand the brand internationally. Now, speaking today at the virtual 2022 ICR Conference, CEO Julie Smolyansky said the goals of the plan have been achieved and the company is now beginning a new phase: “Lifeway 3.0.”

Harmless Harvest Vet Guilbert Takes on New Mission: Energy Drinks

Positioned to compete directly with Bang, C4 and the range of other high-caffeine energy drinks that have emerged from the supplement space over the last several years, Echelon packs its muscular, 300mg caffeine formula into an 8.4 oz. slim can in three flavors, each with a spicy kick: Yuzu Cayenne, Berry Habanero and Watermelon Thai.

Foxtrot Raises $100M for Expansion

FoxTrot thinks convenience stores and corner markets need a makeover, and now it’s got more cash to make that a reality. The retailer announced today that it has raised $100M to help expand into new markets and to invest into its ecommerce business.

Taste Radio: Most People Don’t Know ‘Jack.’ Annie Ryu Is Planning To Change That.

Jack & Annie’s founder/CEO Annie Ryu spoke about her initial vision to support farming communities in India by incentivizing production of jackfruit, how she began building the company while still an undergraduate student at Harvard, how Jack & Annie’s is positioned within a competitive set for plant-based meat and what she’s learned about entrepreneurship and the value of persistence.

Review: Recess Zero Proof Margarita

With Dry January in full swing, hemp and adaptogen-infused beverage marketer Recess recently dropped a limited edition flavor, Zero Proof “Margarita,” marking the first time the brand has directly marketed one of their products as an alternative to alcohol.

For No&Low Brands, Dry January Marketing Evolving

For brands in the burgeoning no-and-low space, the opportunity to build messaging around Dry January is clear. And as the movement has evolved, so have the approaches those brands are taking to drive eyes to the category, both during the month, and beyond.

Enlightened Hospitality Investments Closes Fund II

Foodservice-focused Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI) announced today that it has closed its second fund at $332 million. The round was oversubscribed, according to a press release, and included prior limited partners as well as new institutional partners, college endowments, strategic investors, and family offices.

“Gnu” Horizons in Kids Market for Orbitz Creator, Family

Gnusante Creations, the maker of a better-for-you kids drink in a pouch, is heading into the U.S. after growing up in the Canadian innovation company of Ron Kendrick, one of the original links to 90s fruit-flavored drink Orbitz, a signature beverage for its era. This time, though, Kendrick’s family is on board as well.