Cann Goes to Canada, Closes $27M Series A Round

Cannabis-infused social tonic brand Cann has closed a $27 million Series A funding round, the company announced today, setting the stage for expansion into Canada and bringing a crew of new celebrity investors into the fold.

Water Marks: Boxed Water’s Battle to Trademark its Brand Name

When Boxed Water is Better, LLC launched its first line of sustainably packaged waters in 2009, it was a pioneer in its category. But there’s competition beyond store aisles: the company has waged a years-long effort to convince the USPTO to register the name “Boxed Water™” for sole use by the company.

This Week’s New Products: Coffee Cake Creamers and “MSHRM Oat”

Functional drinks and seasonal offerings are abound in this week’s new beverage launches, including limited edition flavors from Aura Bora and nutpods, plant-based mushroom drinks from Lifeway and a new medical-grade meal replacement via Kate Farms.

Taste Radio: There Are No Boundaries. And These Brands Are Taking Advantage.

The team discussed a variety of current topics, including the implications of a groundbreaking countertop appliance that will be able to create a near-infinite number of beverage types, how Expo West exhibitors can amplify their presence at the show, and whether a YouTube megastar can leverage his fame to sell chocolate bars, plus offered high praise for several new snacks and beverages.

Pernod Ricard: Global Sales Remain Strong with Double-Digit Growth

French spirits conglomerate Pernod Ricard saw global sales surge by double digits in the first half of fiscal year 2022, with organic growth up 17%, thanks to the strength of the U.S. dollar and the Chinese yuan, according to the company’s latest earnings report released today.

Pepsi: Revenues Rise in Q4 2021, But More Prices Hikes Coming

Rising costs and inflation pressures have softened PepsiCo’s full-year guidance for 2022 below analysts’ predictions, even as the company beat revenue expectations in its Q4 2021 earnings report, released this morning.

Ugly Ending? Sparkling Water Brand Goes Dark

The U.K.-based sparkling water company had shuttered its business in Great Britain last year in order to focus on growing in the U.S., but the brand’s website is no longer accepting orders at this time.