Rewatch All 25 Presentations from BevNET Live Summer 2022
BevNET & NOSH Insiders can now watch the complete BevNET Live Summer 2022 playlist online. Replay all 25 presentations from the two-day event in New York City.
Distribution: Rhythm Becomes First Hemp-Infused Beverage at Tufo’s; Elmhurst 1925 Splashes into Whole Foods
California-based Rhythm has a new partner, recently signing with Tufo’s Wholesale Foods in New York City, marking the first time the Bronx-based distributor has carried a hemp-infused beverage.
The Plug Partners with L.A. Libations, Opens Funding Round
After two years of plugging away at the hangover prevention beverage category, California-based startup The Plug is repositioning itself as a functional liver health brand as it prepares to expand in retail this year via a partnership with beverage incubator L.A. Libations.
Out of the Box: How Grisa Soba Built Flaviar Into A Digital Spirits Hub
In his own words, Grisa Soba has “always been a contrarian and tried to do things differently.” That approach has taken Flaviar, the spirits enthusiast membership club Soba launched in 2012 from a simple tasting box format to one of the largest clubs of its kind serving the U.S. and EU.
Taste Radio: The ‘Perfect’ Plan To Become A Billion-Dollar Brand
Yanni Hufnagel, the founder and CEO of Lemon Perfect, spoke about his ambitious vision for the fast-growing enhanced water brand, the parallels between coaching college basketball and running a beverage company, why nailing “the big decisions” has been critical to the brand’s development, how his perspective on gross margin has evolved and why Lemon Perfect has invested heavily in field sales.
Super Coffee Tests ‘ENRGY’ Line
Kitu Life Super Coffee pilot-launched its first non-coffee innovation in Texas last weekend: a three-SKU, zero-sugar energy drink line enhanced with collagen and probiotics called Super ENRGY.
Summer Fancy Food Show 2022: Mocktails Move Forward, Small Companies Rebrand
In part two of our coverage of Summer Fancy Food Show 2022, mocktail brands like Mingle and Mocktail Club gain ground in retail; startups such as Shrubbly and Waku debut new rebrands; and Circles Coffee introduces a new single-serve pour over format.
Taste Radio: We’re Back in New York, And Loving Every Minute Of It
Taste Radio’s hosts reflected on the return of BevNET and NOSH’s summer events to New York City, the accessibility of admired brand leaders and top retail executives at NOSH Live, the palpable camaraderie among entrepreneurs meeting each other for the first time in person at BevNET Live and why taste and story inspired the strongest reactions for judges in the events’ brand competitions.
Summer Fancy Food Show 2022: Joe Tea Moves to Plastic, Boba Tea Brands Innovate
In this first dispatch from Summer Fancy Food Show 2022, Joe Tea discusses its move into plastic bottles, ready-to-drink boba tea brands debut new innovations, and Lifeway Foods discusses its charity kefir bottle to support Ukraine.
Zevia CEO Paddy Spence Stepping Down; President Amy Taylor Taking Over
Nearly one year removed from the company’s IPO filing, zero-sugar soft drink maker Zevia has announced a changing of the guard. Paddy Spence will cede his longtime role as CEO to President Amy Taylor on August 1, but remain Chair of the Board after he steps down.
BevNET Live Summer 2022 Day Two Recap: Liquid Death Discusses Opportunity in Web3; Creating An Investment Narrative
Educational sessions and discussions covered topics ranging from NFTs to THC during the second day of BevNET Live Summer 2022. Highlighted by a wild conversation with Bang Energy founder Jack Owoc, Thursday’s agenda also featured a beverage data dive from SPINS, Liquid Death’s work in web3 and insights into TikTok’s role in creating the next generation of CPG stars.
Plink! Emerges Victorious From New Beverage Showdown 23
Plink!, a startup brand of low-sugar beverage tablets, emerged victorious today in the 23rd edition of the New Beverage Showdown , BevNET’s biannual pitch competition for emerging beverage brands sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company’s Venturing and Emerging Brands Unit (VEB).
BevNET Live Summer 2022: Bang CEO Jack Owoc On Fighting Haters, Pushing Innovation and the Future of Energy
Bang Energy boss Jack Owoc offered both aggression and optimism during a talk at BevNET Live Summer 2022 on Thursday, dismissing “haters” and “negativity” while encouraging beverage entrepreneurs to stay true to their core principles and to avoid the mistake of chasing overnight success.
6 Finalists Advance in New Beverage Showdown 23
Six beverage startups emerged from a field of 12 contestants to secure a spot in tomorrow’s final round of New Beverage Showdown 23 at BevNET Live Summer 2022, sponsored by Coca Cola’s Venturing and Emerging Brands Unit (VEB).