Nielsen: Price Pressures Spark Early Spring Slowdown
Declining volumes depressed growth in total non-alcoholic beverage sales during the two-week period ended on April 9, according to an analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
Dry Shelves: Retailers Build Out Non-Alc Adult Beverage Sets
Between non-alcoholic spirits, beers, wines and mocktails, the options for sober and sober curious consumers have boomed over the past few years, but the rise of this new category has also presented a challenge for retail buyers – raising questions of where in the store these zero proof products belong.
Taste Radio: When Looking For An Investor, Look For A Friend
This week, we sat down with the co-founders of Vail-based private equity firm Manna Tree Partners and the founders of three portfolio companies, Verde Farms, Health-Ade and Gotham Greens, to explore the relationship between investor and entrepreneur. The discussions revealed how their personal friendship established a baseline for trust and helped create positive outcomes for all involved.
Numilk Turns to Cafes, Homes with Countertop Pivot
Over the past two years Numilk has quietly moved away from that original strategy to focus on developing technology for foodservice applications and now is preparing to scale its footprint and launch at-home devices capable of making nearly any non-dairy milk product consumers desire.
CENTR Brands Closes Roughly $3.5M Via Private Financing
According to a press release, the net proceeds of the new financing will be used for “growth-oriented production, continued expansion of the recently launched online channel, new product innovation, and general working capital.”
Marketing: Anna Konkle and Maya Erskine Team Up With AHA, Pepsi Launches “Scarves Up for Good” With LAFC, and BODYARMOR and DRNX Score With Top Athletes
In this marketing roundup, Pepsi partners with The Los Angeles Football Club to launch a community giveback program, PEN15 stars Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle bring the LAHAughs with their new sparkling water campaign and BODYARMOR and DRNX Adaptogenic Waters score big with top athletes.
SuperCharge, April 21: Can’t Stop Living the Brand? Let’s Talk!
We’re featuring interviews with Seth Goldman of Honest Tea and Eat the Change - one of the best-known recidivist brand maniacs out there – as well as Parker Olson of Forij (he lives in the Forij van!) and Zack and Delisa Harper of Funky Mello (they met, made marshmallow fluff, and got married!).
Profile: Spirits Investor 99 Proof Partners Seeks Well Crafted Stories
In August, 99 Proof plans to open a members-only lounge that, with a minimum annual investment, will let partners work, socialize, and get exposure to investment opportunities while enjoying craft spirits.
A SHOC CEO: “New Blood” Powers $29M Raise
After announcing the closing of a $29 million Series B funding round on Thursday, performance energy drink brand A SHOC is looking to increase brand awareness and fuel its expansion with the support of its expanded athlete investor team, according to CEO Paul Nadel.
Judge Rejects Whole Foods’ Claim That $15 Million Breach of Contract Suit Is Invalid
AtlantaFresh Artisan Creamery’s case against Whole Foods Market is moving forward after U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash denied Whole Foods' motion to throw out a $15 million breach of contract lawsuit. The case alleges the natural grocery chain prematurely and ‘abruptly’ broke a seven-year distribution contract with grass-fed dairy producer AtlantaFresh Artisan Creamery and caused the business to go under.
This Week’s New Drinks: New Flavors from AHA and Aura Bora, Non-Carbonated Q Mixers, and a Relaunch from Nuun
In this week’s roundup of new product launches, ZOA Energy expanded its energy drink line with the launch of 12 oz. cans, Nuun re-launched its functional hydration portfolio and Q Mixers debuted two non-carbonated mixers just in time for warmer weather. Plus, sparkling water brands Aura Bora and AHA both added new flavors.
A SHOC Closes $29M Series B Funding Round
Performance energy drink brand A SHOC announced today it has closed a $29 million Series B funding round backed by existing investors and a roster of celebrity athletes.
Review: BeGOAT Cascara Functional Beverage
BeGOAT is a new line of sparkling functional beverages that are powered by cascara. The product seven flavors, all of which contain only 25 calories and 5 grams of sugar while delivering a potent 200mg of caffeine. BeGOAT is packaged in a slim 12 ounce can.
Distribution Roundup: Jeng Adds Sarene On East Coast; Alkaline88 Enters Europa
In this week's Distribution Roundup, craft mocktail brand Jeng partners with beer distributor Sarene to service the East Coast, while Alkaline88 targets fitness and nutrition retailers via Europa Sports, plus news from Wynk, RISE Brewing Co., Poppilu, Play Mode and Rowdy Energy.