5-Hour Energy Launches 16 oz. Line

Living Essentials, LLC announced today its first push outside of shots into the full size energy drink category with the launch of 5-Hour Energy in a 16 oz. can format. The new line is debuting simultaneously this week at the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) convention in Las Vegas and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show in Chicago.

Todd Carmichael Teases First Look at Sparkling Water Venture

In a recent story in Philadelphia magazine, La Colombe co-founder and CEO Todd Carmichael teased details of his next career move: launching Rebel Beverage Labs, a sparkling water company focused on developing a “platform where you can play within mouthfeel.”

L.A. Libations Expands Incubator “Innovation Center” Program

After a successful launch with Sprouts last year, L.A. Libations is continuing to leverage its industry connections to bring more retailers into its expanding “innovation center” program fueled by the company’s SoCal Incubation Program (SIP).

Aura Bora Scales Up, Tackles Conventional Channel

Fruit and botanical-infused sparkling water startup Aura Bora is looking to make an impression with mainstream consumers early as the San Francisco-based brand expands its sales team and takes to the conventional channel. Since raising $2 million in a seed round this spring, Aura Bora has expanded its retail footprint to about 2,000 doors nationwide.

Expo East 2021 Editors’ Recap: News, Trends and Products

In this video recap, BevNET and NOSH editors Martin Caballero, Carol Ortenberg and Jeff Klineman discuss the latest news, trends and products that emerged from the show, touching on the evolution of keto-friendly products, the impact and influence of alternative retail channels, and much more.

17 New Fun-Flavored Beverages To Try This Month

Beverage companies innovated with a wide range of flavors this month from a Reese’s cup coffee from International Delight to Startburst-inspired C4 Energy drinks. The cannabis beverage industry also continued to grow with the debut of brands such as James & James and new products such as a THC-infused botanical beverage from AMASS.

Club CPG Launches NFT-Based ‘Crypto Packaged Goods’ Platform

The emergence of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as a tradable digital resource has been among the most notable innovations in finance and the art world this year, but the cryptocurrency-driven trend has yet to make a major impact on the physically-bound CPG world. Now, digital company Club CPG is hoping to change that with the launch of a new platform, Crypto Packaged Goods.

Whole Foods Co-Founder, CEO John Mackey Announces Retirement

Whole Foods Market co-founder and CEO John Mackey today announced in an open letter addressed to “fellow team members” his intentions to retire next September after 44 years at the natural retailer.

Review: Unity Hemp and Adaptogen Infused Beverages

Unity is a line of non-carbonated low calorie beverages that are infused with hemp and adaptogens. Available in a variety of fruit flavors, each 14 ounce bottle of Unity contains only 30 calories and 5 grams of sugar.

Bloc Collective Fuels NYC’s Cultural Comeback With QR-Coded RTD Cocktail

Bloc Collective launched with two canned cocktails that aims to connect “good time enthusiasts” with “Cool Sh*t to Do” through its weekly, curated guide accessible via QR code on its cans. Founder Rob Dickens said Bloc’s goal is to create a platform that drives the post-pandemic cultural comeback in cities across the country, starting with New York.

Goldman: Zevia Meetings Boost Confidence

Goldman Sachs Equity Research analysts walked away “with increased confidence” in Zevia’s ability to hit or surpass its ambitious 30% growth target this year, the firm said in a report this week.