Review: Chiki Chiki Boom Boom
Chiki Chiki Boom Boom is a USDA Organic plant-based “punch” that was inspired by the founders’ Ecuadorian roots. The product, which is made in Ecuador, has only 20 calories and…
REBBL Launches Functional POP, Stacked Coffee Lines
Plant-based functional beverage maker REBBL is expanding its category reach with two new product lines: prebiotic soda REBBL POP and mushroom-boosted REBBL Stacked Coffee. Stacked Coffee is available in four varieties: Straight Black, Cafe Mocha, Vanilla Latte and Hazelnut Latte.
Wandering Barman Wins BevNET’s Inaugural Cocktail Showdown
Wandering Barman found victory in BevNET’s first ever Cocktail Showdown pitch competition today, emerging as the champion among a field of 10 ready-to-drink and ready-to-pour cocktail brands. The New York-based brand sells seven varieties of cocktails with multiple base spirit options and varying alcohol content.
Distribution Roundup: Agave-Based RTD Cocktails Trail New Territories
Two Mexican-inspired spirit-based cocktail startups announced distribution gains this week, with RTD sparkling mezcal maker Elenita and tequila seltzer brand Volley both adding new DSD partners. Also, Lucky Jack partnered with Fresh Thyme Market and shelf-stable kombucha maker KÖE has added a number of new retail doors in the convenience, drug and grocery channels.
Plant-Based Milk Players Invest in New Texas Facilities Amid Growing Oatmilk Demand
Citing increasing demand for oatmilk in retail and foodservice, plant-based milk producers Oatly and SunOpta are ramping up production, with both companies announcing plans for new facilities in Texas set to open over the next few years.
PWR Play: All Market Launches PWR LIFT Protein Water
Vita Coco parent company All Market is continuing its expansion beyond coconut water with the launch of a new line of protein-infused waters called PWR LIFT.
Iconic Debuts New Design, Coffees With Goal to “Problem Solve” in Protein
Iconic Protein has unveiled a new minimalist packaging design and green-centric color scheme with the goal of engaging consumers with the functionality and ingredients of each product.
Nielsen: Non-Alc Beverages See Accelerated Sales Growth
Non-alcoholic beverage sales accelerated during the two-week period ending July 31, improving after several weeks of slow down amid a lap of last year’s pandemic-driven at-home consumption spike, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
Welcome to Public Life: Lessons from the Oatly Short Report
Last month, still hot on the hype of its highly publicized May IPO, plant-based milk maker Oatly sustained its first major setback as a publicly traded company when Spruce Point Capital Management released a document claiming that the company had misrepresented its success. What can other companies learn from this about going public?
Fancy Food Show Moves to Fully Virtual Format; New Hope Adds New Protocols
Earlier today, The Specialty Food Association (SFA) cancelled the in-person trade show portion of the Fancy Food Show 2021. Slated to run September 27 through 29 in New York City, the event will now move to a fully virtual format. Meanwhile, New Hope, and its parent company Informa, announced new Covid-19 related protocols for Natural Products Expo East.
Athletic Brewing Announces Gym and Taproom Combo Pop-Up in Austin
Non-alcoholic craft brewery Athletic Brewing is preparing to open a pop-up facility featuring “the intersection of beer and burpees” in Austin, Texas, the company teased today on social media.
LifeAID Raises $20M in Series C Round
LIFEAID Beverage Co. announced this week that it has raised $20 million in an oversubscribed Series C financing round. The capital will go towards supporting the brand’s growth in retail in the U.S. and overseas, as well as funding new innovation and c-suite level hires.
CPG Leaders Make Forbes’ Wealthiest Self-Made Women List
This year’s Forbes list of the top wealthiest self-made women featured four founders, leaders and executives behind some of CPG’s most notable brands. Released this week, the full list includes 100 of the top female entrepreneurs and executives, two-thirds of which either founded or cofounded their company and 26 who have served as CEOs.
Taste Radio: Embrace Waste. Imperfect Foods Built A Unicorn Out Of It.
This week we’re joined by Benjamin Chesler, the co-founder of Imperfect Foods, a pioneering online grocery service that specializes in selling produce and surplus food that would otherwise be discarded. Chesler discussed Imperfect’s roots and mission to reduce food waste on a massive scale, the process for incorporating branded items into its product selection and how the company communicates quality as a seller of “imperfect” food.