EBOOST Rebrands, Reformulates RTD Energy Line

Better-for-you energy drink maker EBOOST has debuted new branding and a reformulated liquid for its ready-to-drink line. The company, which is distributed through a partnership with AriZona Beverages, will debut the revamped products in 12 oz. cans this summer and plans to follow with a 16 oz. format for convenience retailers later this year.

Dole Completes Merger With IPO

As the final step to complete a merger with European fresh produce company Total Produce that began in February, this week Dole Packaged Foods intends to raise $559 million from an initial public offering. The merger forms the world’s largest fresh produce provider, joining Dole’s 109,000 acres of land, 162 distribution and manufacturing facilities, 75 picking houses and 12 cold storage facilities with Total Produce’s global import and distribution network.

Office Hours: As Food Service Comes Back, How Has It Changed?

Office Hours returns today with a look into the state of the food service channel as a revenue and visibility outlet for food and beverage entrepreneurs. BevNET Editor in Chief Jeff Klineman was joined by Rooted Food Sales’ Matt Cotton and Clay Lichterman of Kodiak Cakes to explore the ways the Covid-19 pandemic cut into food service opportunities and the slow road back for many institutional accounts.

Credit Suisse: CELSIUS Sales Surge Fuels Growth

Having emerged this year as one of the fastest growing energy drinks in the U.S. market, CELSIUS’ momentum continues to surge, earning an “outperform” rating according to a new report by Credit Suisse. According to the report, which stems from CELSIUS’ analyst day event in Miami, Florida last week, the brand has seen “a strong rebound in demand post pandemic."

Long Drink Closes $25M Funding Round

Celebrity backed spirits-based RTD The Finnish Long Drink has announced the closing of a $25 million funding round led by New York-based investment management firm Neuberger Berman.

Taste Radio: The Retailer That Every Brand Wants To Be In… Is a Convenience Store

As Foxtrot Market, one of the most hyped retailers in recent memory, prepares to open dozens of new locations, we sat down with co-founder/CEO Mike LaVitola to talk about how the company cultivates an intimate understanding of its consumers, its uniquely curated product selection and why the chain is simultaneously going head-to-head with the likes of Starbucks, 7-Eleven and DoorDash.

NotCo Raises $235M Series D Round

Food tech company NotCo announced today that it has raised $235 million in a Series D funding round led by Tiger Global, bringing its total financing to over $350 million to date. The funding will help the plant-based milk and meat producer to launch its food products in the U.S. and scale its proprietary A.I. technology platform.

Grocery Analyst: The Fresh Market IPO Could Narrow Intro Path for Entrepreneurs

North Carolina-based grocer The Fresh Market filed for an initial public offering this month for the second time in the company’s almost 40-year history. This second IPO could bring significant changes to the grocer’s position in the retail landscape, forcing them to optimize operations at the expense of local and emerging brands.

ZOA Turns On ‘The Rock’ Marketing Machine

Having established a national footprint, ZOA Energy -- the plant-based beverage brand co-founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and distributed through Molson Coors Beverage Company -- is preparing to launch its first televised marketing campaign beginning with a 30-second spot during the opening ceremony of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

IRI: Repurchasing, Service Consolidation Driving E-Commerce Gains

Looking ahead to the second half of this year and beyond, retention of new shoppers, increasing comfort buying CPG online and acceleration of investments by leading retailers in online capabilities is set to drive expansion of online grocery further, representing an estimated 12% of total edible sales.

Review: GIST Prebiotic Sparkling Water

GIST is a line of sparkling waters that are enhanced with 4 grams of prebiotic fiber per 12 ounce can. The products do not contain any added sweeteners and come in two flavors, Chamomile with Rosemary and Ginger with Rooibos.

Investment Roundup: Athletic Greens Closes Funding Round, Zevia Begins Trading on NYSE

Direct-to-consumer powdered beverage maker Athletic Greens announced this week that it has raised its first ever round of outside capital featuring celebrity and institutional investors; Stevia-sweetened beverage maker Zevia debuted on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, offering 10.7 million shares priced at $14 each, raising just under $150 million for the company.