Taste Radio: The ‘Evil’ Strategy Is Remarkably Good

This week, we’re joined by Charles Coristine, president and CEO of LesserEvil, who spoke about the better-for-you snack brand’s turnaround from industry outcast to a vertically integrated platform that emphasizes gross margin and innovation. Within our conversation, he explained why he leans on retail buyers to guide product development and why he’s a proponent of “failing fast and falling forward.”

Nixie Sparkling Water Marks First Year With New Flavor Launch

Organic flavored sparkling water brand Nixie has introduced a new Strawberry Hibiscus flavor this week to “perfectly encapsulate those last two weeks in July,” said Nixie Water Founder and CEO Nicole Bernard Dawes.

Gallery: July’s New Products

As we continue to wade through the summer, beverage brands released a variety of new functional products with everything from ready-to-drink beverages supporting immune health and hydration to line extensions from CBD-brands such as Unity Wellness and Rhythm. Check out the gallery for the latest limited-releases, reformulations, brand debuts and more.

Review: Twrl M!lk Tea

Twrl M!lk Tea is a plant-based milk tea that is made with premium ingredients and nitro-infused. The product line features three flavors, including Original Black, Hojicha Roasted Green Tea and Supreme Jasmine. 

Ex-Dairy Execs Launch Japanese-Inspired Plant Milk

Launched this month by two former dairy industry executives, Yoi is taking a gut-health approach to plant-based milk through a slow-cultured combination of nut and seed milk. The inspiration behind the brand’s culturing techniques are also tied to its name; meaning ‘good’ in Japanese, Yoi made its debut at local San Francisco farmers markets and is now on the shelf at 20 independent grocers in the Bay Area.

KDP: Guidance Raised After Positive Q2 Report

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is raising its annual guidance from 4% to 6% to 6% to 7% after seeing broadly positive momentum in its Q2 2021 earnings report, the company announced today. Net sales during the quarter rose 9.6% to $3.14 billion and adjusted operating income grew 8.3%.

Following ‘Retooling’ and Expansion, Urban Remedy Raises $18M

Banking on increased trips out and about as COVID recedes, ultra-fresh meal, snack and beverage producer Urban Remedy is doubling down on a strategy to grow sales via its branded kiosks. It’s a move that CEO Paul Coletta says allows the company to achieve better margins, grow faster with less capital investment and puts the company on “path to profitability.”

Nielsen: Overall Sales Slow As Volumes Shift Back To On-premise

Non-alcoholic beverage sales continue to slow down, but remain positive with a 3.7% increase over the two-week period ending July 17, 2021 on a year-over-year basis, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research. Volumes continue to shift back towards the on-premise channel during this period which is inclusive of the July 4th holiday while sales climbed 16.4% on a two-year stack basis (last year’s report of the same period began July 5).

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.