Review: Cleen:Craft
Cleen Craft is a line of hemp enhanced carbonated soft drinks that come in a variety of classic soda flavors. The products are sugar sweetened and include 16 mg of hemp extract as well as velvet bean (mucuna pruriens).
Unovis Snags Speranza From 301 Inc.
Pete Speranza, former business development principal at 301 Inc, General Mills’ venture arm, left the company on August 14 and will join venture firm Unovis as an operating partner.
Project Potluck Launches to Create Parity in CPG
The organization will start with three initiatives: a mentorship program, monthly community building events and a digital community on LinkedIn.
Supercharge: D2C – Brand Case Studies with Hoplark Hop Tea & Catalina Crunch
When you tune in to Supercharge: D2C on Tuesday, Sept. 29, you’ll get more than advice from experts, you’ll also hear from a pair of brands on their recent experiences in growing their businesses in the Direct-to-Consumer environment.
Aramark Acquires Joyride Distribution Services, Brand Set to Re-Launch
Joyride Coffee has secured a partnership with food and beverage service provider Aramark Corporation to cover distribution and equipment service for both existing and future office accounts, the company announced Friday. Under the terms of the deal, Aramark has acquired all assets of Joyride’s delivery business and will create a new division, called Joyride by Aramark.
People Moves: Vanessa Walker, Lee Brody Join 100 Coconuts
New York-based coconut water brand 100 Coconuts announced last week that Walker has joined the startup as board member, while fellow beverage marketing veteran Lee Brody is coming on as an advisor. Elsewhere, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) veteran Charles Murray has joined Boxed Water is Better as the brand’s Director of Operations overseeing R&D, production and distribution.
Taste Radio Ep. 227: ‘You Either Win Or You Lose, And I Had To Figure Out How I Could Be Better.’
Joseph Carr, founder of top-selling wine brand Josh Cellars, spoke about how diligence and self-education were critical in turning his passion into a career and why he left a lucrative job to launch his own company. He also explained how he defines hard work and how Josh Cellars has articulated a positioning that is both premium and accessible.
Review: Maple Mama
Maple Mama is a USDA Organic certified sparkling beverage that is sweetened -- but not flavored -- with maple syrup. Instead, the products come in four fruit-based varieties, including Ginger Lemon, Strawberry Kiwi, Blueberry Pomegranate and Raspberry Lime.
Distribution Roundup: Celsius Adopts DSD for Target Stores
Celsius Adopts DSD for Target Stores; Rowdy Mermaid Launches Ecommerce Platform; Hubble Adds HiTouch Distribution, Expands Whole Foods; Tea of a Kind Launches New Flavors in Southeast and Midwest; The Bitter Housewife Adds PacNW; KÖE Kombucha Adds SoCal 7-Eleven
Molson Coors Takes Minority Stake in ZenWTR
Molson Coors Beverage Company has taken a minority stake in ZenWTR, the sustainably packaged bottled water brand launched earlier this year by serial entrepreneur Lance Collins, the company announced today. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
WTRMLN WTR Announces Sale to Caribé Juice
The Denver, Colo.-based brand of cold pressed watermelon juice blends has been acquired by Caribé Juice, the company announced today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Taste Radio Insider Ep. 98: He ‘Won’ On LinkedIn. And It’s Paying Dividends.
Mark Samuel, founder & CEO of protein-centric snack company IWON Organics, spoke what he defines as the brand’s “why,” the most effective ways to engage with his audience of 20,000-plus followers on LinkedIn, how he incorporates both confidence and vulnerability in his content and why patience is a virtue, especially after hearing the word “no.”
Tractor Expands Nationwide Footprint with “Cool Kids” of Food Service
As the fast casual dining industry has seen an influx of new chains with focuses on rising food trends, Tractor Beverage Co. is hoping to rise with the tide by introducing better-for-you alternatives to the traditional soda fountain. In 2018, the brand launched at restaurant trade shows with a broad, multi-category portfolio of organic, non-GMO beverage products.
Review: Spark by The Hemp Division
Spark is a line of sparkling CBD beverages from The Hemp Division, a division of premium tea company Harney & Sons. The product is available in two flavors, Orange Mango and Tangy Lime, both of which have 20 mg of CBD per 12 ounce can.