Owen’s Craft Mixers Lands $7.5M Investment
Owen’s Craft Mixers has closed a $7.5 million funding round that includes singers Ryan Hurd and Lee Brice, ex-NHL star Mario Lemieux and strategic investment from the Mass Family Office.
Taste Radio: They’re Obsessed With Helping Consumers ‘Bite’ Better. And This Is Their Plan.
This week, we’re joined by Chris Fanucchi and Samantha Citro Alexander, the co-founders of Bitewell, a new startup platform that aims to make healthy purchasing decisions easier via curated options for grocery and restaurant delivery. Fanucchi and Citro Alexander spoke about Bitewell’s multi-pronged business model, why competition isn’t easily defined and how the company works with emerging food and beverage brands.
Flavors, Flexibility Providing Fuel for On-Fire RTD Cocktails
With projections predicting continued segment growth for RTDs, anyone looking to enter the space will face a competitive landscape. But by studying brands who have either launched during the pandemic or have weathered the storm without faltering, there are plenty of opportunities for new premixed canned cocktails to thrive.
Molson Coors: Despite Challenging Quarter, ZOA is ‘Well Received’
Despite seeing a 9.7% decline in net sales in the first quarter of 2021, Molson Coors Beverage Company reported solid sales for its non-alcoholic beverage portfolio, including new energy venture ZOA. Speaking to investors and analysts on a conference call Thursday, CEO Gavin Hattersley said ZOA has been “extraordinarily well received by retailers and by distributors alike.”
Review: ISCA CBD Soda
ISCA is a new line of premium CBD-enhanced sodas that feature flavors created by two-star Michelin chef (and the brand’s co-founder) Michael Caines. The products contain 20mg of hemp extract per 12 ounce glass bottle.
Transparent & Pandering AF: Say Hello to GEN Z Water
Just when it seemed the beverage industry had it all figured out when it came selling to millennials, in comes Gen Z. Gen Z Brands is a new Arkansas-based, sustainably packaged bottled water brand that has taken its namesake from its target demographic.
With New Owners, Grillo’s Looks to Accelerate Growth
Late last week Boston-based pickle brand Grillo’s revealed it had been sold to family-owned bakery business King’s Hawaiian earlier this year. While pickles and bread are often sandwiched together, the brand will largely be speeding ahead on its own, according to Grillo’s executives.
Gallery: April’s New Products
As we head into spring, beverage brands are amping up consumers for the warmer months ahead. This month saw new energy boosting shots, oat milk innovations, and two new functional flavors from Vitaminwater. Check out the gallery for the latest from Super Coffee, Fever Tree, and hellowater, in addition to new brand launches, partnerships, and reformulations.
Proud Source Water Partners with PepsiCo for Regional Distribution
Proud Source Water announced this week a regional distribution agreement with PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA), placing the sustainably-packaged alkaline water brand on blue trucks servicing food service providers, stadiums and retailers in the Western region of the country.
KDP: Broad Growth Fuels Strong Q1
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has upped its projections for full year net sales growth to 4-6% after reporting an 11% increase in net sales during Q1 2021, the company announced this morning.
Dairy Pride Act Reintroduced to Restrict Plant-Based Dairy Labeling
U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jim Risch (R-ID) last week reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would ban plant-based dairy alternative products from using dairy-related terms on their labels.
Former Red Bull North America Chief Stefan Kozak Named as Guayaki CEO
Yerba mate brand Guayaki has named former Red Bull North America CEO Stefan Kozak as its new chief executive officer.
Review: Hoplark Water
Hoplark Water is the latest line extension from Hoplark, a Boulder, Colorado-based company that has made a name for itself selling hop-infused sparkling teas.
Mark Anthony Brands Seeks Injunction Against Bang Energy’s MIXX Hard Seltzer
White Claw Hard Seltzer and Mike’s Hard Lemonade maker Mark Anthony Brands has filed a lawsuit against Vital Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Bang Energy LLC alleging copyright infringement in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York.