Nielsen: Non-Alc Beverage Sales Start the Year with Momentum

After velocities slowed at the end of December, total non-alcoholic beverage sales began the year strongly with accelerated momentum over the two week period ending January 23, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

Taste Radio Ep. 238: How These 12 Words Make Fitness Icon Denise Austin ‘Ever Better’

Home workout pioneer Denise Austin, the founder of snackable protein bite brand Ever Better, spoke about her rise from college gymnast to one of the most recognized names in fitness, why she advocates for people to eat healthy food 80% of the time and indulgent foods for the other 20% and why integrity is the key factor in everything she does.

Cannabis Trade Group Forms Beverage Council

The American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp announced last week the formation of the Cannabis Beverage Council, a new industry group that will seek to support U.S. brands in both regulatory and market initiatives.

Positive Beverage Splits with Kelly Dodd Following Controversial Statements

Positive Beverage has severed ties with celebrity influencer Kelly Dodd, following controversial statements about COVID-19 by the “Real Housewives of Orange County” star. The decision to fire Dodd came this weekend after Instagram posts showing her flouting pandemic safety guidelines came under fire from fans and media.

VPX-Owned Brand Quash Seltzer Sues PepsiCo

VPX Pharmaceuticals took its legal battle against PepsiCo to a second front this week as VPX-aligned company Quash Seltzer LLC filed a lawsuit alleging the conglomerate has threatened its prospective distribution partners out of doing business.

Product Showcase – Kombucha & Probiotics (Bonus Interviews)

In our last episode of Category Closeup: Product Showcase, we spoke with a range of kombucha and probiotic drink brand leaders about their latest product launches and market strategy. This clip features additional interviews from the show with Circle Beverage, Humm Kombucha and Urban Farm Fermentory.

Virtual Plant-Based Milk Museum to Open in February

Seeking to ride the momentum fueling explosive consumer interest in non-dairy milks, Milk Future, a free virtual museum designed to educate consumers and spread awareness about non-dairy plant-based milks, is set to go live on February 1.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 110: Why Asking For Specific Advice Helped This Brand Secure $7.5 Million In Funding

Denise Woodard, the founder and CEO of fast-growing allergen-friendly food brand Partake Foods, spoke about the benefits of “leaning into” cost-saving retailer programs, how she went from raising thousands of dollars at a time to multi-million, celebrity-led funding rounds, how the tragedy and social unrest of 2020 impacted Partake and why she sings the praises of a having a leadership coach.

Gallery: January’s New Products

A new year means new products. In this gallery, we showcase new CBD brand launches from Molson Coors and Indeed Brewing Company, flavorful innovations in coffee creamers via International Delight, Natural Bliss and Shamrock Farms, as well as new line extensions from Chobani, Mooala and Vita Coco among other launches.

Whey Out: Dairy-Based Brands Seek Plant-Powered Expansion

As consumers continue to embrace plant-based diets, the protein drink category is no exception to the growing trend towards vegan products. But as plant-based protein startups like OWYN and Koia grow, established companies that have long played in the animal-based sector are now looking to get in. This year, a number of protein drink makers -- from PepsiCo-owned CytoSport to enhanced water maker Protein2o -- are introducing new plant-based lines in a move to set the pace in an emerging market.

UFO Blasts Off with Clean Label Hemp Milk Line

As the market for plant-based milks grow to “out of this world” proportions, so to speak, some consumers are taking note of the sugars and preservatives used in leading brands. Enter UFO (standing for Udder Free Only), a California-based brand of premium, clean label hemp milks made with chia and oat flour.

Review: RISE Brewing London Fog

RISE Brewing’s London Fog is an organic, nitrogen-infused oat milk latte that’s made with Earl Grey Tea.