Update: Arbitrator Rules Pepsi-Bang Deal Remains Intact

Despite claims by Vital Pharmaceuticals/VPX Sports boss Jack Owoc that “terminated means terminated,” PepsiCo can continue to distribute the energy drink until the completion of ongoing dispute between the two parties, according to an emergency arbitration ruling issued on Monday.

Molson Coors Invests in Arriba, Deepening L.A. Libations Partnership

Molson Coors Beverage Company is further solidifying its relationship with L.A. Libations by investing in Arriba, a brand of michelada mixers operated by the California-based incubator. The partnership will place Arriba into Molson Coors’ distribution network, with a focus on growing the brand in the California and Texas markets.

Taste Radio Ep. 234: ‘Once’ Co-Founders Garner & Foraker Open Up About The Importance Of Mission, Middle America & BLM

Once Upon a Farm co-founders Jennifer Garner and John Foraker spoke about the evolution of the company’s strategy for winning over retail buyers, merchandising and communicating brand attributes over recent years and why they believe that “everything starts with the consumer.” They also discussed the company’s relationship with Save The Children and its response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

BevNET Live is Today! Access the Virtual Venue.

The virtual main stage at BevNET Live begins with Kara Goldin, HINT's CEO, sharing the lessons she has learned and how they can help beverage brands as they deal with these tumultuous times. Her discussion will be followed by a panel of executives from Ollipop, Better Booch, and So Good So You discussing how their brands managed raises, rebrands, and sales growth in the midst of all the upheaval. Registered attendees can access today's presentations, networking and on-demand content through the virtual venue.

Blue Ridge Bucha Acquired by Venture Capitalist Hank Heyming

Virginia-based kombucha brand Blue Ridge Bucha announced last week that it has been acquired by Hank Heyming, a venture capitalist who is also the co-founder and a managing partner of Trolley Ventures. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

BevNET Best Of 2020 Award Finalists and Nominees

The nominees and finalists for BevNET’s “Best of 2020” Awards reflect the variety and strength within the beverage industry both in front of and behind the scenes, whether it’s delivering bold new innovation and inspiring product concepts, executing effective marketing, or managing operations and supply chain in an unpredictable economic climate. For the first time, BevNET accepted nominations for the 2020 awards, resulting in a wide field of over 320 brands, products, campaigns and individuals that reflected the diversity and rich tapestry of our industry.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 106: The ‘Future’ Of Millennial & Gen Z Brands

The co-founders of next-generation beverage company Future/Proof, spoke about why naiveté, scrappiness and business school connections were critical to the early development of their flagship brand, BeatBox Beverages. They also explained why over-preparation is key to fundraising and how the convergence of lifestyle and liquid play into the company’s trade and consumer marketing strategies.

Review: H2O Sonoma Soft Seltzer

H2O Sonoma Soft Seltzer is positioning itself as the “world’s first wine-infused sparkling water with 0.0% alcohol.” The initial flavors, which are packaged in 16 oz cans, include Pinot Noir, Rose and Sauvignon Blanc.

People Moves: Jones Soda Names Mark Murray as CEO; Aqua ViTea Builds Out C-Suite

Jones Soda has named Mark Murray as its permanent president and CEO; Vermont-based kombucha maker Aqua ViTea announced an expansion of its leadership team with three new additions to its c-suite; Soylent co-founder Rob Rhinehart has stepped down as chairman of the company’s board of directors.

Taste Radio Goes Live With Fitness Icon And Beverage Entrepreneur Jake Steinfeld

BevNET is pleased to announce a special live and interactive edition of its Taste Radio podcast featuring actor, fitness icon and entrepreneur Jake Steinfeld at BevNET Live Winter 2020. A globally recognized authority in personal fitness, Steinfeld recently extended his “Body By Jake” brand into beverages with the launch of Don’t Quit, a line of meal replacement drinks developed in partnership with Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) and brand incubator L.A. Libations.