GURU Closes $34M Funding Round Ahead of Going Public

In preparation for taking the company public on the Canadian Stock Exchange later this year, energy drink maker Guru Beverage Inc. announced this week that it has raised $34.5 million in private financing. The fundraise surpassed GURU’s fundraising goal of $20 million and was completed through a group led by Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc.

BevNET’s New Beverage Showdown 20: A Two-Day Virtual Pitch Competition this November

The leading business pitch competition for the beverage industry is back. The 20th edition of BevNET’s New Beverage Showdown, presented by Coca Cola’s Venturing & Emerging Brands, returns to the virtual world on November 17th and 19th. The platform catapults startup beverage brands into the spotlight and has discovered some of the hottest products currently on the market.

Pabst Blue Ribbon Branded Cannabis-Infused Seltzer Launches in California

The Los Angeles-based beer manufacturer’s PR firm today announced the formation of Pabst Labs, a licensed cannabis company based in Los Angeles, as well as the launch of a non-alcoholic, THC-infused, lemon-flavored seltzer, Pabst Blue Ribbon Cannabis Infused Seltzer, in California.

Speed Dating: Connecting Brands with Investors on October 29

BevNET & NOSH Speed Dating, a virtual event designed to connect food and beverage brands with industry experts, returns on Thursday, October 29. For this round, brands have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with CPG investors.

Taste Radio Ep. 229: ‘Bridesmaids’ Director Paul Feig Wants To Upgrade Your Martini

Paul Feig, the Hollywood director and producer behind blockbuster comedy “Bridesmaids,” sat down with us to discuss his latest project, Artingstall’s Gin. Feig spoke about how his personality is incorporated into the brand, why he compares the business of distilled spirits to that of directing a movie and his ultimate goal for Artingstall’s.

Sparkling Water Category Close-Up: Expert Analysis, Product Showcase on Oct. 13+14

Growth keeps bubbling up for sparkling water, so for the second edition of Category Close-Up, a video series available exclusively to BevNET and NOSH subscribers, we’re taking a deep dive into the market trends and dynamics -- as well as the innovative brands and products -- that are currently shaping the sparkling water category.

Coke Cuts Continue, With Zico Next To Exit

The Coca-Cola Company announced today it will discontinue coconut water brand Zico by the end of the year as part of a long term project to drop underperforming product lines from its portfolio. The move comes after months of declining sales for the brand, which Coke acquired in 2013.

Video: Project Potluck Joins Office Hours on Oct. 6

The show guests, Ibrahim Basir of A Dozen Cousins, Arnulfo Ventura of Beanfields and Ayesha Abuelhiga of Mason Dixie Baking Co. launched Project Potluck last month with a mission of building a ladder of opportunity for minorities in the food and beverage business who have long faced systemic issues around hiring, fundraising, mentoring, and other areas that are key to creating both successful companies and successful careers in the CPG industry.

SPINS: Kombucha Grows in MULO, Declines in Natural

In an interview with BevNET, Perteet Spence, VP of Strategic Solutions at SPINS, discussed the current state of the kombucha industry, including how multi-serve bottles and shelf-stable formats are influencing growth, how flavors are diversifying across channels and the rise of the alcoholic kombucha category.

Distribution Roundup: LifeAID Adds Target

LifeAID Adds 1,000 Target Stores; Sol-ti Expands to Sprouts; NewAge to Distribute Wingman Smart Energy; VIDE Adds Savannah Distributing; Marquis Adds DSD Houses in the West

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 100: How Outer Aisle Became The Fastest Growing Food Brand In The U.S.

Jeanne David, founder & CEO, Outer Aisle spoke about how being early on several current food trends helped the brand land its first major retailer, why the company aims to “revolutionize” a legacy food category, why she decided not to outsource manufacturing and why she urges entrepreneurs to use experienced advisors during a fundraising process.

Review: Culture Pop Soda

Launched this spring by a trio of industry veterans, Culture Pop is a line of mid calorie sugar sweetened sodas that are uniquely flavored and enhanced with probiotics. The initial lineup includes four flavors: Orange Mango Chili & Lime, Wildberry & Peppercorn, Ginger Lemon & Turmeric and Watermelon Lime & Rosemary.