In this week’s episode, we’re joined by former NFL star Matt Light and Bill Dessel, the co-founders of sessionable spirit brand Keel Vodka. As part of our conversation, Light explained why despite ruthless competition as a professional football player, entrepreneurship “is more challenging than it ever would be on the playing field.” He and Dessel also discussed how they overcame initial regulatory hurdles, the benefits of a local distribution strategy, and why “living the lifestyle” is critical for brand ambassadors.

If it is passed and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, as is widely expected to happen within weeks, California Assembly Bill 228 will declare that foods, beverages and cosmetics made with industrial hemp should not be considered as adulterated. Until that occurs, however, brands and retailers in Southern California still face an uncertain existence from day to day.

Two years after the launch of its sparkling energy drink Hustle, New York-based startup MatchaBar is introducing new branding and flavors for the line, now called “Hustle by MatchaBar.” The revamped products will feature new labelling and be split into two product lines: Hustle Energy and Hustle Tea.

California-based plant-based food and beverage maker Califia Farms this morning announced the close of a $225 million Series D funding round led by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the company’s largest raise to date.

Purity Organic has acquired Dunn’s River Brands, an Austin, Texas-based management company created by investment firm Fireman Capital to run its beverage portfolio, including iced tea brands Sweet Leaf and Tradewinds, for an undisclosed fee.