Nielsen: Positive Sales Trends Continue in Early Summer

Non-alcoholic beverage sales continued to rise over the two-week period ended on June 13, increasing 13% from the same time frame last year, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.

Citizen Chef, Citizen CPG: Fighting Food Insecurity Together

BevNET and NOSH Virtually Live Summer 2020 continues for its second day with over 1,000 food and beverage professionals in attendance. While the majority of the discussions are exclusively available to attendees, the final main stage presentation featuring Tom Colicchio is free for everyone to watch at 3:20pm ET. Set a reminder to tune in.

Taste Radio Ep. 219: This Is How Category-Leading Brands Stay On Top

Henry Chen, founder/CEO of SPI West Port, the owner of ALO Drink, ALO Snacks, Jen Collagen and Woodridge Snacks, spoke about the importance of staying true to the company’s core focus, who he views as the ultimate industry gatekeeper, how the company strategizes around retail placement and the key element entrepreneurs can’t overlook when scaling.

Review: Rishi Sparkling Botanicals

Having built its reputation as a premium tea company, Rishi is now moving into ready-to-drink with the launch of its new Sparkling Botanicals line. Sitting somewhere between sparkling water and sparkling tea, the line contains 5-15 calories per can with no added sugar or sweeteners. They are formulated with real ingredients and don’t contain any added flavorings or extracts.

FARE Calls for Universal Labels on Allergen Products

After the FDA last month released temporary guidance to allow companies to make “minor” ingredient substitutions without labeling changes, advocacy organization Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) and other groups have advocated for greater transparency.

Last Chance to Sign Up Before Virtually Live

There are only mere hours until the launch of BevNET & NOSH Virtually Live on June 23 and 24, and that means there’s only a little time left to sign up to subscribe and attend. The virtual platform is now open and attendees have already started filling out their profiles and networking. Here are some potentially business-altering reasons you should join them.

LifeAID Launches ‘Go!’ Powdered Line

Expanding its platform beyond the RTD space, LifeAID Beverage Co. announced today the launch of LifeAID Go!, a line of single-serve powder drink mixes which will debut online this week. Go! features powdered versions of the brand’s ImmunityAid and FitAid SKUs, which co-founders Orion Melehan and Aaron Hinde said are among the brand’s top selling beverage products.

Season 1 of SprintToSuccess: Superfrau & InteractBoulder

SprintToSuccess, a 7 week creative process designed to take an entrepreneur-in-need from streamlined strategy to a ready-for-world brand free of charge, has announced its Season 1 subject, chosen from a pool of 107 applicants: Melissa Martinelli’s SuperFrau.

Pitbull and Dance Team Named HALO Sport Investors

Organic sports drink maker HALO Sport has announced Grammy-award winning artist Armando Christian Perez, a.k.a. Pitbull, has joined the company as an investor and ambassador.

Review: Hamaka Plant-based CBD Beverages

Hamaka is a new line of CBD enhanced beverages that is making its debut in four varieties:: Oatmilk Latte, Cold Brew Coffee, Hibiscus Flower Tea and Mineral Water. Each is enhanced with 5-10 mg of hemp extract per 250 ml (8.45 ounce) can, depending on the SKU.

Go Girl Energy and Silk Road Soda Announce Merger

Northern California regional brands Go Girl Energy and Silk Road Soda Co. announced this week they have merged to form Go Roads, LLC The company will seek to expand both product lines outside of the Golden State with rebranded and reformulated offerings.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 90: It Takes A Certain ‘Touch’ To Make Distributors Love You

Chuck Casano, founder of Pitaya Foods and HiTouch Distribution, spoke about navigating the food industry on two fronts, how a social mission guided his foray into entrepreneurship, the failure that propelled his decision to launch HiTouch, the elements of successful brand relationships and being on the front lines of food distribution during the pandemic.

Evolve Online at Virtually Live

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for brands to grow e-comm and online brand-building capabilities, and BevNET and NOSH Virtually Live, held next week on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 23 and 24, feature a number of approaches for companies looking to either explore or refine their approach to online commerce channels.