Review: Proper Wild Clean Energy Shot

Proper Wild is a line of 2.5 oz shelf stable energy shots that are enhanced with caffeine, L-theanine and ginseng. The line comes in three flavors: Ginger, Blackberry and Peach Mango.

BevNET and NOSH Virtually Live: An Event for the Food and Beverage Industry

For more than a decade BevNET and NOSH have brought the entrepreneurial food and beverage ecosystem together during in-person conferences. Now, it’s time to bring the community together online. It’s time to connect, even in isolation. It’s time to share knowledge, even when the schools are out. On June 23 and 24, let’s take some time together to reset, boarding a platform made by the coalesced entrepreneurial community, taking a break from our widespread separation.

Rowdy Mermaid Raises Another $3.5M in Series A ‘Second Tranche’

Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha announced today it has raised an additional $3.5 million from investment firm KarpReilly in a “second and final tranche” of its Series A funding round, bringing the total financing to $7 million. In February 2019, KarpReilly led the Colorado-based brand’s initial Series A round and co-founder Allan Karp joined Rowdy Mermaid’s board of directors.

Eyeing “Revolution,” Neutral Builds Zero-Carbon CPG Platform

Matt Plitch, founder of sustainable dairy brand Neutral, envisions carbon neutral food and beverage as the next big food movement. As a “global food revolution” in line with the recent rise of veganism, he sees a future in which grocery stores will have a carbon neutral aisle and “neutralists” can shop for products with net-zero carbon emissions.

Review: Ugly Limited Edition Flavors Tackle Soda Head On

Amidst the global pandemic of 2020, Ugly recently announced a new limited edition flavor program to help further drive the company’s DTC business. Today, we’re taking a look at three of these flavors, including Cherry Cola, Dr. Ugly and Orange Soda.

DrinkTru Secures $1.5M To “Save” Company

Boston-based functional shot brand DrinkTru has secured $1.5 million in new funding, founder James McNamara told BevNET last week. According to founder Jack McNamara, the company had been in talks over a potential investment with a venture capital partner for about four months before they pulled out in March, requiring the brand to quickly change gears.

SOS Hydration to Launch RTD Line

SOS Hydration, a California-based maker of electrolyte drink mixes, is the latest powdered beverage brand to take the leap to liquid, announcing today it will launch a ready-to-drink enhanced water line this summer. The line features Citrus, Fruit Punch, Mango and Watermelon flavors and will retail for $2.48 per 16.9 oz. bottle.

Taste Radio Ep. 215: After A $550 Million Exit, Why Vega’s Co-Founder Has ‘Culture’ On His Mind

Brendan Brazier, co-founder of pioneering plant-based protein brand Vega and “hard” cold-pressed juice brand Pulp Culture, spoke about how his passion for plant-based nutrition culminated in Vega, why the company embraced the saying “ignorance is our only competition,” how he assessed the opportunity for a better-for-you alcoholic beverages and his perspective on the evolution of plant-based foods.

Review: Untitled Art CBD Sparkling Water

As a brand, Untitled Art is focused on delivering the “newest drink concepts and styles, showcasing our amazing artists, and collaborating with our friends around the world.” The company currently produces a beer and a CBD-infused sparkling water.

Spirits Feature: Despite Uncertainty, Capital is Still Out There

In the first quarter of 2020, thanks to Covid-19, the investment landscape for spirits—and literally every other category—quickly devolved into something unexpected. So what does this mean for investors and entrepreneurs looking for venture capital funding?

Review: Taika

Taika is a new line of 9.5 oz. ready to drink coffee beverages that describes itself as “the world’s first perfectly calibrated coffee.” The three-SKU line, which is sold direct-to-consumers via the company’s website, features formulations that are enhanced with adaptogens and functional mushrooms while still providing smooth flavor.