Nielsen: Majors Post Modest All-Channel Gains in September

PepsiCo, The Coca-Cola Company, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) and Monster Energy Company all posted sales gains of at least 2%, even as overall non-alcoholic beverage and snack sales ebbed slightly, according to a Wells Fargo Securities analysis of Nielsen data.

Rowdy Mermaid Expands to New Facility

Colorado-based kombucha brand Rowdy Mermaid announced this week it has relocated to a larger Boulder headquarters to increase production, improve distribution efficiency and expand its team. According to the brand, the new 29,000 square foot facility will allow it to increase its current production output by 20 times.

People Moves: Sarah Bird Joins Beyond Broth as CEO

Sarah Bird Joins Beyond Broth as CEO; Riff Cold Brewed Hires VP of Business Development; REBBL Names New CMO; CLEAN Cause Appoints VP of Sales; Waterloo Sparkling Brings on New Sales and Marketing Leadership; Distill Ventures Announces New Executive Appointment

Wells Fargo: C-Stores “Upbeat” in Q3 Survey, As Sales Climb

Convenience retailers are feeling good about rising sales and brand innovation, according to the Q3 “Beverage Buzz” c-store retailer survey published by Wells Fargo Securities. Meanwhile, sales growth in the convenience retail has slowed relative to all channels, despite an uptick in year-over-year sales during the four-week period ended on Oct. 5.

Taste Radio Ep. 184: Whole30’s Melissa Hartwig Urban On The Most Important Part Of Her Success

Melissa Hartwig Urban, co-founder/CEO of Whole30, explained why she describes the lifestyle program as an “experiment” and why she is staunchly opposed to the idea of moderation. She also discussed the selective process for brands to become “Whole30 approved,” why she spends the majority of time at work messaging with members of her community, and why she decided to open up about past challenges in her life.

Review: Teakoe Fizzy Teas

Teakoe Tea Supply Co. recently announced the launch of a four-SKU line of sparkling tea beverages. The products are packaged in 12 oz. cans and all four varieties contain 30 calories or less and 7 grams of sugar or less, thanks to the use of stevia.

In Search of Credibility, CBD Beverage Brands Embrace Transparency

As startups race to seize shelf space in the emerging market for hemp-infused products, CBD beverage makers have witnessed an influx of competition using low grade ingredients and mislabeled doses. As the category faces increased scrutiny from not just state and federal regulators, but consumers who are inexperienced with or skeptical of hemp-based products, many beverage brands are prioritizing transparency and education.

Ugly Drinks Announces New Investment, Launch of Energy Line

A little over one year after launching in the U.S., London-based sparkling water brand Ugly Drinks is targeting further stateside expansion with the launch of a caffeine-infused sub-line, Energized, along with the announcement of a new round of financing.

NACS 2019: Docklight Plots National Rollout with Stable of CBD Brands

Over the past year, the food and beverage space has witnessed a “green rush” of CBD startups entering the market in a race to capitalize on the trend. With no shortage of competition, Seattle-based Docklight Brands is also hoping to get on board the cannabis wave with 13 brands of its own.

Cocktail Crate Acquired by Traverse City Whiskey

New York-based premium mixer brand Cocktail Crate has been acquired by craft distillery Traverse City Whiskey Co., the company announced yesterday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 55: The Profitable Way To Build a Disruptive Brand

Chris Kirby, founder/president of Ithaca Craft Hummus, spoke about how he identified white space in the hummus category and what he learned during four years of operating his own production facility. He also urged entrepreneurs to be thoughtful about their retail relationships and deliberate about expenses, and discussed why he hires people that are highly self-sufficient.

Cannabis Forum Speakers: The Pioneers Building an Industry

At the Cannabis Forum, Presented by BevNET and NOSH, industry trailblazers will bring entrepreneurs into the new industry they are creating and explain the intersection of cannabis with food and beverage brands.

Review: Present CBD-Infused Sparkling Water

Produced by Left Hand Brewing and WAAYB Organics, Present is a line of flavored sparkling waters that are enhanced with USDA Organic certified hemp extract. The products feature 20 mg of full spectrum CBD per 16 oz. can.