Taste Radio Ep. 209: How A Revered Entrepreneur And Innovator Proved The Naysayers Wrong

Trey Zoeller, founder of pioneering whiskey brand Jefferson’s Bourbon, spoke about overcoming initial criticism of his experimental methods for aging bourbon, why he doesn’t consider himself a distiller, balancing consumer demand for diversity, consistency and predictability and why he’ll “never create a brand or an expression out of a boardroom.”

Koia Lands Potential “Last Money” With CircleUp Investment

Plant-based beverage brand Koia has completed a bridge funding round with investment platform CircleUp Growth Partners that could possibly represent “the last money into the company,” according to CEO Chris Hunter. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Targeting Grocery, Back Bay Roasters Shifts Focus to Bag-in-Box

Seeking a point of differentiation in the crowded cold brew coffee set, Boston-based Back Bay Roasters is shifting its focus from its single-serve line to its bag-in-box format, beginning with a rollout to 200 Walmart stores on the East Coast next month. The move comes as a number of rising cold brew startups have embraced multiserve packaging.

WATCH: Califia CEO Greg Steltenpohl Talks Investment, Market Dynamics

BevNET managing editor Martin Caballero sat down with Greg Steltenpohl, co-founder and CEO of Califia Farms, on a video call to discuss his thoughts on how both investors and brands may be considering the current and post-COVID market landscape.

Summer Fancy Food Show Cancelled

Following a deluge of other food and beverage show cancellations and delays, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) announced today that its Summer Fancy Food Show will be cancelled. The tradeshow was slated to run June 28 through 30 in New York City.

Uncle Matt’s Organic Charts Path Forward After Dean Bankruptcy

Amid a portfolio of distressed assets up for sale by Dean Foods, juice maker Uncle Matt’s Organic may not have been the biggest potential get. But that depends on who’s buying: for founder and CEO Matt McLean, who secured a $7.25 million deal to reacquire the brand last week, it’s a chance for a fresh start.

Review: Upriver Nitro Cacao

Marketed as a “gentle alternative to coffee,” Upriver Nitro Cacao is a cold-brewed cacao beverage packaged in 6 oz. cans. The line features five flavors: Dark Wild, Chocolate Chai, Vanilla Cream, Strawberry Hibiscus and Matcha Mamma.

Cannabis, CBD Brands Feel Impact of COVID-19

The coronavirus outbreak has come amidst a steadily increasing number of CBD and legal cannabis products and. Many brands from both the THC and CBD sides of the ledger quickly found sales growth as consumers rushed to stockpile goods from nearly all CPG sectors, but cannabis suppliers and entrepreneurs are now wondering what their industry will look like once the crisis passes.

Passover Sales Feel Impact of COVID

Covid-19 has upended many traditional consumer shopping habits, including how holidays are celebrated. Brands that look to these events as major sales drivers, such as Kosher food company Kayco, are keeping a close eye on how the pandemic will impact their annual forecasts.

WATCH: Max Baumann on Merchandising During A Crisis

Earlier this week, BevNET managing editor Martin Caballero sat down with Max Baumann, CEO and founder of food and beverage merchandising agency Basemakers, to discuss what his team is seeing and experiencing at grocery stores across the country, offering insight on a range of topics.