NIQ: Vodka RTDs Are the Category’s Best Recruitment Tool as Core Sales Slide
The vodka business is shrinking, but suppliers can pivot to new formats and styles to recruit the next generation of buyers, according to a new report from NIQ.
Southern Glazer’s Closes Eagle Rock Colorado Deal
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS) has closed on its acquisition of independent red network distributor Eagle Rock Distributing Co.’s Colorado operations.
Taste Radio: PepsiCo Is Paying Attention. Are You?
Consumer expectations are changing fast, and brands of every size are being forced to adapt. In this episode, we discuss what PepsiCo's response to GLP-1s and inflation signals for CPG. We also dive into Vita Coco's acquisition of a super-premium rival, and sample everything from cereal-inspired protein shakes and date-sweetened cola to birch water and caffeinated banana milk.
New Beverages: C4, Free Rein Embrace Protein; Califia Goes Bananas
Whether you're looking to cut sugar (Jumex), add more protein (C4, Free Rein) or just to get to sleep (Cheribundi), there's something for everyone in this week's function-forward new products gallery.
Anheuser-Busch InBev Says Cutwater Is on Track for $1B as Spirits Gain Share
Anheuser-Busch InBev may be the top beer manufacturer in the world, but it has a way to go in spirits.
Sprouts Adds 1,300 New Items as Q2 Sales Rise 5% to $2.3B
Sprouts Farmers Market continues to grow as a leading natural retailer with an expanding assortment and store footprint as it posts 5% net sales growth to $2.3 billion during the second quarter per its latest earnings report.
C4 Expands Beyond Energy with Sparkling Protein Launch
Nutrabolt’s C4 is diving deeper into the functional beverage set with the launch of Sparkling Protein, a carbonated ready-to-drink protein beverage.
Review: Tom Brady’s Coconut Water Is A Winner
Thanks to Tom Brady's backing, Good Nut Coconut Water comes with a higher profile than most coconut waters, but the brand emphasizes simplicity, both in formulation and presentation.
Barron Trump-Backed Sollos Tunes Out ‘Noise,’ Launches With Gopuff
Having weathered the initial media storm, the Sollos team is ready to get down to the business of building a beverage brand, starting by launching its 12 oz. single slim cans with Gopuff across the East Coast this week.
Distribution: Juni Makes Albertsons Debut, Kate Farms Grows High Protein Footprint
Sparkling adaptogen tea maker Juni has landed in over 600 Albertsons Companies stores across California, including participating Albertsons, Safeway, Vons and Pavilions locations.
Avsome Tea Is Now ‘Awesome,’ With Red Bull Vet Connors As CEO
Awesome Ice Tea founder Coby Farrow likes to say his brand was “birthed in the kitchen” during his years as a professional chef. Now, the avocado seed-based tea brand, formerly known as Avsome, is ready to meet the world.
Align Ventures Closes $125M Early Stage Fund II
Align Ventures closed its early-stage Fund II at $125 million. The consumer-focused firm aims to allocate Fund II into 15 to 20 brands, with check sizes ranging from $2 million to $10 million.
Free Rein Joins Protein Coffee Race With First RTD, Expands Chainwide At Walmart
Free Rein Coffee Company has launched a Protein Platform that includes K-Cup pods and its first line of RTDs.
Consumers Are Shopping Beverages by Benefit, Not Category, Says New FMI Report
Consumers today have more beverage choices than ever before, but they’re increasingly choosing drinks based on the benefit they’re seeking – hydration, energy, protein or relaxation – rather than the category they fall into.