Elevator Talk Livestream Round 5: Genius Juice, Cocoa Metro, Poppilu

The fifth round of food and beverage brands includes Poppilu, Vital Farms, Genius Juice and Cocoa Metro. We also have a special co-host this week, Dr. Sebastian Dreher, the Managing Director of Döhler Ventures, who will weighing in on the brands from an investor's perspective and provide feedback.

Tea Crush Rebrands as Wildwonder

Founded in 2017, Wildwonder currently has a distribution footprint of about 100 independent retail doors and about 300 office and on-premise accounts. According to founder and CEO Rosa Li, the name change reflects a new brand identity that moves beyond tea and transforms the company into a broader health and wellness beverage platform.

DTC Sales: Now, Every Day is Cyber Monday

Typically, food and beverage represents only around 3.2% of total U.S. online sales. But through a combination of factors, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has accelerated the shift to web-based shopping.

New Investment, Innovation Fueling Growth at M Kombucha

While some of the category’s larger players have sought to build a consumer base by leaning into mainstream flavors, M Kombucha, formerly known as Kombucha Culture, is staking its brand on the drink’s purported functional benefits.

Distribution Roundup: EBOOST Expands Nationwide

EBOOST Surpasses 3,000 Doors Ahead of Nationwide Expansion; Sweet Reason Adds Big Geyser, L.A. Distributing; ALO Drink’s Jèn Collagen + Aloe Line Enters Sprouts Farmers Market Stores; Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company Expands in Whole Foods

Gallery: March’s New Products

Winter finally came to a close this month and beverage brands are looking forward to warmer weather, with new watermelon flavors from SUNNYD, LaCroix and Jones Soda, and a new light lemonade line from Calypso. Check out the gallery for notable March releases, including the latest functional shot from More Labs and caffeinated releases from Brew Dr and Daytrip.

Taste Radio Ep. 207: How This Challenger Brand Is Beating The Giants At Their Own Game

David Lester and Ben Goodwin, co-founders of Olipop, explained why they believe creating a better-for-you soda brand was the “most impactful thing” they could do, how package design fuels trial, why educating consumers about the products’ health benefits is not a priority and lessons from their first experience as beverage entrepreneurs.

Review: BLNCD CBD Sparkling Water

BLNCD is a line of terpene-enhanced CBD flavored sparkling water beverages. The products, which are packaged in 12 oz. cans, come in three varieties -- Balance, Chill and Bliss -- and contain 0 calories and 25mg of CBD.

WATCH: Bob Burke On Managing Employees and Resources Through A Crisis

In a conversation with BevNET managing editor Martin Caballero, veteran natural CPG consultant Bob Burke, principal at Natural Products Consulting LLC, offered his insights and perspectives on how brands can manage their teams, relationships and finances to both survive this trying period and to thrive at its conclusion.

COVID-19 Data Dive: Grocery, Cannabis Sales Surge as Consumers Stockpile

As COVID-19 rapidly transforms consumer behavior, data firms are closely monitoring patterns to help predict an uncertain journey ahead. In a report last week, research firm IRI explored current consumer behavior and trends from past economic downturns, along with spending across markets.

FDA/USDA: Label Guidelines Loosened, ‘Essential’ Services Clarified

As many foodservice operations cease or dramatically reduce their footprint, food products originally produced and packaged for restaurants, hotels, schools and other establishments are being rerouted to retailers and wholesalers. But before feeding the surging demand in stores, they need labels that are approved for these new channels.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 78: The ‘Reason’ Behind This Once In A Generation Opportunity

Hilary McCain, founder/CEO of CBD-infused sparkling water brand Sweet Reason, spoke about attempting to own a distinct message about the benefits of CBD, strategizing amid an uncertain cannabis regulatory environment and how she convinced Lerer Hippeau, an early-stage venture capital fund notable for early investments in Warby Parker and Casper, to invest in the brand.