Cannabis Forum 2019: The Tipping Points in Regulation

During a presentation at Cannabis Forum 2019, held on June 14 in New York City, Alva Mather, partner at law firm DLA Piper, explored the ongoing evolution of cannabis regulations, including an update on the current regulatory framework around cannabis-infused (THC or CBD) brands.

Taste Radio Ep. 173: In The Booming Business of eSports, This Brand Is Pressing All The Right Buttons

In this episode, G Fuel founder/CEO Cliff Morgan spoke about how the energy drink brand has been able to weave itself into the social fabric of the gaming community through influencer marketing, partnerships and original content. He also discussed the importance of constant and focused interaction with consumers through digital platforms like Twitch and why he’s taken a personal interest in the brand's social media initiatives.

CBD Brand Sunday Scaries Extends to RTD With Infused Energy Shot

This month, San Diego-based Sunday Scaries, which produces CBD infused tinctures and gummy supplements, introduced its first ready-to-drink product: YOLO, a 2 oz. shot that pairs 50 mg of full spectrum CBD with a 200 mg dose of natural caffeine.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 44: This Innovation Guru Gets Personal About The Future of Food

Rizal Hamdallah, Global Chief Innovation Officer of Ocean Spray, explained why he’s bullish about the future of personalized nutrition, how the company attempts to “develop and deliver innovative products that consumers didn't even know they needed,” and why he’s critical of how some brands are promoting sustainability.

Urban Remedy Enters the East Coast Via WFM Partnership

In 2018 Paul Coletta, the CEO of ultra-fresh food and beverage producer Urban Remedy, told NOSH that he would take the company into new markets beyond California -- despite the risks and difficulty in doing so. Now, nearly a year to the day, it appears Coletta is following through on that promise.

Nutpods Secures Investment From VMG Partners

Non-dairy creamer brand Nutpods, which markets a line of dairy-free almond and coconut-based creamers, has closed a round of fundraising with VMG Partners for an undisclosed amount, the company told BevNET last week.

Juice Served Here to Relaunch in Fall

Last summer, Juice Served Here co-founder Greg Alterman took to the defunct brand’s Instagram account to tell its followers that the California-based company would one day return. Now, Alterman says, the day is here, as he plans for a fall 2019 relaunch.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Joins VOSS As Investor, Advisor

Imported Norwegian premium water brand VOSS announced this morning that actor and wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has joined the company as an investor and strategic advisor. The 47-year old California native will also serve as the face of a new marketing campaign entitled “Live Every Drop.”

Distribution Roundup: VYBES Expands with Florida Partnership

VYBES Continues Expansion with Florida Partnership; Olipop Adds 41 SoCal Whole Foods; Cann Now Available Via Eaze; Richard’s Rainwater Adds Whole Foods, The Fresh Market; Elev8 Hemp Signs with Three Distributors

Replay Mainstage Presentations from BevNET Live Summer 2019

The complete lineup of mainstage presentations from BevNET Live Summer 2019 is now available to watch on the BevNET YouTube channel. More than 650 beverage founders and executives gathered in New York City last month for the leading beverage industry conference.

Elevator Talk: Straightaway Makes Craft Cocktails Convenient

Straightaway Cocktails co-founder and CEO Cy Cain wants to help people enjoy quality craft cocktails at home and on-the-go. The company launched in 2018 and offers bottled ready-to-drink classic cocktails using house made zest, simple syrups and bitters.

Liquid I.V. Raises $5M in Celebrity-Backed Funding Round

Powdered hydration mix maker Liquid I.V. has raised $5 million in a strategic funding round backed by numerous celebrities, the company announced this week. The round was led by Liquid I.V. CEO Brandin Cohen, who invested his own money in the brand, alongside prior investor and music business executive Scooter Braun.

Coke: Zero Sugar Beverages Drive Q2 Growth

Speaking to investors and analysts on an earnings call today, Coke CEO James Quincey said much of the company’s North American sales performance was driven by consumer demand for sugar free soft drinks. Retail sales for the company’s no sugar offerings, including Coke Zero Sugar, grew 6% in the quarter.

Taste Radio Ep. 172: Why Guayaki’s David Karr Stopped Worrying About The Future and How It Made Him a Better Leader

In an interview included in this episode, Karr opened up about the origins of Guayaki, how the brand creates evangelists for yerba mate, how viewing time as “an illusion” allowed him to align his personal and professional lives, why he considers the company to be “a reforestation vehicle,” and its unique approach to distribution and hiring.