Review: SZENT Water

SZENT Water, which launched this October, is a unique concept in bottled water that offers “flavor” without adding anything to the water. It is launching in five varieties, including Tangerine, Tropical (which we did not sample), Pineapple, Mint and Passionfruit.

CELSIUS Hires Matt Kahn as EVP of Marketing

Kahn brings to the role more than 20 years of marketing experience, including overseeing Sprite, Glaceau Vitaminwater, Smartwater, and POWERADE at The Coca-Cola Company. He has also held positions at Heineken, Restorsea, and, most recently, as the VP of marketing at Save-A-Lot.

Quaker Enters Plant-Based Market With Oat Beverage

Quaker Oats, a division of PepsiCo, will officially enter the non-dairy plant-based milk space in January with the launch of Oat Beverage, a refrigerated three-SKU line available in 48 oz. multi serve bottles in three varieties: Original, Original Unsweetened and Vanilla.

The Living Apothecary Raises $1.4M

Probiotic water kefir maker The Living Apothecary has raised $1.4 million in a fundraising round led by L.A. Libations and Venice Brands, setting the brand on a path to triple its distribution over the next year.

Humm Kombucha Slashes Sugar With New Flavors

Bend, Ore.-based Humm Kombucha has launched a pair of new, reduced-sugar SKUs: Raspberry Hops and Ginger Juniper, each with 5g of sugar and 25 calories per 8 oz serving.

Elevator Talk: SZENT Excites Sense of Smell with New “Flavored” Waters

SZENT is reinventing the way people experience beverages. Chief Creative Officer, Maddie Grandbois, says the brand aims to shake up the flavored water category with a new spin, no added ingredients. Instead, the company has patented a polymer cap ring infused with essential oils that tricks the brain into believing you are tasting the flavor.

Frey Farms Launches Sarah’s Homegrown Brand of Frozen, RTD Drinks

Frey Farms CEO Sarah Frey grew her family’s single farm in southern Illinois into a national supplier of produce, with more than a dozen farms and facilities located throughout the Midwest and Southeast. Now the company is continuing to build its beverage division -- which already includes Tsamma Watermelon Juice and craft private label provider Fresh pour -- with a new line of better-for-you drinks, Sarah’s Homegrown.

Vanessa Walker Departs CELSIUS

Vanessa Walker has left her role as executive vice president of sales and marketing at functional beverage company CELSIUS, effective immediately.

Taste Radio Ep. 134: Acclaimed Chef Marcus Samuelsson Believes This Ingredient Is The Key to Great Food; Fair Trade USA Hits 20 — What’s Next?

In this episode, we’re joined by chef, restaurateur and TV personality Marcus Samuelsson who spoke about the inspiration behind his cooking and what’s shaping the next evolution of food. We also spoke with Fair Trade USA founder and CEO Paul Rice for a discussion of the aims, success and challenges of the organization, which recently celebrated its 20 year anniversary.

RISE Kombucha Arrives in U.S.

Bolstered by the completion of a new 40,000 sq. ft. production facility, Canadian kombucha maker RISE is making its long-awaited move to the United States with the launch of four SKUs in New York City, as well as an expansion of its availability throughout Vermont.

Review: KÖE Organic Kombucha

KÖE is a line of shelf-stable, USDA Organic certified kombuchas packaged in 12 oz cans. Designed to be “fruit forward” and “friendly,” the products are clearly formulated with the mainstream consumer in mind.

Karuna Aims to Balance Flavor and Function with Rebranded Line

The company is debuting a new brand design and a refined message that is aimed at fueling expanded distribution over the next 12 months. The revamped line emphasizes the products’ various functional benefits, wholesome ingredients, and its bonafides as a gut-health-boosting source of prebiotics.