People Moves: Bhakti Chai Hires New VP of Sales

Bhakti Chai Hires New VP of Sales, Cuts Two Execs; Welch’s Names Bynum as CEO; Humm Kombucha Hires New VP of Marketing; Mark Walen Joins Topa as CEO of Beverage Distribution Group; Distill Ventures Taps New Non-Alc Leader

Elevator Talk: Caskai Takes Cascara to the International Stage

Joel Jelderks, founder of Caskai, has set forth on a mission to introduce premium cascara-based beverages to the global market, noting that coffee consumers are their first target market, as they will likely be more aware of cascara.

Review: Superior Switchel

Superior Switchel is a line of USDA Organic certified carbonated apple cider vinegar (ACV) and ginger beverages. There are currently three flavors available: Lavender Lemon Lift, Honey Cinnamon Kick, and Orange Maple Splash.

FORTO Launches Full-Size RTD Line

FORTO is coming for Starbucks and Monster with a new full-size, ready-to-drink “Energy Coffee” line debuting at the 2018 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show in Las Vegas on Oct. 8-10.

PepsiCo: North American Bevs Up 2.5% in Q3

PepsiCo’s North American beverages division enjoyed a 2.5 percent increase in revenue during the fiscal third quarter of this year, despite a 14 percent decline in profit.

Review: Black Medicine Lavender Latte

Black Medicine’s Lavender Latte is the latest flavor from this line of ready-to-drink cold-pressed coffee. Announced in August, Black Medicine is adding this variety to complement their existing Iced Coffee, Mocha, and Latte SKUs.

Distribution Roundup: Sprig CBD Soda Expands

Distribution Roundup: Sprig CBD Soda Expands; HFactor Expands Into Sprouts; Califia Farms Expands Drinkable Yogurt Line; Hoplark HopTea Adds Whole Foods

Magazine Feature: Big Guys Pursue the Bubbles

With U.S. consumers expected to purchase around 821 billion gallons of sparkling water just this year, the likes of Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé and other major beverage manufacturers have all taken significant steps to expand and strengthen their respective positions in this high growth category.

Expo East 2018 Video: DrinkSimple on Rebranding and Diversifying

Earlier this year, Vermont-based maple water maker DrinkMaple rebranded itself as DrinkSimple, a move to accommodate and better define a growing product portfolio that included new types of plant-based beverages such as watermelon water.

CORE: Investors, Distributors React to Sale

Going from launch to a nine-figure exit in just 3 1/2 years is a rare feat in the beverage industry, but several of the key players in CORE Nutrition’s $525 million sale to Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) aren’t surprised.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 1: How Country Archer Turned Rejection Into a Multi-Million Dollar Idea

In Episode 1 of Taste Radio Insider, a new podcast focused on news, trends and innovation in business of food and beverage, we’re joined by Eugene Kang, the co-founder and CEO of fast-growing meat snack brand Country Archer. In our interview, Kang explained how perseverance and thinking outside-the-box have paid huge dividends for the brand. We also discussed trends and innovation in notable beverage categories, including RTD coffee and alt-dairy, as seen at Natural Products Expo East 2018.

Review: Sovany Sparkling Water

Sovany is a new line of fruit-flavored sparkling water that is made with real fruit juice. Launching with three flavors -- Remarkable Raspberry, Ingenious Apple, and Brilliant Tangerine -- Sovany features a touch of sweetness from added juices.