New Beverage Showdown 17: Beverage Startups Rise to the Challenge

The beverage industry continues to evolve with new categories, fresh ideas and innovation from forward-thinking entrepreneurs. New Beverage Showdown 17, presented by Coca Cola’s Venturing & Emerging Brands, returns to BevNET Live this June to give startup founders a platform to pitch their beverage brand to the industry.

Distributor Profile: LA Distributing Seeks SoCal CBD Brands With “Focus”

Having watched Los Angeles-area retailer interest in CBD and hemp-derived products rise over recent years, LA Distributing Company (LAD) is one the independent DSD wholesalers across the country seeking to establish their bonafides working within the category, even as the legal framework around such products remains in flux.

Nielsen: C-Store Channel Sales Stagnant in March

Total convenience channel sales for major categories grew at just 0.4 percent in the four week period ending March 23, underperforming all other channels according to an analysis of Nielsen scanner data by Wells Fargo Securities.

Monster Files Amended Complaint Against VPX [Updated]

Monster Energy has fired back against Vital Pharmaceuticals (VPX Sports) in a First Amended Complaint that accuses the Bang maker of “flagrant consumer deception and anti-competitive business practices.”

Review: Säpp Gets a Major Update

Säpp is back with a major update to both its packaging and formulation. Now in a 12 oz. PET bottle that features the tagline “Hydration from the Forest,” the next iteration of Säpp has a much more inviting and polished look than the original, and an appealing new flavor lineup to match.

Former Beyond Meat Co-Founder Launches Plant-Based Drink for 50+ Demo

Perennial is seeking to tap into the sizable over-50 consumer base with a product designed to promote healthy aging. The brand, which launched online this week, was created by Brent Taylor, co-founder of plant-based protein brand Beyond Meat, and food scientist and Willow Cup co-founder Sarah Bonham.

FDA: New Cannabis Enforcement, Research Actions Announced

Outgoing U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) chief Scott Gottlieb today announced new steps towards clarifying and constructing a legal framework around cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including the formation of an exploratory group examining CBD supplements and foods, and a public hearing for “stakeholders to share their experiences and challenges with these products.”

Taste Radio Ep. 156: Why Psychedelics and Soap Might Just Save the World

Dr. Bronner’s CEO David Bronner joined us for a wide-ranging interview in which he spoke about his roots with the natural soap company and how his advocacy for hemp contributed to the evolution of the brand. He also explained why he supports the use of psychedelics within the context of the company’s philanthropic strategy, discussed what makes Dr. Bronner’s concept of corporate responsibility different from its peers and how it is preserving its legacy.

Nielsen: Sparkling Waters, CSDs Spur Growth in March

All channel sales for snacks and non-alcoholic beverages grew 5.1 percent during the four-week period ending Mar. 23, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Wells Fargo Securities.

People Moves: David Meniane Leaves L.A. Libations

David Meniane Leaves L.A. Libations, Joins US Auto Parts; BodyArmor Names VP of Commercialization and Revenue Growth; Soylent Hires New VP of Product Development and Innovation; Misfit Foods Co-Founder Steps Down

LifeAID Raises $7.7 Million to Support Distribution Growth

Functional beverage brand LifeAID announced today it has raised $7.7 million to support expanded nationwide distribution as the company seeks to grow in mass, grocery and convenience accounts across the country.

Post-Acquisition Streak, Life On Earth Set for 2019 Sales Push

After spending a year and a half acquiring and developing three distinct beverage brands -- Just Chill, Wild Poppy, and Victoria’s Kitchen -- Life on Earth president JC Romagosa said the New York-based beverage company is now gearing up to begin supporting those products with a concerted sales and marketing push.

Review: EBOOST SuperFuel

Natural energy and recovery drink brand EBOOST has been featured in a variety of different formats in its decade long history, including a liquid shot, but a full size ready-to-drink (RTD) has never been one of them. This year, the company is making the leap with the launch of “Super Fuel.”