The HPP juice maker this month announced the opening of a 30,000 sq ft. production facility in the Melbourne, Penn. where the company will manufacture its juice products and which will handle all U.S. distribution when it goes online at February 1.

Venture capital fund AccelFoods announced today it is leading a planned $5.6 million round in Roar Organic. AccelFoods said it has committed $1.25 million, of which $625,000 has already been invested in the better-for-you sports drink. The full round is expected to close in the first week of January.

As dairy alternatives continue to rise new brands are rapidly entering the space, bringing with them disruptive innovations and unique platform propositions. But an influx also means brands have to work harder to differentiate and protect their corner of the grocery shelf. So the question becomes: how do you build the platform?

In this clip from day one of BevNET Live Winter 2018 held in Santa Monica, Calif. on Dec. 3, Dave discusses his roots as a young beverage entrepreneur, how GT’s seasonal kombuchas offer the opportunity to “transcend the bottle and tell a story,” and how its newest product — Dream Catcher, a cannabidiol (CBD) infused water that adds a new functional dimension to its portfolio — fits into the company’s mission to inspire and excite through health and wellness.

Cheribundi doubles its store count with Walmart to expand its 32 oz multi-serve cherry juice chainwide; Ugly Drinks partners with Rainforest Distribution to continue New York expansion; Sunshine Beverages reformulates to reduce sugar and builds out Southeast retail presence; CELSIUS partners with Anheuser-Busch and PepsiCo distributors.

Changes are afoot at The Coca-Cola Company’s Venturing and Emerging Brands (VEB) unit, with an internal memorandum detailing structural changes set to take effect in the new year, including staff reductions and a shifting of select brands into the broader Coke system.