Review: Vina Bubbly Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

Announced in February, Vina is a USDA certified organic line of sparkling apple cider vinegar (ACV) beverages. The products, which were originally launched in 2017 in a different format, have been rebranded and repackaged in 12 oz. cans. 

Cloud Water Adjusts Expansion Plans Amid COVID

CBD-infused beverage maker Cloud Water had been preparing to make a broad retail expansion this year, aided by a new partnership with New York DSD distributor Big Geyser. But as the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed expansion in traditional retail channels, the company is adjusting its strategy in the hope that it can still hit triple-digit growth goals.

Medical Meal Replacement Brand Kate Farms Raises $23M

Kate Farms, a California-based maker of medical grade meal replacement drinks, has raised $23 million in a Series A-1 funding round, the company announced this week, bringing its total financing to $48 million. According to chairman and CEO Brett Matthews, the round will primarily go towards scaling company operations and increasing sales and marketing efforts.

Taste Radio Ep. 209: How A Revered Entrepreneur And Innovator Proved The Naysayers Wrong

Trey Zoeller, founder of pioneering whiskey brand Jefferson’s Bourbon, spoke about overcoming initial criticism of his experimental methods for aging bourbon, why he doesn’t consider himself a distiller, balancing consumer demand for diversity, consistency and predictability and why he’ll “never create a brand or an expression out of a boardroom.”

Koia Lands Potential “Last Money” With CircleUp Investment

Plant-based beverage brand Koia has completed a bridge funding round with investment platform CircleUp Growth Partners that could possibly represent “the last money into the company,” according to CEO Chris Hunter. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Targeting Grocery, Back Bay Roasters Shifts Focus to Bag-in-Box

Seeking a point of differentiation in the crowded cold brew coffee set, Boston-based Back Bay Roasters is shifting its focus from its single-serve line to its bag-in-box format, beginning with a rollout to 200 Walmart stores on the East Coast next month. The move comes as a number of rising cold brew startups have embraced multiserve packaging.

WATCH: Califia CEO Greg Steltenpohl Talks Investment, Market Dynamics

BevNET managing editor Martin Caballero sat down with Greg Steltenpohl, co-founder and CEO of Califia Farms, on a video call to discuss his thoughts on how both investors and brands may be considering the current and post-COVID market landscape.

Summer Fancy Food Show Cancelled

Following a deluge of other food and beverage show cancellations and delays, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) announced today that its Summer Fancy Food Show will be cancelled. The tradeshow was slated to run June 28 through 30 in New York City.

Uncle Matt’s Organic Charts Path Forward After Dean Bankruptcy

Amid a portfolio of distressed assets up for sale by Dean Foods, juice maker Uncle Matt’s Organic may not have been the biggest potential get. But that depends on who’s buying: for founder and CEO Matt McLean, who secured a $7.25 million deal to reacquire the brand last week, it’s a chance for a fresh start.

Review: Upriver Nitro Cacao

Marketed as a “gentle alternative to coffee,” Upriver Nitro Cacao is a cold-brewed cacao beverage packaged in 6 oz. cans. The line features five flavors: Dark Wild, Chocolate Chai, Vanilla Cream, Strawberry Hibiscus and Matcha Mamma.