The second day of BevNET Live Summer 2019 tackled some of the major issues, opportunities, challenges and changes brands are facing across all aspects of the beverage industry.

The founders of cannabis-infused “social tonic” Cann are riding high today after being named the winners of New Beverage Showdown 17 at BevNET Live Summer 2019, held June 12-13 in New York City.

Liberty Beverages, the parent company of Hank’s Craft Soda, is set to diversify its beverage interests with the launch of Aqwi Organics, a new line of low calorie flavored water infused with sea salt and antioxidants sourced from kelp.

Olipop Expands on West Coast; KeHE Announces National Partnership with INFRA; JUST Water Partners with Clearwater Marine Aquarium; Elev8 Hemp Partners with Outwest505

Twelve new beverage startups faced off today, pitching their products to a panel of expert judges during the semifinal round of New Beverage Showdown 17 at BevNET Live Summer 2019, but only six were selected to move on to the final round.

Bang’s slow-then-sudden rise fits within the context of a years-long food and beverage trend toward fitness and better-for-you products. The brand’s success is remarkable, but it’s one of many emerging fitness energy drinks that include Celsius, C4, Kill Cliff, LifeAID, EBOOST, Reign, and Adrenaline Shoc.

Trimino Brands, maker of a line of protein-infused waters, announced this week it has completed a six month corporate restructuring aimed at preparing the brand for retail expansion, reducing operating costs and improving in-store merchandising.

The agreement with mood33 aims to give Caliva, which also works with other cannabis brands in categories including vaporizers, a retail foundation to build on within the emerging cannabis-infused beverage market.

In addition to fueling the company’s own ambitions, innovation has put Vita Coco in pole position to drive growth in Keurig Dr Pepper’s (KDP) allied brands portfolio – and throughout KDP itself – after a year of change.