Monster Close to Coke Arbitration Decision, Exploring Alcohol Innovation

Executives for Monster Energy Corp. struck an upbeat tone at the company’s 2019 annual shareholder meeting on Thursday, projecting that the brand’s latest release, REIGN, will achieve over $300 million in sales this year. The company also announced its arbitration hearing with The Coca-Cola Company had been completed and that the decision will be announced by the end of the second quarter.

Review: PLNT Blend Hemp Infused Hydration

PLNT Blend is a line of hemp-infused beverages that feature 15 mg of CBD per bottle and are flavored with fruit juice, herbs, tea and coconut nectar. PLNT Blend is available in three SKUs: Pineapple + Chamomile, Mint + Matcha and Turmeric + Ginger.

L.A. Libations Spinoff Relentless Growing in California

Relentless Trade Solutions, a new “spinoff” merchandising company from L.A. Libations services all CPG categories, launched in Southern California in March and has since expanded throughout the state and plans to expand to the Pacific Northwest, Arizona, and Las Vegas by the end of the year, according to L.A. Libations CEO Danny Stepper.

New Beverage Showdown 17: Meet the Semifinalists and Judges

In just six days the New Beverage Showdown pitch competition kicks off BevNET Live Summer 2019 in New York City, which means it’s time to reveal the New Beverage Showdown 17 semifinalists, and judges, who will take the stage.

UPDATED: Fairlife Faces Backlash After Video Unveils Farm Animal Abuse

The video released by Animal Recovery Mission this week showed repeated acts of animal cruelty by workers at Fair Oaks Farm, including beating, kicking, and tossing newborn calves. The footage is sourced from a four-month undercover investigation conducted between August and November 2018.

Keurig Dr Pepper Sued Over Arsenic in Imported Peñafiel Water

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is facing a class action lawsuit accusing the beverage giant of willfully ignoring repeated warnings over a period of years that its imported Peñafiel brand water products include dangerous levels of arsenic, including concerns raised by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) inspectors.

Key Anheuser-Busch ‘Beyond Beer’ VP Randy Ornstein Suddenly Exits

Randy Ornstein -- who oversaw the sales strategy for alcoholic brands like Bon & Viv spiked seltzer, and non-alcoholic offerings such as Hiball Energy as the vice president of Anheuser-Busch’s Beyond Beer division -- has departed the company as of June 4.

FDA Holds First Hearing on Cannabis Products

On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held its first hearing on cannabis products, including CBD food and drink products. Over 100 speakers, health professionals, manufacturers, consumers and others, urged the FDA to act quickly to create federal guidelines for the growing — and largely unregulated — industry.

Review: Blume Honey Water

Blume Honey Water, which we first reviewed in March 2018, is back with a big update to both its packaging and formulation.

Circle Kombucha Rebrands, Focuses on Midwest Growth

Indianapolis-based Circle City Kombucha has rebranded as Circle Kombucha. Along with its recent upgrade from a 2,000 square foot production space to a new 14,000 square foot facility, both moves are aimed to help the brand expand into other Midwest markets including Ohio and Chicago.

Roll Up Extra Cannabis Knowledge with BevNET Live and the Cannabis Forum Next Week

CBD, THC, Hemp. Cannabis-derived ingredients are quickly being adapted for the consumer packaged food space, specifically within food and beverage. We’ll talk about it and how it impacts your business at both BevNET Live and the Cannabis Forum next week in New York City. Looking to add CBD to your beverage? Is it right for your product, and do your consumers care? The best way to explore the space: a first-hand account of someone that has taken the leap and a data wizard who knows everything about the cannabis market numbers and where they’re headed.

Taste Radio Ep. 165: The Standards That Define This $500 Million Coffee Company and Why They Matter

In this episode, we sat down with Andrea Illy, the chairman of illycaffè and one of the global coffee industry’s most influential figures. As part of our interview, he spoke about how Illycaffe’s commitment to quality and ethical standards has positioned the company for long-term success. He also shared his perspective on the three most important attributes for “good coffee”and why the beverage should be treated with the same reverence as wine.

All Market Launches Eco-Friendly Aluminum Bottle Water Brand Ever & Ever

Launched by Vita Coco parent company All Market, Ever & Ever, a new line of purified water packaged in resealable 16 oz. aluminum bottles, is now available in still and sparkling varieties at select retailers in New York City, on Amazon and at drinkeverandever.com for a suggested retail price of $1.99 per bottle or $23.99 for a 12-pack.