Expo West 2019 Video Recap: CBD, Oat Milk Driving Beverage Innovation

In this video recap, BevNET founder and CEO John Craven and managing editor Martín Caballero discuss some of the notable trends and new products seen at this year’s Expo West, including the proliferation of CBD and hemp-infused drinks, why oat milk has emerged as the hottest category in the plant-based milk segment, and how leading kombucha brands are pushing the category closer to mainstream audiences and retail channels.

Review: GT’s Dream Catcher

First announced at BevNET Live Winter 2018, GT’s Dream Catcher is a “sparkling wellness water” that has been enhanced with 25 mg of CBD.

Elevator Talk: PLNT Blend Creates Hemp Infused Hydration Focused on Flavor and Functionality

David Holmes is the co-founder of Plant Life Group, the producers of PLNT Blend, a brand that crafts all-natural and organic plant-based beverages aimed to evolve the way consumers hydrate. Full spectrum hemp extract is complemented by functional ingredients and sweetened with coconut nectar, making it a low glycemic beverage with unique flavor combinations.

Taste Radio Ep. 153: Making Money or Changing the World? Justin’s Founder on Why There’s No Reason You Can’t Do Both.

Justin’s founder Justin Gold spoke about his decision to stay with the brand following its $286 million acquisition by Hormel Foods. Along with a discussion on how a new take on a familiar snack and a key hire were game-changers for the brand, Gold also explained his belief that making a lot of money and having a mission to change the world are not mutually exclusive.

Expo West Gallery: Hemp + CBD Drinks

From ambitious startups to established category leaders, CBD and hemp-based beverages were everywhere at Expo West this year, spanning across the spectrum of formats, functionality and flavor. In this slideshow gallery, we highlight some of the notable hemp-based and CBD-infused drinks from Expo West 2019.

Review: Fit Brewing Co. Fit Bru

Using the tagline of “The Functional Fix,” Fit Brewing Co.’s “Fit Bru” is a line of cold brew coffees and teas that are enhanced with functional ingredients.

Expo West 2019: Suja Exploring Launch of Hemp Extract Shot

Coke-backed beverage maker Suja shared samples of a 2 oz. juice shot that contains hemp extract at the Natural Products Expo West trade show held this week in Anaheim, Calif. The SKU, called Relax, is being deliberated as the potential next addition to the brand's line of high pressure processed (HPP) cold-pressed juice shots introduced in July 2018.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 24: Hey Siri, How Do You Build a Millennial Brand?

Recess, a CBD-infused sparkling water brand, has taken the beverage world by storm. What’s behind the hype? Founder/CEO Benjamin Witte spoke about setting up Recess for a fast start and why he believes the best way to succeed as a beverage company is not to think like one. Also: on location at Expo West 2019, the hosts discussed a significant shift in how entrepreneurs and investors interact at the event and the wave of new CBD products exhibited at the show.

Press Clips: Indiana Lawmakers Seek Ban on Energy Drink Sales to Minors

Lawmakers in Indiana have proposed a bill to ban the sale of energy drinks to minors, according to Tristate Homepage. If passed, Senate Bill 369, introduced on January 10, would make it a class C misdemeanor to “sell, give, or distribute an energy drink” to a minor.

VIVIC Launches Botanical-Infused Sparkling Coffee Line

As the ready-to-drink coffee category continues to grow and innovate, California-based VIVIC launched last month with a line of sparkling coffees, which its co-founders hope will stand out with unique flavor profiles infused with roots and botanicals.