BevNET Live Winter 2018 Video: FORTO – Guiding a Brand in Transition

In this clip from day one of BevNET Live Winter 2018, FORTO founder Neel Premkumar went deep into what’s worked for him, what hasn’t, and his advice to entrepreneurs on navigating the market with a fast-growing brand transitioning from small startup to a national player.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 12: On The Brink of Collapse, How Aloha Found Its Footing; Why Tea + Hops = Victory

Aloha, a brand of organic, plant-based protein bars and powders, was on the brink of saying goodbye to the market. In an interview, we spoke with Aloha CEO Brad Charron about how he developed and executed a turnaround for the brand after joining the company in 2017, and why addressing issues with company culture was critical to his mission. We also meet with Dean Eberhardt and Andrew Markley, the co-founders of HopTea, who were victorious in BevNET Live’s New Beverage Showdown 16.

Passage of Farm Bill Poised to Reshape Hemp, CBD Product Landscape

While the finalized version of the 2018 Farm Bill, which is expected to receive President Trump’s signature before the close of the current legislative session, represents a watershed moment in the pro-hemp movement, it doesn’t mark the end of the journey.

Review: VYBES

Vybes is a line of ready-to-drink beverages that contain 15 mg of hemp CBD per 14 oz. bottle. The product is currently offered in five flavors, of which three are still and two are sparkling.

Portuguese Juice Maker SoNatural Launches in U.S.

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.

Roar Organic Announces $5.6M Funding Round

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.

Elevator Talk: Lost Coast Roast Organic Cold Brew is Focused on Sustainability

Johnny Miller, the owner and co-founder of Lost Coast Roast, is focused on producing fair-trade, organic cold brewed coffee sourced from sustainable, shade-grown farms. The family business is rooted in Northern California and incorporates locally sourced milk from Humboldt Creamery as one of the four ingredients in its cold brew.

BevNET Magazine Feature: Plant-Based Dairy Brands Push Their Platform

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?

Review: Synapse Natural Cognitive Boost

Launched in September, Synapse is a caffeine free ready-to-drink supplement that is designed to boost mental performance, focus, and energy. The product is available in a single SKU.

BevNET Live Winter 2018 Video: Keeping the Attachment With GT Dave

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.

Nielsen: CSDs, Sparkling Water Make Gains

Snack and non-alcoholic beverages sales were up 4.1 percent in the four-week period ending on December 1, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by Wells Fargo Securities. The all channel report showed growing sales of carbonated soft drink (CSDs) across the category’s major players, including The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP).

Taste Radio Ep. 141: How Late July Founder Nicole Dawes Turned a Niche Into a $100 Million Business

Dawes joined Taste Radio for a conversation chronicling her entrepreneurial journey, from childhood to her decision to launch Late July Snacks to its eventual sale. She also explained why staying independent early on and maintaining voting control of her company saved it from potential downfall and told a remarkable story about her first sales call.https://www.tasteradio.com/episodes/2018/taste-radio-ep-141-how-late-july-founder-nicole-dawes-turned-a-niche-into-a-100-million-business/

BevNET Magazine Feature: Kombucha Expands Its Audience

Having established a level of awareness for the category – one that continues to rise – kombucha and probiotic drink makers are now looking to grow their consumer base beyond the mix of urban millennials and traditional homeopaths that helped put them on the map.

Distribution Roundup: Cheribundi Goes Chainwide in Walmart

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.