The Morning After: 82 Labs Evolves Amid Retail Push

Over the last four-plus weeks, Morning Recovery, the first product from 82 Labs, has enjoyed a successful launch at 70 7-Eleven locations in Chicago, one of its three retail test markets along with San Francisco and Los Angeles.

People Moves: Former PepsiCola President Joins Cannabiniers Board

Former PepsiCola-East President Michael Lorelli has joined the board of directors for cannabis company Cannabiniers which produces THC-infused beers and teas; actress and activist Ruby Rose invests in REBBL and will serve as an advisor the elixir brand.

Review: Verve Coffee’s Nitro “Flash Brew” Coffee

According to the roaster, Flash Brew is prepared using a proprietary hot brewing process in an oxygen-free environment, then flash chilled -- the “flash” in Flash Brew -- and infused with nitrogen.

Reed’s: Virgil’s Rebrand Bolsters Q3 Earnings

Reed’s, Inc.’s rebranded Virgil’s soda line helped spur a 29 percent increase in gross margins in the third quarter, CEO Val Stalowir told investors during the company’s Q3 earnings report this week. According to Stalowir, buyer interest in Virgil’s Zero Sugar helped Reed’s to open 1,100 new doors in Q3.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 8: Why ‘Digital First’ Is The Ugly Way to Succeed

Ugly Drinks co-founders Hugh Thomas and Joe Benn discussed growth planning for both the U.S. and U.K. markets, how the perspective of Ugly as a “digital brand” has shaped its overall business strategy, and how its loyal consumers -- aka the “Ugly Mob” -- have enabled the company to rapidly iterate and innovate.

Report: Index Ranks U.S. Food Giants on Access to Nutrition

The first-ever U.S. Access to Nutrition Index, produced by the Access to Nutrition Foundation (ATNF), an independent non-profit organization, assigns a numerical score on a scale of one to 10 based on an evaluation of what the top ten food and beverage companies in the U.S. are doing to increase consumers’ access to healthy and affordable products.

Review: Joybird Premium Hemp Infusion

Joybird is a new line of cannabidiol (CBD) infused beverages launching in three flavors -- Apple Cranberry, Mixed Berries, and Orange Tangerine -- with 45 calories per bottle.

Drinks For Thought: Nootropic Beverages Offer Brain Benefits

Nootropics, sometimes called “smart drugs,” are a niche but rising segment of the supplements industry that is extending its reach into beverage via shots and energy drink alternatives that promise consumers better focus, better memory, and improved overall mental function.

Elevator Talk: O2 Natural Recovery Aims to Scale Beyond Crossfit

Dave Colina, founder and CEO of O2 Natural Recovery, has found a viable market within the crossfit community and is looking to scale beyond. O2 Natural Recovery is a non-carbonated natural sports recovery drink with increased oxygen and electrolytes.