People Moves: Soylent Co-Founder Moves On

Soylent co-founder and chief technology officer John Coogan has left the company to pursue independent consulting; Long Island Iced Tea Corp. brings on Rob Stefanizzi; Shawn Sugarman leaves Moon Juice; Sidney Horn joins Halen Brands

Review: La Colombe Pumpkin Spice Draft Latte

Most third wave, independent, and premium coffee roasters have tried to steer clear of pumpkin spice, so it’s somewhat against the grain for La Colombe to attempt this. That means that there’s additional pressure on to make it something really special.

Juicero Says It’s Shutting Down

A letter posted on the company's web site today explained that the company was shutting down due to the infrastructure challenges in "creating an effective manufacturing and distribution system for a nationwide consumer base."

Google Beverage Trend Report Touts Cold Brew, Earthy Flavors

Google released its first ever beverage trends report last week, drawing on its vast data collection and analysis resources to present a deep dive into the factors fueling non-alcoholic drinks in the U.S., United Kingdom, Mexico and Spain.

Taste Radio Ep. 73: How Can Premiumization and Portland Define a Rich Career? Ask Joth Ricci.

This week’s episode of Taste Radio features a captivating interview with Joth Ricci, a veteran beverage executive with one of the most diverse, interesting and impactful track records of anyone in the industry. Over a 17-year career, Ricci has held roles as president of Stumptown Coffee, president and CEO of Jones Soda and managing director with beverage investment and advisory firm First Beverage Group. We recently traveled to Portland, Ore. to meet with Ricci, who is currently the president/CEO of Adelsheim Vineyard.

Functional Beverages Find New Energy with MCT Oil

Much of MCT oil’s newfound recognition in food and beverage is due to its purported health benefits. Studies have shown it to be a particularly effective component of the "healthy fat" trend. High in saturated fats, the body quickly converts MCT into energy, making it popular amongst proponents of the paleo and ketogenic diets.

In the Courtroom: Poland Spring Labeled “Fraud,” Pastors Sue Coke

Nestlé Waters North America faces a proposed class action lawsuit alleging that its Poland Spring water products constitute a "colossal fraud" to consumers, while two Washington, D.C., area pastors take on The Coca-Cola Company. Elsewhere, a judge grants final approval to a seven-figure settlement for consumers in a class action suit against GT's and Whole Foods.

Amp Energy Launches Organic Line

Available exclusively in 7-Eleven stores nationwide through the end of this year before a wider launch in Q1 2018, Amp Energy Organic will debut in four fruit-flavored SKUs: Citrus, Pineapple Coconut, Grape and Tropical Burst.

Califia Farms Grows On-Premise with New Partnership

Califia Farms announced Monday a new on-premise partnership with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, launching the company’s Barista Blend Almondmilk nationwide in select cafe locations. The deal brings Califia Farms’ total on-premise presence to roughly 2,500 locations, making its barista-focused business the fastest growing segment of the company.

Ocean Spray Relaunches Pact

Initially launched in 2014 through a distribution partnership with PepsiCo, the original Pact beverages were marketed to consumers as a cleanse drink. The new 16 oz. bottles feature cleaner-looking packaging that highlight the beverage’s low-calorie count and emphasize its fruit content.

Review: Purity Organic Sparkling

Purity Organic, which is one of the longer running brands of organic beverages, has had product entries into a variety of categories, including juice, tea, and coconut water. One thing that the company has never had is a sparkling beverage, which, at the time of this review, is something that seems like a logical and somewhat timely idea.