Buchi Announces Facility Expansion

Asheville, N. C.-based kombucha maker Buchi plans to expand its Madison County production facility in a construction project funded by $7 million in state and local grants. The 30,000 square foot facility will be renovated and expanded into the area behind the building over the next two years.

Review: Dunkin’ Donuts Shot in the Dark

Announced in September, Dunkin’ Donuts Shot in the Dark is the second ready-to-drink coffee product to be launched via the company’s partnership with Coca-Cola.

Gallery: New Spirits Roundup

Taking a detour from our coverage of non-alcoholic products, BevNET chronicles some of the recent new expressions, limited edition releases and package redesigns in the world of spirits, ranging from rare imported Scotch to canned cocktails.

Keurig Dr Pepper Cutting 500 Jobs Nationwide

Keurig Dr Pepper will eliminate 500 jobs nationwide by Jan. 4, 2019, including 118 jobs across four facilities in Vermont, as the company consolidates operations following its merger this summer.

Review: SZENT Water

SZENT Water, which launched this October, is a unique concept in bottled water that offers “flavor” without adding anything to the water. It is launching in five varieties, including Tangerine, Tropical (which we did not sample), Pineapple, Mint and Passionfruit.

CELSIUS Hires Matt Kahn as EVP of Marketing

Kahn brings to the role more than 20 years of marketing experience, including overseeing Sprite, Glaceau Vitaminwater, Smartwater, and POWERADE at The Coca-Cola Company. He has also held positions at Heineken, Restorsea, and, most recently, as the VP of marketing at Save-A-Lot.

Quaker Enters Plant-Based Market With Oat Beverage

Quaker Oats, a division of PepsiCo, will officially enter the non-dairy plant-based milk space in January with the launch of Oat Beverage, a refrigerated three-SKU line available in 48 oz. multi serve bottles in three varieties: Original, Original Unsweetened and Vanilla.

The Living Apothecary Raises $1.4M

Probiotic water kefir maker The Living Apothecary has raised $1.4 million in a fundraising round led by L.A. Libations and Venice Brands, setting the brand on a path to triple its distribution over the next year.

Humm Kombucha Slashes Sugar With New Flavors

Bend, Ore.-based Humm Kombucha has launched a pair of new, reduced-sugar SKUs: Raspberry Hops and Ginger Juniper, each with 5g of sugar and 25 calories per 8 oz serving.

Elevator Talk: SZENT Excites Sense of Smell with New “Flavored” Waters

SZENT is reinventing the way people experience beverages. Chief Creative Officer, Maddie Grandbois, says the brand aims to shake up the flavored water category with a new spin, no added ingredients. Instead, the company has patented a polymer cap ring infused with essential oils that tricks the brain into believing you are tasting the flavor.

Frey Farms Launches Sarah’s Homegrown Brand of Frozen, RTD Drinks

Frey Farms CEO Sarah Frey grew her family’s single farm in southern Illinois into a national supplier of produce, with more than a dozen farms and facilities located throughout the Midwest and Southeast. Now the company is continuing to build its beverage division -- which already includes Tsamma Watermelon Juice and craft private label provider Fresh pour -- with a new line of better-for-you drinks, Sarah’s Homegrown.