Koa Ceases Operations, Founder Joins Dirty Lemon as COO

Unable to secure the necessary funding to continue production of its uniquely formulated beverages, Koa has shut down. Launched in 2009, the company developed a proprietary process to extract sugar and calories from a blend of fruit and vegetable juices, resulting in a clear, nutrient-rich drink that Koa marketed as “olakino.”

IRI Report: Navigating Consumer Differences & Desires

Consumers are buying into new kinds of store programs and formats that better fit their needs– and it’s evolving the food industry as retailers know it, according to market research firm IRI’s Channel Performance Report released last month.

Ethan’s Shots Aim For Cider Vinegar Success

In developing a new line of 2 oz. apple cider vinegar shots, Ethan's founder Ethan Hirshberg aims to create an appealing delivery system for an ingredient that’s not so appealing on its own.

CAVU-Backed Waterloo Sparkling Preps National Launch

Positioning itself as a fuller-flavored challenger brand in a burgeoning category, Austin-based Waterloo Sparkling Water will launch nationally next month in all Whole Foods stores, along with several other retail chains throughout the country.

Brynwood Partners Acquires Cold Spring Brewing Co.

Minnesota-based Cold Spring Brewing Company has been acquired by Brynwood Partners, a Connecticut-based private equity firm with existing investments in a variety of food and beverage companies.

Press Clips: CircleUp Launches Credit Program

CircleUp launches CPG credit program; Dunkin' Donuts considers dropping the "Donuts" from its name; New York Business Journal talks to CAVU's Brett Thomas; Starbucks releases jerky-garnished coffee in Seattle; Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Company sits down for Q&A

Taste Radio Ep. 69: Jon Sebastiani Is Kraving The Next Big Thing; Staying Hungry with Marketing Guru Greg Fleishman

This week’s episode of Taste Radio features a wide-ranging conversation with Krave Jerky and Sonoma Brands founder Jon Sebastiani. Recorded at the 2017 Summer Fancy Food Show, Sebastiani delved into his background in the food and beverage industry as an heir to a legacy wine family and talked about what spurred him to strike out on his own with Krave.

Coke’s Bridge Program Cultivating Tech Startups

The Bridge, a six-month commercialization program for tech startups exploring innovative new technologies that tackle everything from artificial intelligence to virtual reality to cybersecurity. Now on its fourth class, The Bridge is based in Tel Aviv with a focus on cultivating Israeli companies, but its early success has led to partner programs in Mexico City and in Coca-Cola’s hometown of Atlanta.

Chicago Adopts Soda Tax

The one-penny-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages, which officially goes into effect today, makes Chicago the most populous American city to adopt legislation aimed at steering consumers away from sugary drinks in the name of public health.

Distribution Roundup: Tio Gazpacho Triples Retail Presence

Tio Gazpacho announces it has tripled its distribution footprint over the course of the past two months; Avitae enters CVS Health nationwide; Sweettauk Lemonade adds Gold Coast Distributors and expands with UNFI to add three additional warehouses.

Drake Invests in MatchaBar, Whole Foods Picks Up RTD Line Nationwide

Matcha beverage maker and retailer MatchaBar is nearing completion of a new Series A funding round that includes rap icon Drake as an investor. The $2.5 million round is expected to close within the next few weeks and comes on the heels of a new national distribution deal with Whole Foods.

PE Firm Acquires Calypso Lemonade Maker

Investment firm Mason Wells has acquired Calypso lemonade parent King Juice Company, Inc. for an undisclosed sum, the Milwaukee-based co-packer announced Tuesday.

Aqua ViTea Launches New Kombucha Fountain With Ripe Juice, Plus Vodka

In July, the Vermont-based kombucha brewery debuted Aqua Vodka, an organic vodka made from a distillate created in the kombucha production process, as well as a new self-service draft program that allows users to flavor kombucha with an assortment of cold-pressed juices from Ripe Craft Juice.