Taste Radio Insider Ep. 2: Want Brand Loyalty? ‘Be Consistently Great,’ Says Uncle Matt’s Founder; Insight Into the KDP/Core Deal

In this episode, we feature an interview with Matt McLean, the founder of organic beverage company Uncle Matt’s, who discussed the brand’s evolution from its launch nearly 20 years ago through to its sale to dairy conglomerate Dean Foods in 2017. We also sit down with BevNET editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman, who offered insight and perspective into Keurig Dr Pepper’s $525 million acquisition of Core Nutrition.

Soylent Launches Innovation Lab for Food Tech Startups

Upon launching, meal replacement drink Soylent married its Silicon Valley origins with the CPG space, using science and technology to fulfill a company mission of making “complete nutrition” accessible and affordable. Now, the company wants to help others in the food tech space do the same with the Soylent Innovation Lab, a new co-working space designed for similarly disruptive food and beverage brands in Los Angeles.

Brand Profile: New Flavors, Partnerships Keep Flow Water Moving Forward

With the introduction of two new flavors, Blackberry-Hibiscus and Grapefruit-Elderflower, Flow Alkaline Spring Water is continuing to capture “the sophisticated flavor tone of what our target market is looking for in hydration but also in an infused flavor around detoxing," according to founder and CEO Nicholas Reichenbach.

People Moves: Bhakti Chai Hires New VP of Sales

Bhakti Chai Hires New VP of Sales, Cuts Two Execs; Welch’s Names Bynum as CEO; Humm Kombucha Hires New VP of Marketing; Mark Walen Joins Topa as CEO of Beverage Distribution Group; Distill Ventures Taps New Non-Alc Leader

Elevator Talk: Caskai Takes Cascara to the International Stage

Joel Jelderks, founder of Caskai, has set forth on a mission to introduce premium cascara-based beverages to the global market, noting that coffee consumers are their first target market, as they will likely be more aware of cascara.

Review: Superior Switchel

Superior Switchel is a line of USDA Organic certified carbonated apple cider vinegar (ACV) and ginger beverages. There are currently three flavors available: Lavender Lemon Lift, Honey Cinnamon Kick, and Orange Maple Splash.

FORTO Launches Full-Size RTD Line

FORTO is coming for Starbucks and Monster with a new full-size, ready-to-drink “Energy Coffee” line debuting at the 2018 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show in Las Vegas on Oct. 8-10.

PepsiCo: North American Bevs Up 2.5% in Q3

PepsiCo’s North American beverages division enjoyed a 2.5 percent increase in revenue during the fiscal third quarter of this year, despite a 14 percent decline in profit.

Review: Black Medicine Lavender Latte

Black Medicine’s Lavender Latte is the latest flavor from this line of ready-to-drink cold-pressed coffee. Announced in August, Black Medicine is adding this variety to complement their existing Iced Coffee, Mocha, and Latte SKUs.

Distribution Roundup: Sprig CBD Soda Expands

Distribution Roundup: Sprig CBD Soda Expands; HFactor Expands Into Sprouts; Califia Farms Expands Drinkable Yogurt Line; Hoplark HopTea Adds Whole Foods