Distribution Roundup: JUST Water Launches in U.K.
JUST Expands into U.K., Partners with American Airlines; Pervida Partners with KeHE; Lori’s Lemonade Expands into Cost Plus World Market; The a2 Milk Company Enters Costco
Review: Picnik Adds New Coffee Skus + Matcha
Earlier this summer, Austin Tex.-based Picnik announced three flavor extensions to their line of MCT oil enhanced beverages: Extra Bold Coffee, Vanilla Latte, and Gold Milk Matcha.
Elevator Talk: LemonKind Creates a Splash with Premium Botanicals and Design
Irene Roja Stanbury, the CEO of LemonKind, brings her shelf-stable, botanically infused juices and teas offline and onto shelves through functionality and design. The line of natural beverages provides a premium experience, from the inside out. With 100% natural, high-quality ingredients, and a unique pouch package, this product is targeted to reach the millennial, health-conscious woman.
Distributor Profile: Leveraging Relationships Key for Master Beverages
Master Beverages COO Aleks Veygs talked about how the Brooklyn-based distributor, via a network of relationships and partnerships throughout the industry, brings value to the brands they work with.
Taste Radio Ep. 127: Andrew Zimmern Is Calling B.S. On The Health & Wellness Food Space
This week we’re joined by the globetrotting, bizarre food eating television show host Andrew Zimmern, who pulls no punches when it comes to his thoughts on the business of health and wellness foods. We also meet with James McLaughlin, the CEO of influential and trendsetting coffee company Intelligentsia and discuss its unique approach to the cafe business.
Gallery: August’s New Product Launches
The summer may be coming to an end, but entrepreneurs were plenty busy working on new innovations, including fall seasonal releases, brand collaborations, and creative flavor profiles. We spotlight a number of notable new launches from August.
Review: Shaka Tea Gets Refreshed Packaging
Earlier this year, Hawaii-based Shaka Tea announced it was revamping its branding and adding new distribution. This summer, the revamp is now a reality and the product is packaged in a modern looking 14 oz. bottle.
Coke Acquires Costa Coffee For $5B
The Coca-Cola Company today announced it has reached an agreement for the acquisition of London-based coffee company Costa Limited. The deal, valued at $5.1 billion, is the largest brand acquisition in the company’s history and is expected to close in the first half of 2019.
Elevator Talk: Petal Springs into the Market with Sparkling Botanicals
Founder and CEO of Petal, Candice Crane, is on a mission to deliver an all organic zero calorie, zero sugar botanical beverage with an empowering message. Designed primarily for women ages 18-32, Petal offers unique flavors with rose water as the star ingredient. The company recently launched in the Chicago area with plans to grow nationally in the future.
Picnik Raises $7.5 Million from KarpReilly
Texas-based butter coffee maker Picnik has raised $7.5 million from private equity firm KarpReilly in a move that will grow both the brand’s CPG and cafe businesses, the company announced this week. KarpReilly will hold a seat on the company’s board of directors.
After Review, Campbell Drops Fresh Division
As the result of a larger strategic review of operations initiated in May, Campbell Soup today announced plans to sell off its Campbell Fresh division, which includes brands such as Bolthouse Farms, Garden Fresh Gourmet and its line of refrigerated soups.
Water Startup Mitte Lands $10.6M From Danone Manifesto Ventures
Consumer water technology company Mitte has secured a $10.6 million seed round of investment led by Danone Manifesto Ventures (DMV), the venture capital arm of French food and beverage conglomerate Danone. DMV is focused on providing financial capital to innovative and healthy food and beverage companies.
Taste Radio Ep. 126: From Farmers’ Markets to Fortune — How Angie’s Boomchickapop Became a $250M Brand
Angie’s Boomchickapop co-founder Angie Bastian on how function, femininity & fun helped build a $250M brand. Tom First, the co-founder of Nantucket Nectars and an operating partner at private equity firm Castanea Partners, discusses business habits that have supported his career as an entrepreneur and investor.
Liquid I.V. Secures $5M Series B Round
Hydration powder mix brand Liquid I.V. today announced the close of a $5 million Series B round of fundraising led by San Francisco-based online investment platform CircleUp Growth Partners and includes powerhouse music manager Scooter Braun.