Review: Wisco Pop! Sparkle

Launched in 2016, Sparkle isn’t the newest entry into the flavored sparkling water space (nor is Wisco Pop, the company behind it, which launched in 2012), but it’s one of the few brands out there that is going after the premium end of the segment.

Chicago Commissioners Vote to Repeal Soda Tax

Barely two months after going into effect, the finance committee of the Cook County, Ill. Board of Commissioners today voted 15-1 to repeal its controversial tax one-penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, known as the Sweetened Beverage Tax Ordinance. The repeal will now go to a full board vote on Wednesday, where it is expected to receive final approval.

Kill Cliff Launches Endurance Line

Fitness recovery drink Kill Cliff today announced the launch of Kill Cliff Endure, a two-SKU subline aimed at supporting hydration and performance during exercise. The line will be available exclusively at the brand’s fitness account partners for its initial rollout.

SupplySide West 2017: Pea Protein Pushes Ahead

At SupplySide West 2017, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from Sept. 26 - 28, BevNET spoke to several companies working in the space about the state of the market for pea protein, what’s driving new innovation on a supplier level, and both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

“Chewie, Punch It!” Star Wars Space Punch Launches in U.S.

The branded line of sparkling, erythritol-sweetened “vitamin drinks” in 12 oz. cans will launch with in-store displays and social media backing from Star Wars trademark holder The Walt Disney Company, following a successful debut in Europe last year.

Taste Radio Ep. 78: Four Loko/Koia Co-Founder On Why Branding Is The Key to Winning; Turning the Corner on Peanut Allergies

Episode 78 features an interview with Chris Hunter, who is the co-founder of plant-based protein drink brand Koia and a co-founder of Four Loko. We also discuss the FDA’s new guidance on peanut allergies and how food brands are reacting, and feature an interview with the folks behind Shackleton Whisky. In the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we chat it up with 1 Shot Protein CMO Safir Jamal.

Review: DRINK Maple (and Melon) Adds New Flavors

DRINKmaple, which is perhaps best known for their flagship 100% maple water product, continues to expand their lineup. Having announced DRINKmelon back in Spring of 2016, the company has expanded their SKU footprint a bit further.

Blackeye Roasting Opens New Facility, Aims for C-Stores

From the brand name to its distribution strategy to its caffeine content, everything about Blackeye Roasting Co.’s approach to cold brew coffee is on the slightly aggressive side. The Saint Paul, Minn.-based company, founded in 2014 by Matt McGinn, has found a receptive audience in the Midwest for its line of shelf-stable regular and nitro-infused canned cold brew coffee, which are sold at over 1,000 locations, including retailers like Whole Foods and Hy-Vee.

Cold Vault Forum Reveals Shifts In C-Stores

Speaking at CSP Magazine’s Cold Vault Forum in Chicago last month, Wells Fargo Securities analyst Bonnie Herzog presented the latest news on shifting consumer trends and offered predictions which suggest hope is on the horizon for retailers looking towards upcoming innovations to reinvigorate declining sales.

PepsiCo Sees Beverage Sales Slip in Q3

Pinning the decline on poor weather conditions across North America leading to fewer C-store sales, CEO Indra Nooyi sought to reassure investors “that the issues are temporary” and action has been taken to improve sales in the new quarter.

An In-Depth Look into OTA’s Lawsuit Against USDA

The lawsuit is striking nerves because of its potential impact on organic products using anything from dairy to eggs — and also due to its eerily familiar pattern to the current administration’s other recent handling of food regulation.

WTRMLN WTR CEO Christine Perich Steps Down

WTRMLN WTR CEO Christine Perich has stepped down from her role due to personal health reasons, according to a statement this morning from the parent company World Waters.

People Moves: Brew Dr. Brings On New Talent

Brew Dr. brings on talent from Stumptown; Ocean Spray Cranberries makes new executive position announcements; Scott Lewis leaves VEB for Evolution Fresh; Tom Friscia goes from energy drinks to juice; Welch's announces new president for U.S. division; Cahillane takes Kellogg's CEO position; Improper Goods nabs Pok Pol Som operations manager for VP position.

Fast Companies: Brands Fuel Instant Innovations in Coffee & Tea

As anyone who’s waited for their barista to prepare their pour over is well aware, there’s often a clear correlation between time and quality in coffee and tea preparation. But in the shadow of the third-wave coffee movement, a group of young startup brands are exploring ways to disrupt the coffee and tea industries with a new generation of versatile, high-end instant products.