Taste Radio Ep. 79: Nourish Snacks’ Joy Bauer Has a Healthy Take on Indulgence; MGP, Remus and The Rye Whiskey Experts Taste Radio Ep. 79: Nourish Snacks’ Joy Bauer Has a Healthy Take on Indulgence; MGP, Remus and The Rye Whiskey Experts

Taste Radio Ep. 79: Nourish Snacks’ Joy Bauer Has a Healthy Take on Indulgence; MGP, Remus and The Rye Whiskey Experts

by Ray Latif,

In episode 78, we feature an interview with Joy Bauer, who's best known as the nutrition and health expert for NBC’s “Today” show and is the founder of granola bites brand Nourish Snacks. We also speak with Gus Griffin, the CEO of MGP, a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits that's played a key role in the emergence and development of the craft spirits segment. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we chat it up with Marcel Gozali, the founder of avocado and coconut smoothie brand Avonut.

Review: Soupure Review: Soupure

Review: Soupure

by BevNET.com Staff,

Soupure is a line of high pressure processed (HPP) drinkable soups that come in a variety of different flavors. The company, which is currently focused on direct to consumer sales through its own e-commerce platform, is building out its lineup with the hopes that a “soup cleanse” will become a viable concept.

Kerry Group Grabs Ganeden Kerry Group Grabs Ganeden

Kerry Group Grabs Ganeden

by Carol Ortenberg,

At a presentation to investors yesterday, Kerry Group CEO Edmond Scalon announced that the Irish global nutrition and food conglomerate had acquired Ganeden, an ingredient company focused primarily on gut health and probiotics.

Distribution Roundup: Tio Gazpacho Hits California Distribution Roundup: Tio Gazpacho Hits California

Distribution Roundup: Tio Gazpacho Hits California

by Brad Avery,

Tio Gazpacho continues its expansion with California Whole Foods entry; Bizzy Coffee Shots expected to close year with 500 stores; Teatulia enters Midwest region via grocery channel; ARYA lands nationwide CVS partnership.

GT’s Launches Alive Probiotic Ciders Line GT’s Launches Alive Probiotic Ciders Line

GT’s Launches Alive Probiotic Ciders Line

by Martín Caballero,

Alive will be available in three varieties, each featuring a blend of adaptogenic mushrooms and apple cider vinegar paired with a different tea: Mate Mint, Guayusa Turmeric and Pu-erh Root. Each will be packaged in a 16 oz. glass bottles and contain 30 calories and 7g of sugar.

Review: Wisco Pop! Sparkle Review: Wisco Pop! Sparkle

Review: Wisco Pop! Sparkle

by BevNET.com Staff,

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 Chicago Commissioners Vote to Repeal Soda Tax

Chicago Commissioners Vote to Repeal Soda Tax

by Martín Caballero,

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 Kill Cliff Launches Endurance Line

Kill Cliff Launches Endurance Line

by Martín Caballero,

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 SupplySide West 2017: Pea Protein Pushes Ahead

SupplySide West 2017: Pea Protein Pushes Ahead

by Martín Caballero and Adam Stern,

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

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

by Brad Avery,

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

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

by Ray Latif,

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 Review: DRINK Maple (and Melon) Adds New Flavors

Review: DRINK Maple (and Melon) Adds New Flavors

by BevNET.com Staff,

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 Blackeye Roasting Opens New Facility, Aims for C-Stores

Blackeye Roasting Opens New Facility, Aims for C-Stores

by Martín Caballero,

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 Cold Vault Forum Reveals Shifts In C-Stores

Cold Vault Forum Reveals Shifts In C-Stores

by Brad Avery,

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.