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.

PepsiCo Sees Beverage Sales Slip in Q3 PepsiCo Sees Beverage Sales Slip in Q3

PepsiCo Sees Beverage Sales Slip in Q3

by Brad Avery,

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

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

by Meagan McGinnes,

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 Steps Down

WTRMLN WTR CEO Christine Perich Steps Down

by Martín Caballero,

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 People Moves: Brew Dr. Brings On New Talent

People Moves: Brew Dr. Brings On New Talent

by Brad Avery,

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 Fast Companies: Brands Fuel Instant Innovations in Coffee & Tea

Fast Companies: Brands Fuel Instant Innovations in Coffee & Tea

by Martín Caballero,

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.

Topo Chico Acquired by Coke VEB Topo Chico Acquired by Coke VEB

Topo Chico Acquired by Coke VEB

by Martín Caballero,

The Coca-Cola Company today announced the acquisition of premium sparkling mineral water brand Topo Chico through its Venturing & Emerging Brands (VEB) unit for a reported fee of $220 million. The acquisition of Topo Chico, founded in Mexico in 1895, gives Coke a leading brand with strong consumer affinity, particularly in Texas, within the rapidly growing $4 billion sparkling water category.

Review: Bulletproof RTD Cold Brew Review: Bulletproof RTD Cold Brew

Review: Bulletproof RTD Cold Brew

by BevNET.com Staff,

Over the past year or two there has been a lot of speculation regarding when Bulletproof would release their own branded Bulletproof Coffee in ready to drink form. But earlier this month, Bulletproof finally rolled out their own brand, launching exclusively at Whole Foods nationwide.

FDA Extends Nutrition Label Compliance Deadline to 2020 FDA Extends Nutrition Label Compliance Deadline to 2020

FDA Extends Nutrition Label Compliance Deadline to 2020

by Meagan McGinnes,

Under the Obama administration, brands had until July 26, 2018, to adjust all packaging. With the new extension, manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual food sales will now have until Jan. 1, 2020; manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual food sales have until Jan. 1, 2021.