Distribution Roundup: Reed’s Sonoma Sparklers Enter Rite Aid; Avitae Hits Jewel-Osco
Here's the latest in distribution news across the beverage industry.
FDA to Columbia Gorge: Revise Your HACCP Plan for HPP Juice
In a warning letter dated March 25, 2015, the FDA wrote that the company has failed to include in its plan “control measures that will consistently produce, at a minimum, a 5-log reduction of pertinent microorganisms, for a period as long as the shelf life of the product when stored under normal and moderate abuse conditions.”
Harvest Hill Completes Acquisition of American Beverage Co.
Harvest Hill and Brynwood currently have a team of executives at ABC’s Verona, Penn. headquarters overseeing the transitional process.
Review: Rebel Kitchen Coconut Mylks
There's a lot to like about Rebel Kitchen's two-SKU line of coconut milk blends. The question is, has the company done enough to round out what is, for most consumers, an acquired taste for coconut milk?
FBU Chicago: Bill Weiland’s Advice to Entrepreneurs
Weiland will offer his take on the key characteristics of companies that help small food and beverage companies grow and move into the big leagues of retailing, as well as some of the most important practices they have demonstrated to stay there. He will also talk about his own turf -- a devoted native of Chicagoland, Weiland will provide his take on the growth pattern and key accounts for brands incubating in the Midwest.
Kombucha: Upcoming Booze Report Ferments Concern
Rumors of an impending report on alcohol content in kombucha from the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has those in the ‘bucha biz buzzing over what the report may entail.
Press Clips: NYC Teens Drinking Less Soda; Nestlé Bets Big on Bubbles
A recent survey found a significant decline in the number of New York City high school students who drink soda on a regular basis. Meanwhile, Nestlé SA will introduce new flavored line extensions for its water brands and increase production of sparkling water products as it aims to take advantage of increased consumer demand for healthier beverages.
Review: Red Thread Good Cold Brew Coffee
Red Thread Good markets a line of USDA organic and fair trade cold-brewed coffees that come in both ready-to-drink and concentrated varieties. In our review of the brand's Purist and Dreamy products, we think the company has done well with formulation, but the product’s logo could use a bit of refinement.
False Advertising Lawsuit Targets Antioxidant Statements by GT’s Kombucha
The plaintiffs allege “the statement that GT’s Kombucha Beverages provide a ‘unique blend’ of ‘powerful antioxidants’ misleadingly suggests that the beverages provide superior antioxidant content than foods and beverages with antioxidant nutrients like vitamin C that have antioxidant properties as well as nutritional value.”
Craft Beer Co. Acquires Búcha Live Kombucha Brand
The purchase of the Búcha brand was precipitated by a legal battle between owner B&R Liquid Adventure and a contract brewer of its kombucha drinks.
Review: Forager Cashew/Seed Milks (28 oz. Sizes)
Earlier this year, Forager launched a new line of 28 oz. multi-serve nut milks that, like all Forager products, are made with organic ingredients and high pressure processed. From our perspective, these are some of the best tasting nut milks that we’ve sampled.
Distribution Roundup: Mocktails and Switchel Enter Mid-Atlantic Whole Foods
The new distribution will bring the brands to 44 stores throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Ohio.
Review: Slingshot Yogurt Protein Drinks
With a "shot" of dry ingredients including toasted oats, chia seeds, almonds and honey, wrapped around the neck of its 11 oz. bottle, Slingshot offers a unique take on the traditional yogurt drink.
The Bottled Water Rebound
We have new categories getting started, counters to those new categories, and established brands starting to really flex.