Beyoncé Invests in WTRMLN WTR

Beyoncé’s investment was part of a capital raise that closed in February, according to WTRMLN WTR co-founder Jody Levy. That raise included funding from CAVU Venture Partners and other undisclosed investors, however, Levy declined to offer details on the total amount of the raise and Beyoncé’s contribution, citing investor confidentiality.

Review: V+V Apothicaire Savoury Sips

Vim + Vigor, or “V+V Apothicaire” as the company now refers to itself, has expanded its offerings from cold-pressed juice to include chilled drinkable soups. The soups, which come in three flavors, including Heirloom Gazpacho, Kale Avo’ Basil, and Harvest Melange, are said to “marry European culinary influences and functional nourishment.”

Oscar on Board: DiCaprio Invests in Runa

Guayusa-powered natural energy drink Runa confirmed today the long-rumored addition of Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio as an investor, joining a new wave of high-profile individual investors including fellow thespians Marlon Wayans and Adam Rodriguez.

BevNET Podcast Episode 1: Waste Not, Juice More

BevNET is pleased to announced the launch of a new podcast, in which we’ll be exploring current trends and timely news stories in the food and beverage business. In this first episode, BevNET’s John Craven, Ray Latif and Jon Landis discuss a growing trend in repurposing food waste, the pitfalls of cause-based marketing, a surging nut milk category and why sugar has emerged as "public enemy number one."

Review: Matcha LOVE Matcha Colada

With its sharp branding and intense flavor, Matcha LOVE is one of our favorite brands that Ito En has created for the U.S. market. In fact, it was the winner of the award for “Best Tea” as part of BevNET’s Best of 2015. Matcha Colada, which blends coconut water (70 percent), matcha, green tea and natural flavors, is the latest line extension for the brand.

Distribution Roundup: Premium Water Brands Pick Up the Pace

April was packed with distribution news from entrepreneurial beverage companies spanning a range of categories. Premium water brands made significant traction this month, adding new placement at natural, conventional grocery and convenience store retailers.

Review: NuMoo

NÜMOO is a line of organic high pressure processed nut milks that are made without the use of stabilizers, gums, or any other additives commonly found in dairy alternatives. The product line, which was announced in February, comes in strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, and coffee flavors and four different nut milks: cashew milk, almond milk, pecan milk, and pistachio milk.

High Brew Raises $4 Million from CAVU Venture Partners, Joins Dr Pepper Snapple’s Allied Brands Stable

Speaking from his company’s Austin headquarters, CEO David Smith discussed the raise further in a call with BevNET, saying the new funding will go towards further expansion of the company’s sales and marketing efforts and getting more “feet on the street,” which will see the buildout of a High Brew field marketing team across the country.

Review: Thea’s English Tea

The advent of brands like Honest Tea has changed the conversation around the RTD tea category to address the origins of the tea used inside the product. Still, the rich heritage of English tea has, at least in the past decade, been somewhat overlooked. Enter Thea’s English Standard Tea, which, as the name suggests, is focused on bringing that story back to life.

Review: Modern Alkeme

Modern Alkeme is a self-described “Clearing Tonic” and is available in a single 8 oz. formulation that is high pressure processed. On the surface, this appears to be a new take on a cleanse product, with a suggested regimen of two bottles per day for three days along with plenty of water and a healthy diet, followed by a bottle per day for daily maintenance.

Chameleon Cold-Brew Launches Cold-Brew.Org

Chameleon Cold-Brew co-founder and CEO Chris Campbell told BevNET that the new website is intended to “elevate the conversation and take a leadership position in educating the consumer for ourselves and other brands that we believe are doing it right.”