Nielsen Numbers: CSD Pricing Holds Strong; Monster Beverage Sales Growth Declines
Coca Cola continues to lead the charge in CSD’s continued overall growth in sales.
Review: TK Hibiscus
In both formulation and design, TK Hibiscus has taken a minimalist approach to its line of organic, hibiscus teas. TK's label and liquid are both polished and well-conceived, something gives the brand a solid foundation as it looks to grow its retail and distribution footprint.
The Flavor Rules
Promising brand propositions can fall apart if the flavor isn’t there, while marginally functional products can catch fire behind great taste. Brands will do whatever they can to maintain their flavor advantage (Coke’s secret formula, anyone?) while a switch in sweetener mix can totally undermine a product (Vitaminwater’s recent stevia experiment comes to mind).
FDA Rules In Favor Of Aspartame Use
Two citizen petitions aiming to ban the use of the non-caloric sweetener have been denied by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Review: The Squeeze Cold Pressed Smoothies
In addition to a range of pre-packaged meals and snacks, "raw" food company The Squeeze produces a line of cold-pressed juices and smoothies that are not pasteurized, nor high pressure processed. The company definitely has a knack for crafting unique flavor varieties (and names), including its Cold Brew Squeezuccino and PB & J.
Review: Better Booch Kombucha
Based in Los Angeles, Better Booch produces a line of kombucha drinks that are made with organic ingredients. Available in six varieties, we sampled three and were impressed by each for their mainstream-oriented formulation and flavors.
Report: Online Grocery Business To Hit $100 Billion In Sales by 2019
Packaged Facts estimates that online grocery shopping accounts for 3.5 percent of the overall grocery market and will grow to nearly 12 percent within five years.
BevNET Live: Build the Category, or Build the Brand? With BluePrint, ZICO & Essentia
In nearly every class of trade, it's the two-step burden for emerging brands: establishing that there's a relevant argument for a retailer to make space for a certain category, and then pivoting to move from growing the category to emphasizing your own brand.
BevNET Live: Bai at the Brink, with CEO Ben Weiss
Bai's CEO, Ben Weiss, has made it clear -- his stated goal is for Bai to become the next big, iconic brand. So what's next?
NYT: After Lobbyist Influence, Missouri AG Dropped 5-hour Investigation
The New York Times earlier this week released a story detailing the efforts a lawyer representing 5-hour Energy who was said to have successfully swayed Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster into dropping an inquiry looking into whether the company had engaged in deceptive and misleading advertising.
Review: Aloe Gloe Lemonade
Blending lemon flavor with Aloe Gloe’s base liquid (a blend of water and aloe vera powder) makes for something that’s pleasing to the palate. And in our opinion, this is far and away the best tasting variety in the Aloe Gloe line.
Greenshoots, Struggling with Suppliers, Curtails Expansion
The wholesaler, which had just a few months earlier completed a multi-million-dollar capital raise, is faced with swelling bills, irate suppliers and a full-scale retreat from several distribution territories.
Press Clips: Brooklyn’s Hottest Beverage Trend
For those completely unfamiliar with switchel, you’re not alone; it’s a beverage that, until recently, hasn’t been widely consumed since colonial times.
Review: Captains Neck & Co.
Based in Southhampton, N.Y, Captains Neck & Co. markets a line of craft sodas that are formulated with natural ingredients and sweetened with sugar and stevia. The drinks come in two varieties: Citrus Mint and Grape & Ginger, each containing 40 calories per 12 oz. bottle. Though demand for premium soda options appears to be on the rise, Captain's Neck might require a few packaging updates to gain wider appeal.