Mission Driven Companies Focus of New Collaborative Fund & CircleUp Partnership

Equity and investment crowdfunding platform CircleUp and venture capital firm the Collaborative Fund announced the launch of Collab+Consumer, a new fund on CircleUp for early-stage, mission-driven companies. The fund, which totals $10 million, will invest $500,000 to $3 million per company.

No Brakes on Food and Beverage Investment: Video

In the month since Natural Products Expo West closed, food and beverage companies have announced millions of dollars’ worth of investment, from strategic investment in companies like Juicero and Body Armor to advanced funding rounds in brands like Perky Jerky and Health Ade.

Review: Commonwealth Cold Brew

Commonwealth Cold Brew is a line of micro-roasted cold brew coffees that come in a ready-to-drink format. Made in the Boston area and launching with a regional focus, the product is focused on delivering the highest quality, smoothest flavor possible.

Messina Departs VEB to Become Global CMO at Beam Suntory

As part of VEB’s senior leadership team, Messina played a critical role identifying emerging trends and investment opportunities for VEB, whose primary objective is to find and nurture the next generation of billion-dollar brands. for Coke.

Review: Meditteranean Tea

Mediterranean Tea is an upstart line of herbal teas that are made with the leaves of the sideritis plant, also known as “Mountain Tea” or ironwort. This ingredient is popular in Eastern and Central Europe as it is believed to have both digestive and immunity benefits.

The Coconut Water Situation

Coconut water has seen a surge of innovation of late with brands pushing the category into previously unchartered territories via new products, packaging choices and processing methods.

Review: KonaRed Cold Brew

KonaRed has created a line of cold brew coffees, launching with three flavor varieties: Original, Espresso, and Hawaiian Vanilla. Each one includes Kona and Colombian coffee as well as coffee fruit extract.

Review: Coco Community

Coco Community is a new “craft” coconut water from All Market, Inc., which is better known as the company behind Vita Coco. The USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project verified, and Fair for Life Certified product is a not-from-concentrate coconut water that is pasteurized and packaged in a PET bottle.

Hiperbaric to Introduce New HPP Verification Program

The “Cold Pressure Verified” program establishes a set of criteria for implementation of HPP, a non-thermal safety method that uses high pressure to preserve packaged foods and beverages. Participating companies will be able to use a Cold Pressure Verified seal on labels and other marketing material.

WellWell Launches at Whole Foods

The brand is currently making its debut at 33 stores in the grocer’s northeast region, where it retails for $4.99 per 12 oz. bottle.

Review: Califia Farms – Three New Products

In this review, we’re taking a look at Califia Farms’ three most recent non-coffee offerings: Cali Coco, Ginger Almond Milk, and Matcha Almond Milk. Launched at Expo West 2016, these products are hands down the company's best flavors yet.