Affinnova: How Package Design Matters
Affinnova, a marketing technology and analytics company, released an extensive report on how package designs are affecting the beverage industry.
Review: ‘tude Juice – New Varieties
Earlier this month, 'tude added six new juice flavors to its line of cold-pressed, HPP apple juice blends. The new products are polished and appealing looking, but we think there’s still a challenge when it comes to the positioning of the product. How do you sell apple juice, which is largely perceived as a product for children, to a broader audience?
Bruce Nierenberg (BIN Sales & Mktg; Glaceau) to Speak on Broker Management
Nierenberg, a former Glaceau board member and the founder of B.I.N. Sales and Marketing, will speak on the basic routes to market for new and growing brands, particularly the process of deploying and incorporating sales brokers as part of a sales organization and how it relates to a company's overall forecasting, budgeting, and promotional agendas.
Monster Share Turmoil Follows Downgrade, Lawsuit
Call it a case of the Mondays, but shares of Monster seemed to regain their steam Tuesday following an analyst downgrade and more litigation-related turmoil to start the week.
Calif. Judge Dismisses Hain Celestial Suit
The lawsuit’s dismissal was based on the fact that scientific arguments in favor of the effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) as a way of deterring bacterial growth were cited in the very same documents that the plaintiffs were using to prove HPP’s lack of effectiveness.
Review: Slingshot Yogurt Protein Drink
Slingshot has created an innovative and enjoyable approach to drinkable yogurt. The products come packaged in 11 oz. plastic bottles with a packet wrapped around the neck. Inside this packet is a shot of toasted oats, chia seeds and almond bits that the consumer can add to the product at the time of consumption. Overall, we really like the concept.
The New Rules at School
The USDA has implemented a new set of standards for school nutrition. While foodservice directors struggle to assemble their menus, beverage companies see new opportunities.
Distribution and Brand Building in New York City – What Do I Need to Know?
In this new video series on BevNET FBU, Trent Moffat of Gotham Brand Managers offers a framework by which new and early-stage companies can develop and implement a successful sales and distribution strategy in New York.
Review: Black Medicine Iced Coffee
Black Medicine Iced Coffee is made with coffee that is hot-brewed under nitrogen pressure to create a smoother and more intense brew. According to the manufacturer, the resulting product not only has 50 percent more caffeine than standard coffee, but it is indeed very smooth.
Three States Sue 5-hour Energy, Allege Deceptive Marketing
Oregon, Washington and Vermont seek a permanent injunction that would prohibit the company’s allegedly deceptive advertising, along with civil penalties and restitution to customers.
KeHE Acquires Nature’s Best
The acquisition will broaden KeHE’s already expansive distribution footprint and will combine two like-minded wholesalers.
Review: Pure Hibi
Described as a "hibiscus flower tea," Pure Hibi comes in four varieties, with the flagship formulated organic hibiscus, sugar, ginger, and water. Packaging is a tall 16 oz. glass bottle with a paper label, which is clearly a first effort (and probably hand labeled). That’s a good thing as the label definitely needs some work -- if not a complete redesign.
Zola Campaign: ‘Live Life to the Fullest’
The campaign, which began on Monday and will continue until Sept. 15, aims to engage consumers through social media and point-of-sale locations.
Review: High Brew Coffee
Formulated with cold brew coffee and cream sweetened with a blend of stevia and cane sugar, High Brew made its depy at the 2014 Expo West show. The drinks are packaged in 8 oz. slim cans, shelf-stable and come in four varieties — Double Espresso, Mexican Vanilla, Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate Mocha High Brew Coffee. From both a flavor and packaging standpoint, the review team enjoyed the coffee, though some refinement could be helpful.