Activate Acquired by Unique Beverages
Just a few months after reassuming control of Rising Beverage Company, the marketer of Activate Drinks, co-founder Anders Eisner announced the sale of the cap-dispensing brand.
Review: EnerBee
EnerBee Organic Energy, which promotes itself as being made with organic honey, comes in a single variety: Lemon Green Tea. While we do think the company has successfully communicated that the product is a honey-based energy drink, the packaging feels a bit too aggressive and dark to be credible as a “better-for-you” offering.
Hormel Foods Acquires Muscle Milk Maker
Hormel Foods has agreed to purchase CytoSport Holdings Inc., the company that owns Muscle Milk, for approximately $450 million.
Copas Cabanas
David Turconi, general manager of Guayaki's cafe, intends to take the concept of a yerba maté hub to a new set of locations.
Review: Better Sweet Maple Water
Better Sweet is a USDA Organic maple water beverage that is made from a single ingredient: maple sap from Vermont maple trees. The overall approach to the design is polished and approachable, starting with its soft blue color palette. However, having the word “sweet” in the name implied that the product would be something a bit stronger.
BREAKING: Hormel Agrees to Buy Cytosport For $450 Million
Nine months after the company, which markets the well-known Muscle Milk brand, put itself on the auction block, Hormel Foods today announced that it has has agreed to acquire Cytosport.
Buzzfeed: Mamma Chia Debuts Clean Energy Line
White space is hard to come by in the energy category, but Mamma Chia has introduced a new line that CEO Janie Hoffman sees as filling a gap in the sub-segment often referred to as “clean energy.”
Review: Zola Coconut Water Lemonade
Zola’s riff on a lemonade/coconut water product comes in the form of this product, a one liter Tetra Pak carton that is labeled as being 100 percent juice. The ingredients are, like the rest of Zola’s Tetra line, from concentrate, but that definitely doesn’t impede the company's ability to craft a great tasting and thirst-quenching product.
The Changing Faces of Protein, Energy
Ingredient suppliers packed the IFT show in New Orleans with energy and protein innovation.
Review: Caffeinated Club
The concept behind Caffeinated Club is simple and straightforward: mix flavored club soda with a mild amount of caffeine. The result is something that’s pleasant tasting and familiar. However, it’s the branding and messaging of the product that leave something to be desired.
Trendspotting at IFT
BevNET dug deep into this year’s Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) show and spotted trends — emerging and yet to surface alike.
Download BevNET’s 2014 Summer Fancy Food Show Planner
The 2014 Summer Fancy Food Show begins this Sunday in New York City, and the specialty foods event will feature nearly 75 beverage companies. As always, BevNET will be on hand to report on news and innovation from the show. For attendees, we’ve compiled a handy list help you navigate the floor.
Where Can I Find Potential Investors For My New Brand?
As one of the co-founders of Nantucket Nectars and a Managing Director at First Beverage Group, Tom First is well-versed in what it takes to launch and run a successful beverage company. In this video on BevNET Food and Beverage University, First draws on his expertise in financing new ventures to discuss where and how entrepreneurs can look to find investors for their brand.
The End of the NYC Soda Ban
The New York State Court of Appeals today rejected an effort to reinstate New York City’s plan to restrict the sale of sugary drinks, commonly referred to as “The Bloomberg Ban.”