Distribution Roundup: Pepsi True Hits Stores; Haralambos Welcomes Essentia
From Big Soda’s stevia-sweetened ventures landing on shelves to beverage startups securing their first major placements, here’s the latest in distribution news.
Can 5-hour’s “New and Improved Taste” Sway Consumers?
With the declaration that all 5-hour products have been reformulated to achieve a better taste profile, Living Essentials is hoping to quell some consumer unease with the energy shots.
Review: Kohana Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
Kohana recently revamped its line of cold brew concentrates, which now come with a new label and a slightly revised formulation. Available in four varieties -- Original, French Roast, Decaf and French Vanilla -- the USDA Organic products are attractive in design, through we'd recommend a slight tweak or two to better differentiate the products from one another.
Laden with Beverage Ties, Krave Jerky Sold to Hershey’s
Meaty sales for a company stocked with beverage business veterans.
It’s True: Pepsi Expands Distribution, Adds New Sizes of Stevia-Infused Cola
Three months removed from PepsiCo’s launch of Pepsi True, a mid-calorie cola sweetened with stevia, the beverage and snack giant is now expanding distribution and introducing new sizes of the product to three U.S. cities.
MetaBrand Capital Raising $25 Million for “Fund B”
The private equity fund is looking to take a minority stake in 5 to 10 companies in the natural food, beverage and supplements space, with investments ranging between $500,000 and $2.5 million each.
Press Clips: Who Will Survive the War on Soda?
For starters, Mountain Dew will. The Huffington Post recently profiled the company's diehard consumer base, who don’t appear to be going anywhere amidst widespread declines in U.S. soda consumption.
Review: Bawls Orange
BAWLS Guarana’s latest flavor, Orange, is a nice translation of a classic orange soda into what is effectively an energy drink.
Urban Remedy CEO: “Organic Food is the Bigger Opportunity”
As part of a wide-ranging interview, CEO Paul Coletta described Urban Remedy as "an organic food company that does juice, not a juice company that does food."
FBU Austin: Learn from Founders of Epic Bars, Chameleon Cold Brew, Sahale Snacks & Daily Greens
Whether looking back after a recent sale or describing the professional and personal circumstances that govern their day-to-day lives, entrepreneurs running food and beverage companies serve as the primary sources for advice and knowledge at BevNET FBU (Food and Beverage University) events.
FBU Austin — Master Fundraising with Founder of Sweet Leaf Tea, CircleUp, Silverwood
Food and Beverage University will feature a broad look at financial options for new food and beverage companies that will match their lifecycle and needs at all growth stages.
Pivotal Move: Vital Juice Scraps “Micro-juicery” Model, Begins Co-Packing
Vital Juice has liquidated its facilities in favor a business now predicated on working with regional co-packers that are also equipped with in-house HPP capabilities.
Review: C2O Coconut Water (Original and Chocolate Varieties)
C2O, which markets Thai-sourced coconut water in both can and Tetra Pak containers, recently launched its first flavored line extension, a chocolate variety. In our review of the brand's original variety (packaged in a 17.5 oz. can) and the chocolate product, which comes in a 1 L Tetra Pak, we find both products to be very good formulation-wise, but have some suggestions for the label of C2O's new flavor.
Video: Grady’s Cold-Brew Opens Up on “Bean Bags,” Non-Traditional Retail
Grady's co-founder Dave Sands described the bean bags as a critical extension for the brand, which had been limited at retail because its primary offering, a bottled liquid concentrate, requires refrigeration.