Review: Hiball Ginger Ale

Hiball’s latest addition to its for its line of organic energy drinks comes in the form of a new ginger ale flavor. We can't say that we've had too many ginger ale-flavored energy drinks, but we really like that Hiball has taken a classic flavor and successfully made it feel new and enjoyable in a way that hasn’t been done in the past.

Zevia Set To Unleash New Sweetener Mix

Company CEO Paddy Spence revealed to BevNET yesterday that the brand was in the process of implementing a new sweetener mix – “Sweet Smart” – which deploys a purer form of Rebaudioside A (more commonly known as Stevia) mixed with Erythritol and Monkfruit extract.

Press Clips: Glanbia Bids on Muscle Milk; Dr Pepper’s Fate; Pepsi Moves Closer to Snacks

Nick Webb of The Irish Independent writes that Kilkenny, Ireland-based Glanbia, an international nutrition and cheese company, is amid a three-way shootout to buy Cytosport, Inc., the company that produces Muscle Milk, for about $500 million. Webb writes that Glanbia is said to be facing competition from dairy-ingredients firm Whitewave Foods and NBTY, a manufacturer of vitamins and nutritional supplements.

Evaluating New Coke — or the New Coke Alignment With Bottlers

Industry veterans have expressed a wide range of opinions following the decision by The Coca-Cola, Co., Inc. to split its North American operations into two units. However, despite the range, one sentiment prevails with many: the shift could present a new set of challenges for Coke and its partners.

Red Bull Gives Evian Wheels

Danone Waters of America (DWA), the makers of evian spring water, announced last week that it will test a distribution partnership with Red Bull Distribution Company (RBDC). The test will focus on small format channels such as convenience, drug, select food service and specialty retail stores in southern California and central/southern Florida, two of evian’s key markets.

Review: BLK+

blk Beverages has introduced a new flavored line extension to its brand of fulvic trace mineral infused waters. blk+ contains the same black-colored liquid as blk's primary line along with citric acid, natural flavors and stevia, which keeps the calorie count at zero. All in all, blk has done a good job in creating a mainstream-oriented offering, although the company still needs to do a bit more in terms of educating consumers about the functional benefits of the products.

Federal Judge Dismisses Monster Lawsuit Against S.F. City Attorney

Seven months after Monster Beverage Corp. filed a lawsuit against San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, one that aimed to block his investigation into the company’s marketing practices and regulate the caffeine content in its energy drinks, a federal judge has dismissed the case.

Eisner Returns, While Tata and Mirza Are Out Of Activate

Eisner, who co-created the brand with Burke Eiteljorg as the Rising Beverage Co., Inc. in 2005, announced Friday that he was buying the company back from its current investors and that he would be taking over the position of President. Craig Berger was taking on a dual COO/CFO role while current president Reza Mirza was departing.

Whey Coco Partners with L.A. Libations, Set to Launch in Kroger in 2014

Last week, Whey Coco, which markets a powdered blend of whey protein and coconut water, announced a new broker agreement with SoCal-based beverage incubator L.A. Libations. The deal has been in the making since June and recently produced a major retail placement for the brand: Whey Coco will gain shelf space in select Kroger stores in the Northeast beginning in March 2014 with plans for a national launch later in the year.

Review: Fire Blade Energy

Making its debut in the U.S. market. Fire Blade is a Austrian-based brand that markets an energy drink and shot. The products are not bad, but with a formulation, flavor and design that feels very much that of typical energy brands, we're concerned that Fire Blade could easily be forgotten amongst the sea of similar products that have come before it.

Distribution Roundup: PepsiCo Partners With Buffalo Wild Wings, XYIENCE Hits the Dust Bowl

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. (BWW) announced Thursday that PepsiCo, Inc., will become the restaurant’s primary soft drink and non-carbonated beverage supplier. The partnership, which will begin in early 2014, will replace products by The Coca-Cola Co., Inc., in the chicken wing chain. It will also initiate a series of joint marketing initiatives tied to sports and entertainment, according to a release.

Coca-Cola Splits North American Operations

In an effort to streamline operations and expedite its refranchising to independent bottlers, The Coca-Cola, Co., Inc. announced late Thursday that it will divide its North American operations into two units. On January 1, 2014, Coca-Cola Americas will no longer exist, paving the way for Coca-Cola North America (CCNA) and Coca-Cola Refreshments (CCR).