Connecticut Rep. DeLauro Working on Soda Tax
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) says that she’s working on legislation to tax beverages with added sugar. She hopes to introduce the legislation “in a matter of weeks.”
Review: Health Ade Kombucha (New Varieties, Label)
Health-Ade has added two new varieties -- Carrot and Beet -- to its line of kombucha drinks. The new flavors are certainly some of the more adventurous that we've seen hit the category, and while we were a bit apprehensive as to how the two beverages (each sporting the brand's new label design) might taste, the first sips alleviated any concern.
Video: Vital Juice’s Plan for a National Network of “Micro-Juiceries”
The template for Vital’s micro-juicery model is its current facility in Seattle, which has systems in place that allow the company to “track produce all the way from the vendor through to the bottle."
Review: Rage Vitamin Water
Marketed as a “vitamin enhanced water + electrolytes,” Rage Vitamin Water comes in a single “Hydrating Citrus” flavor. While the ingredients have merit, the company's reason for inclusion could definitely use a better -- and more succinct -- explanation than what’s on the back of the bottle. The packaging has a similar issue: it’s just not clear what this product is trying to be.
Distribution Roundup: Oatworks Partners With Dora’s Naturals
The distribution deal will provide Oatworks, which has been self-distributed since its launch last summer, with an opportunity to swiftly expand its footprint in the Northeast and to continue spreading the idea of oats as a core beverage ingredient.
Update: Beastie Boys Win Monster Court Case
A federal jury in Manhattan issued a $1.7 million verdict in the band’s copyright case against Monster Energy, according to Reuters.
BluePrint Founders Leave Hain Celestial
Eighteen months after Hain Celestial’s acquisition of BluePrint, the founders of the cold-pressed juice brand have exited the company.
LeBron Cramps, Gatorade Responds
While most seemed to attribute LeBron James’ cramps to the high temperatures, Gatorade flipped an odd circumstance into a marketing ploy.
NYC Mayor Revives Soda-Ban Proposal
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration rekindled former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s argument for a ban of large sugary drinks.
Survey: More Juice Drinkers Consider Labels, Ingredients
YouGov, a London-based market research firm, conducted a recent survey that indicates the growing preference of juice drinkers to pay closer attention to labels and ingredients.
Urban Remedy Raises $5 Million; Names Coletta CEO
Aiming to ramp up production and distribution of its raw, organic juices and foods, Urban Remedy has raised $5 million in new funding and tapped industry veteran Paul Coletta as CEO.
Press Clips: Calif. Senate Passes Bill on Sugary Drink Labels
The California Senate approved a bill last Thursday that would mandate health warning labels on beverages with added sugar, according to The Los Angeles Times.
Review: Juicera
Based in Boca Raton, Fla., Juicera produces a range of USDA Organic certified and high pressure processed juice blends. The products are packaged in cylindrical bottles with a few of the varieties coming 8 and 16 oz. sizes. Overall, the company has done well to create a tasty and well-executed product, but the labels could use a bit of a revamp.
BevNET FBU Brings “Food & Beverage University” to L.A. on Sept. 11, 2014
BevNET will present the next edition of its Food and Beverage University (FBU) in Los Angeles on Sept. 11. The one-day business education and networking event will take place at the Skirball Cultural Center.