Juice for the Green
Vital Juice CEO Edward Balassanian takes pride in targeting any consumer who likes juice. From this thinking, Vital Kids was born.
Review: Califia Farms Single-Serve Citrus Juices
Earlier this year, Califia Farms introduced new single-serve varieties to its line of citrus juice products. Packaged in 10.5 oz. fully wrapped bottles, the review team sampled Califia's Lemonade, Limeade and Tangerine juices (the company also markets an Orange Juice variety) and offered praise for the formulations, but had some concerns about the labels.
TSG Silently Exits Its Neuro Investment
In less than two years, the venture capital firm TSG has exited its much-discussed investment in functional beverage line Neuro, and with the departure much of Neuro’s senior staff has left the company.
Diet Soda Beats Water in Weight Loss Program, Concludes ABA-Funded Study
A new study funded by the American Beverage Association has determined that diet soda is a better beverage option than water for individuals trying to lose weight.
Energy Category Records Atypical Deceleration
A recent Wall Street report indicates that the energy drink category’s progress in convenience stores has slowed to its lowest point in more than a year.
Video: Barnhorn Leads New CircleUp Investment Fund
As the lead in one of the seven “Circles” funds, Brad Barnhorn, a long-time beverage investor and advisor, will focus on investment opportunities in the healthy food/beverage and healthy living space.
Distribution Roundup: WAT-AAH! to Walmart
Walmart continues to express interest in smaller, emerging brands. We’ve seen brands like Inko’s and KonaRed land nationwide distribution deals. In April, the retailer announced that it will stock Wild Oats organic foods. And on May 13, WAT-AAH! announced that it has expanded its distribution network with authorization in Walmart Neighborhood Markets.
Review: Vitamin Dose
Vitamin Dose is a line of liquid vitamin supplements that are packaged in 5.07 oz. cans and currently come in four varieties, each sweetened with crystalline fructose and sucralose: B-Carotene, Magnesium, Vitamins and Minerals, and Vitamin C. The products are pleasant tasting and offer sound functional benefits, however, the labeling could be confusing to some consumers.
Press Clips: Lunar Marketing
The Verge recently reported that Otsuka’s Pocari Sweat will be the first commercial product to touch down on another land surface in space. Along with Pocari Sweat, the can will contain the wishes of children across Asia, which were sent in letters to Otsuka and then etched onto silver disks.
ZICO Shifts Tone in New Multimillion Dollar Marketing Campaign
Led by actress Jessica Alba, who serves as “brand ambassador” for its "Crack Life Open" campaign, ZICO is now positioned as an everyday, anytime type of beverage.
Video Coverage of BevNET Live Summer ’14 is NOW AVAILABLE
We’re pleased to announce that every speaker presentation, panel and discussion from BevNET Live Summer ’14 is now available for viewing on BevNET FBU, our on-demand video learning site for the food and beverage industry.
Consumers Increasingly Seeking “Healthfulness” in Food, Beverages
A recent survey conducted by the International Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC) found that "healthfulness" has become of critical importance in consumer buying decisions.
Review: Tigernut Horchata
A finalist in the recently held New Beverage 7 at BevNET Live Summer '14, Tigernut Horchata attracted quite a bit of attention for its packaging and formulation. However, Showdown judges questioned the positioning of the product, noting a disconnect between the use of the word horchata in describing a beverage that did not have a rice component. The review team has similar concerns about the branding.
Yakult Opens Massive U.S. Facility for Production of Probiotic Drink Brand
Yakult, a probiotic dairy beverage popular in Japan and sold in over 30 countries, is getting a big boost in the U.S. with the launch of a new state-of-the -art production facility in Southern California that is capable of producing 400,000 bottles per day.