Review: TYR Endurance Sport

Last year, TYR, a sportswear manufacturer, launched TYR Endurance Sport drinks. The company has certainly put out a very professional looking first effort, with a formulation that includes EMIQ (a form of quercetin), carbohydrate complex, caffeine and EGCG, and Ace-K and sugar as its sweeteners. From a taste perspective, the products are very drinkable, but the packaging will need some work for this brand to make its mark.

Evolution Fresh Cracks Chicago Market, Preps for Label Update

Making a major push into the Midwest, Starbucks today announced that its Evolution Fresh cold-pressed juices are now available in the company’s Chicago area cafes. Until now, the brand’s presence in Chicago was limited to Whole Foods stores and other natural grocers in the region. Now with placement in more than 360 Starbucks stores in and around the Windy City, the company is aiming for greater awareness and trial of Evolution Fresh juices.

Review: Kombucha Wonder Drink “Raw”

Kombucha Wonder Drink's "Raw" line comes in three varieties each containing 13 calories and 2 grams of sugar per 11 oz. bottle. While the beverages have a slightly sour note to them, rather that the vinegary taste associated with most kombucha drinks, the products have a mellow flavor and are quite drinkable. If we have any criticism, it's for the labels, but overall, this is a great line.

Fair Trade Coconuts on Tap

Long overseeing the transactions of sugar, cocoa and coffee, among other widely-transported ingredients, Fair Trade USA announced last week that it has launched a coconut certification.

Review: Xiomega Seedless Chia Water

Fortified with chia seed oil, rather than seeds or ground chia, Xiomega Seedless Chia Water has no detectable taste of chia.This could be opportunity for the company, in that some consumers dislike the texture of some some chia drinks. However, we do wonder about Xiomega's use of agave as a sweetener and think that the label for these products definitely needs an upgrade.

Coke Announces New Bottling Partnerships in Florida, Chicago

During the Coca-Cola Co.’s fourth quarter earnings call held earlier this week, CEO and Chairman Muhtar Kent stated that the company would "imminently announce new bottling partnerships" in North America. By imminently, he must have meant today.

Distribution Roundup: A-GAME Partners With Stop & Shop; Arriba Hits 7-Eleven

When we hear about a new energy drink company with plans to snag market share from Red Bull and Monster, we’re often skeptical. With the category at such a mature state and the two linchpins not going anywhere, most new energy drinks don’t have much of a future beyond niche markets. However, when the energy drink in question is devised by L.A. Libations, the beverage incubator that has helped carry brands such as ZICO and illy issimo to prominence, we take a closer look.

PepsiCo Responds to Trian’s Call for Restructure

As reported today, investment firm Trian Partners released a white paper and letter to the PepsiCo board, reiterating its belief that PepsiCo should split its beverage and snack businesses into two independent public companies. Trian believes that the restructure would sustain growth and benefit the company and its shareholders. Shortly after the story’s publication, PepsiCo e-mailed BevNET with a response.

Review: Suja Essentials

Launched in January, Essentials is Suja’s third line of organic, HPP juices and designed to be a more mainstream offering than its other lines. The launch comes with a subtle…

Trian Reiterates Belief in Splitting PepsiCo’s Snacks and Beverages

Trian remains adamant in its belief that PepsiCo should split its snacks and beverages into two independent public companies. PepsiCo, which has been steadfast in its “Power of One” platform, hasn’t budged. The company believes that the strategy allows for “full coordination across the food and beverage operating systems, while also unlocking opportunities to create value across the business.”

L.A. Libations Set to Launch New Horchata Energy Drink Nationally in 7-Eleven; Partners with Relativity Media in Joint Venture

Set for a national launch in 8,300 7-Eleven stores, Arriba is a new horchata energy drink that is targeted to reach a specific demographic in Latino consumers. L.A. Libations entered into a joint venture with film studio and entertainment powerhouse Relativity Media, which is investor in Arriba and will play a major role in the marketing of the brand with product placement in Relativity-produced TV shows and movies.

Press Clips: GMOs and Consumer Behavior

For many Americans, GMOs are like monsters under the bed. They don’t exactly know what GMOs are, but they’re worried about them. This sentiment has already influenced shopping habits, according to a recent write-up on hartbeat, the newsletter of The Hartman Group (HG), a consumer research firm.

Review: drinkme Juices

drinkme, which markets a line of "cold blended" and high pressure processed juices and smoothies, recently updated its packaging and moved into a new 15.2 oz. round-edged bottle. While the company had done well with the formulation of the products, we’re still left feeling as though the company could do more with the label.

Expo West Preview: Revamped Mix1 Ready for its Close-Up

Under new management and featuring a reformulated line-up and updated packaging, mix1 is set to make its return to the market. The company today announced that it will debut its new look at the upcoming Natural Products Expo West show, which will take place next month in Anaheim, Calif.