Big Island Organics produces a line of organic drinks that includes two lemonade varieties as well as two ginger-infused beverages. In our review of two SKUs in the line-up, we found the formulation of the drinks quite enjoyable, and although their labels could use a bit of a makeover, we think the brand is off to a great start.
Aiming to increase its retail presence via a second packaging option, Zevia debuted 12 oz. glass bottles in 4-packs at Natural Products Expo West, which recently concluded in Anaheim, Calif.
From unique formulations and ingredients to novel and distinctive packaging, Natural Products Expo West has long been a trade show defined by innovation. To that end, natural beverage marketers often view Expo West as a critical springboard for new product introductions, as well as an opportunity for some companies to showcase brand revamps, and in some cases, relaunches.
Beverage School Chicago, a unique event designed for launch-focused beverage entrepreneurs, is less than four weeks away. The event will enable participants to get an early understanding of the most important issues in the business with insights from veteran beverage entrepreneurs, executives, suppliers, and other experts. If you haven’t already registered, this is a friendly reminder that today is the final day to take advantage of our early registration discount.
El Rey Energia is a low-calorie, value-priced energy drink that targets Spanish speaking consumers. From a formulation perspective, the product is fine, but mostly similar to other energy drinks on the market. On the branding front, we feel that El Rey needs more work in developing a personality that stands out within the value energy space.
A judge’s decision to invalidate New York City’s ban on the sale of large sugary drinks had opponents of the measure euphorically cheering the ruling, while supporters of the ban, and, in particular, Mayor Michael Bloomberg were left exasperated and vowing an appeal.
With its most recent launch, NEO North America is doubling down on its bid to become a significant player in natural beverages. Among Expo West’s vast sea of products, NEO North America debuted NEO Energy, a certified organic energy drink made with guarana, ginseng, green tea extracts and B-vitamins, fused with electrolytes and sweetened with cane sugar.
There’s 100,000 bottles of tea on the wall, and Honest Tea is hoping they’ll be taken down, passed around, and are just pretty much gone, and soon.
ROAR is a line of sports drinks made with coconut water and B vitamins. We applaud the brand for developing a well-formulated line of beverages and its use of an on-trend ingredient in coconut water. On the branding front, however, ROAR could use a bit of work in how it names and labels its three varieties. Overall, it's a solid start for the company.
Whether a first-time attendee or grizzled veteran of Natural Products Expo West, there was a singular feeling felt throughout: the 2013 show was simply mind-boggling in size and scale. Within the cavernous halls of the Anaheim Convention Center, a keen sense of excitement and opportunity filled the air as beverage companies, retailers, distributors and investors looked to take advantage of the rising tide of consumer demand for natural products.
XYIENCE has signed an agreement to add its Xenergy products in more than 1,400 Safeway stores, drastically expanding the availability of the beverages nationwide.
Layoffs at Neuro have taken place recently, but they are part of a realignment strategy that has been forced by the company’s growth, the company’s president told BevNET today. “It feels crummy,” Paul Nadel said. “But from a company standpoint it was the only thing to do.”
BevNET Live’s signature competition, the New Beverage Showdown, will be back in the Big Apple this summer. The New Beverage Showdown, which takes place as part of the two-day BevNET Live conference, will be held on June 4 and 5, 2013 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. The competition gives beverage entrepreneurs an opportunity to show off their business plans and new products and receive immediate feedback from a judging panel.
Victoria's Almond Water is a line of all-natural drinks made with a base of purified water and cane sugar and infused with natural extracts (almond, vanilla, rose). The brand recently introduced coconut and licorice/mint varieties, each of which are nice complements to the original product, however, we feel more needs to be done in terms of differentiation in packaging.
