In yet another indication of chia's steady emergence as beverage ingredient, organic coconut water brand Coco Libre has launched a new line of coconut water and chia blends. Maverick Brands, the maker of Coco Libre, debuted Coco Libre Organic Coconut Water + Chia at Whole Foods stores in the grocer's North Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, Florida, and South regions. Coco Libre joins a range of new entries into the chia category over the past year, including Chia Star, Drink Chia, and GT's.

Here's a win for former Red Bull honcho-turned Big Red owner Gary Smith, who managed to get Big Red into Pepsi Bottling Ventures' North Carolina markets starting in July.

Fitness celebrity Jillian Michaels has joined EBOOST as an investor and brand ambassador. EBOOST markets a line of vitamin-enhanced powder packets and shots and Michaels joins a roster of athlete investors in the company, including New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire and Miami Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano. Michaels will hold the role of "Chief Energy Officer" for EBOOST.

The private equity company, which manages investments for the family office of a large German private label manufacturer, has made its third beverage investment in less than a year, adding fledgling premium soda brand SIPP to a group that also includes Cheribundi and Balance Water.

In the midst of a new sales and marketing strategy, Celsius Holdings has partnered with GBS Smash! Brands to expand the availability of its calorie-reducing drink. Smash! Brands, the commercialization unit of food/beverage advisory firm GBS Growth Partners, will assist in the development of Celsius' distributor and retailer network and initially focus on expanding the brand's presence in California and Texas.