1/6 of a Monster: Coke Pays $2.15B for Stake in Energy Drink Giant
A long-discussed investment took place this afternoon when Coke bought 16.7 percent of Monster for a $2.15 billion payout.
Chilled Innovation: ZICO Unveils New Coconut Water Blends
ZICO said that the new line is aimed at reaching mainstream consumers who want to make better choices when it comes to healthy eating, but are not willing to compromise on taste.
Garden of Flavor Responds to FDA Letter
“We respectfully disagree with the FDA letter,” said founder Lisa Reed. “At Garden of Flavor, current good manufacturing practices, sanitation and food safety is our top priority."
UPDATED: FDA Sends Warning Letters to Three Beverage Companies
The FDA has sent warning letters to two juice brands and a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based food and beverage company regarding infractions of sanitation and product claims.
Review: AriZona Oak Reserve Tea
Taking a cue from flavor innovation often seen in alcoholic beverages, AriZona Beverages has launched a new line of teas brewed with oak chips. AriZona’s Oak Reserve Tea is certainly an interesting concept, but we're not clear as to why a consumer would choose this product over another tea.
Press Clips: PepsiCo Tries Cashew Apples
PepsiCo thinks juice from cashew apples, sourced in India, could work as a nice substitute for more common juice ingredients, according to The New York Times.
Channel Check – Lemonade
Looks like Calypso may have finally hit a ceiling, while Hubert’s and Coke’s own revamped Fuze are gaining strength on the bottled side. Cabana continues to announce new distribution, but the base has stayed low. On the whole, the category stayed strong on the warm-shelf side.
BevNET’s 2014 Natural Beverage Guide is NOW AVAILABLE
BevNET’s annual Natural Beverage Guide is the industry’s largest guide to drinks targeting the natural channel. From kombucha and cold-pressed juices to enhanced waters and powder mixes, the guide includes dozens of natural brands as well as a range of companies that supply goods and services to beverage manufacturers. View or download the guide today!
At Last, CSDs Record Positive Sales Figures
It feels kinda funny to write, but here goes: the carbonated soft drink (CSD) category recorded a positive four-week growth period in sales. It’s the first time that’s happened in more than a year.
Way Better Snacks CEO to Talk Differentiation at FBU L.A.
Jim Breen, the founder and CEO of fast-growing Way Better Snacks, will be on hand to discuss the role of differentiation in establishing and helping grow entrepreneurial brands during FBU.
BODYARMOR’s Sporting Chance
Gatorade has had its run over the past 40 years. The BodyArmor argument is that there are better ingredients, branding and pricing that will appeal to consumers and retailers.
Review: Muscle Milk Organic
Launched in July, Muscle Milk Organic is a Target exclusive (there's a lot of those these days...) that comes packaged in an 8.25 oz. Tetra Pak carton with a screw top cap and is sold in 4-packs. We’re certainly pleased to see Muscle Milk offering an organic product, but we think -- especially when it comes to package design -- the new line could be improved upon.
Q2 Recap: WhiteWave Sets Sales Records
As non-dairy milk alternatives continue to carve out space on retail shelves, one of the category’s biggest players is reaping the profits.
Opportunity Brewing
The development of new tea drinks for kids could play a key role in the creation of a framework by which marketers can establish vertical integration of both adult and children’s products.