Diane Blames Monster Energy for Uncle Rickie’s Death Diane Blames Monster Energy for Uncle Rickie’s Death

Diane Blames Monster Energy for Uncle Rickie’s Death

by Ray Latif,

This morning, the Internet brought us the following news: A plaintiff named “Diane” has reportedly filed a claim against Monster Beverage Corp., blaming the company’s energy drinks as the reason for the death of a victim named as “Uncle Rickie.” The 59-year-old man was an aficionado of Jager Bombs made with Monster Energy, and Uncle Rickie had already had a couple when he died. Diane said that she knows “for a damn fact” that it was the energy drinks that did him in.

Review: Nu Aquos Review: Nu Aquos

Review: Nu Aquos

by BevNET.com Staff,

Designed as a multi-function protein/hydration beverage, Nu Aquos is a product packed with electrolytes, vitamins and minerals, fiber, and 12 grams of protein. The drink is promoted as one that will help consumers "rehydrate, restore and recover," and, from our perspective, the company has done a pretty good job with formulation. As for the branding and packaging, well, Nu Aquos needs a bit of work.

Review: Sneaky Pete’s Review: Sneaky Pete’s

Review: Sneaky Pete’s

by BevNET.com Staff,

Earlier this year, Sneaky Pete’s overhauled the packaging for its line of oat-enhanced drinks, and we're big fans of what the company has changed. Gone is the "Sneaky Pete" character and in its place are new fruit images, a cleaner background, and a more direct callout to the oat component in the beverages. We think the revised branding does a much better job of communicating what the line is all about.

Kroger Buys Harris Teeter For $2.5 Billion Kroger Buys Harris Teeter For $2.5 Billion

Kroger Buys Harris Teeter For $2.5 Billion

by Max Rothman,

The Kroger Company is expanding more than its natural, organic beverage options. It’s also expanding its already massive footprint, moving more heavily into the southeast and mid-Atlantic markets via acquisition.

Review: ZICO Tropical Review: ZICO Tropical

Review: ZICO Tropical

by BevNET.com Staff,

Launched as an exclusive at Trader Joe’s, ZICO Tropical is the company’s second coconut water and fruit juice blend. The product, which is made with pineapple, guava, orange, passionfruit and…

LAST CHANCE! List Your Brand in BevNET’s 2013 Natural Beverage Guide LAST CHANCE! List Your Brand in BevNET’s 2013 Natural Beverage Guide

LAST CHANCE! List Your Brand in BevNET’s 2013 Natural Beverage Guide

by Ray Latif,

Thursday is your last chance to secure a listing in BevNET's 2013 Natural Beverage Guide, the beverage industry’s largest guide to beverages targeting the natural channel, including juices, teas, bottled waters, CSDs, concentrates, powders, and other natural beverage enhancers. This key resource will be aimed at beverage retailers and distributors who are looking to include additional natural products.

Review: Sparkling ICE Lemonade Review: Sparkling ICE Lemonade

Review: Sparkling ICE Lemonade

by BevNET.com Staff,

When the fastest growing non-alcoholic beverage brand in the U.S. meets one of the hottest beverage categories in recent years, you get (drum roll, please): Sparkling ICE Lemonade. The new…

Back In NYC, Summer Fancy Food Show Was a Boon for BevCos Back In NYC, Summer Fancy Food Show Was a Boon for BevCos

Back In NYC, Summer Fancy Food Show Was a Boon for BevCos

by Ray Latif and Adam Stern,

Bustling with delicacies, deals and debuts, the Fancy Food Show returned to New York City’s Jacob Javits Center after a two-year stint in Washington D.C. -- and, let’s face it, there’s no place like the Big Apple. Visiting with beverage industry stalwarts and new players alike, BevNET spoke with a number of executives at the event, with many offering news and insight that might prove to have a significant impact on the second half of the year -- and well beyond.

Review: iCON Energy Review: iCON Energy

Review: iCON Energy

by BevNET.com Staff,

iCON Energy Drink basically offers the same functional benefits as top selling competitors, but without the branding of the big players, which, in turn, likely leaves this product relegated to the dangerous strategy of competing on price against massive companies that have economies of scale (memo to small beverage companies: this never works).

Exclusive Beverage Considering Foray into New England Exclusive Beverage Considering Foray into New England

Exclusive Beverage Considering Foray into New England

by Ray Latif,

Exclusive, which carries over 30 beverage brands in its portfolio, would ship direct from its headquarters in Long Island, eschewing sub-distributors and the construction of a warehouse facility in the New England region, according to an executive with the company.

Review: Taste Nirvana Coconut Water with Chili Review: Taste Nirvana Coconut Water with Chili

Review: Taste Nirvana Coconut Water with Chili

by BevNET.com Staff,

With the coconut water category having exhausted the spectrum of “normal” flavors, it’s no surprise that drinks like this one, which blends coconut water with chili extract, are popping up. Yet while Taste Nirvana has created a very good product, the pairing for coconut water and chili seems to have rather niche appeal.

Review: Rockstar Pure Zero Punched Review: Rockstar Pure Zero Punched

Review: Rockstar Pure Zero Punched

by BevNET.com Staff,

Rockstar Energy recently extended its already huge portfolio of drinks with Rockstar Pure Zero. In our review of the "Punched" variety, we think that the company has done well to stay true to its image and branding while creating a very enjoyable tasting product.

Fleishman, Chief Marketing Officer, Leaves Sambazon Fleishman, Chief Marketing Officer, Leaves Sambazon

Fleishman, Chief Marketing Officer, Leaves Sambazon

by Jeffrey Klineman,

Greg Fleishman, the veteran marketing hand brought on to help broaden the company’s consumer base, has left the company after a three-year run. Sambazon CEO Ryan Black confirmed Fleishman’s departure, saying that the separation was amicable and that the brand – which sells products largely based on the Amazonian Acai berry – is on a positive growth trajectory.