The first set of witnesses to be called for questioning by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during tomorrow's hearing on energy drink marketing includes representatives from the three biggest energy drink companies in the U.S., including Rodney Sacks, the chairman and CEO of Monster Beverage Corp.
The debate over energy drink safety is moving to the U.S. Senate tomorrow with the start of hearing in the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation examining the way energy drink companies market their products.
Oatworks recently unveiled a revamp of its ready-to-drink oat-based beverages. Now promoted as an “oat-powered natural smoothie,” the three-SKU drink line features new packaging and a tweak in formulation of the drinks to create a slightly more viscous mouthfeel. Have the updates to the brand changed our opinion of the products? Not exactly...
After years of massive growth and reportedly reaching the $1 billion benchmark at the end of 2011, Rockstar Energy appears to be falling off the pace with industry leaders Monster and Red Bull, according to analysis of June convenience store numbers provided by Wall Street investment firms. Rockstar attributed much of that separation to increased promotional activity on the part of Red Bull and Monster.
Fit Pro “Daily” is a protein/meal replacement beverage that is made with real milk. However, unlike many other dairy-based protein drinks, Fit Pro is lactose-free. On the whole, we think the company has created something that can, at least when it comes to the balance of taste and nutrition, hold its own against pretty much any protein drink out there.
PepsiCo hasn’t admitted defeat, but it continues to build away from its flagship. Next year, the soda giant will soon join the thriving premium water category with the launch of a new brand called Om, according to a recent report in Beverage Digest.
Goldenhive is a micro-brewed tea that is made with organic tea, unrefined Northwest honey and lemon juice. The flavor is simple and straightforward, with a smooth but bold base of black tea and loads of honey flavor. Overall, we really like the flavor of this product and feel as though it could, with some further development of the brand, have some potential.
PepsiCo’s beverage business might have failed to impress this quarter, but the company may have some big sweetener innovations on the horizon, according to Morgan Stanley analyst Dara Mohesian.
As is often the case with similar flavors from other kombucha lines, Kombucha Mama's Lemon Ginger flavor is the most mainstream in its lineup. All in all, this beverage is quite well-crafted.
Based in New Haven, Conn., Project Fresh is a new line of raw, cold-pressed juices that are marketed as "raw organic craft cleanses." The drinks, which quickly gained distribution throughout Whole Foods' North Atlantic region, come in five varieties. In our sampling of three of the flavors, it's clear that the company has created an excellent array of juice blends, with some pretty solid branding behind the line.
Following a busy week in litigation circles, a break in a pair of cases unrelated to the beverage industry might offer a glimmer of hope for brands in several ongoing food and beverage court battles. But labeling remains a flashpoint for dozens of civil suits across the country, with attorneys continuing to parse labels for any potential ingredients or marketing statements that might allow some leverage against FDA guidelines.
Koa Organic Water isn’t on trend simply because of its lack of calories and sugar. The brand also has a Kickstarter campaign.
Blossom Water, which describes itself as an “all natural essence water,” is a line of fruit- and flower-enhanced drinks. Sweetened with agave and erythritol, the waters are sophisticated, but, very drinkable. However, in the long run, the packaging will need some work.
Rob King, a former Pepsi Bottling Group (now Pepsi Beverages Co.) executive who has worked closely with Cytosport and its key investor TSG Partners, was named CEO of the sports nutrition company Monday.
