Whether launched by ethically-minded consumer groups or opportunistic attorneys looking for a big pay day, lawsuits have become a source of significant concern for beverage companies. As much of the recent litigation revolves around misleading statements in the branding or labeling of a product, beverage marketers need to be keenly aware of the hot-button phrases or words that are often cited in these lawsuits.
Having set the bar absurdly high with their glass packaged flagship product, Cocoa Metro has recently added a plastic (HDPE) single serve bottle to their lineup. From the visual end of things, a wrapped plastic bottle is not as visually stunning as its glass format. However, compared with the competition in plastic bottles, we think that they’ve done a very nice job of creating something that looks super premium.
They might have been doing well, but some of the best-performing young beverage brands on the market have recently enacted significant changes. From packaging formats to brand identity, these companies altered their approaches and cite the risks they took as key catalysts to growth.
In this video filmed on-location at Expo West 2013, BevNET CEO John Craven spoke with Honest Tea co-founder and TeaEO Seth Goldman about Honest Splash and why the company chose to launch with an exclusive deal at Target, and how the brand fits into Coke’s bottling and distribution system. Goldman also dished on the response and interest in Honest Fizz from retailers and distributors at the show, and spoke about recent accelerated growth within the company’s core tea line.
Invo is a new brand of high not-from-concentrate coconut water drinks that are high pressure processed (HPP) as opposed to pasteurized. Much like other HPP beverages, the products have a very fresh flavor profile. While we found the drinks enjoyable and like the fact that they are packaged in 12 oz. bottles, we think that Invo needs to be more assertive in how the brand is communicated to the consumers.
Leaning on high-pressure processing (HPP) as a way to bring its super-premium juices to a growing class of health-focused consumers, Suja has quickly emerged as significant player in the rapidly expanding field of raw juice companies.
After 13 years, Fizzy Lizzy founder Liz Morrill and her husband and partner, Aaron, have finally taken an exit, selling the company to venerable New York soda company White Rock Beverage.
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.
