J. Andrew Guard, a BevNET employee who had previously worked for OWater’s Tom First as Operations Manager, is returning to the beverage business. Guard is taking an operations position at Purity Organics, a portfolio company that works closely with First and is backed by investment from First’s new employer, First Beverage Group, which was started by investor Bill Anderson.

In a letter to Sen. Durbin, (D-Ill) the FDA said that most studies have not indicated any particularly harmful effects for caffeine consumption of up to 400 mg per day. While the agency said it was in the midst of conducting a review of recent safety studies on caffeine, “the available studies do not indicate any new, previously unknown risks associated with caffeine consumption.”

Building on the success of its sold out June event in New York City – which was attended by over 100 brewing industry professionals – Brewbound.com today announced plans to host its third gathering in its rapidly growing conference series on the business of craft beer. The Brewbound Session, happening November 29th in San Diego, Calif., focuses on offering an unmatched strategic learning and networking opportunity for craft brewers.

A high-profile hire and the gradual working out of supply chain kinks has created what VP of Operations Luke Zakka is calling “unprecedented opportunity” on the VBlast front. If he’s right, the addition of VP of Sales Bob Miller – a well-known and well-traveled commodity – will help VBlast capitalize on its vertical efficiencies and lend some density to an already wide-ranging geographic footprint.

The Internet rumor mill churned into high gear this week with word that hip-hop artist and Pepsi spokesperson Nicki Minaj was a leading candidate to join “American Idol” as a judge, except for a potential block of the deal by Coke, which has been a major sponsor of the reality singing competition for the past 11 years. However, it appears that the two soda giants will play nice in this case, with reports that Coke and Pepsi have given “Idol” execs and Minaj the green light on a partnership.

Less than a week after announcing its deal with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, BODYARMOR has landed two more National Football League (NFL) players as partners and investors. The multifunction beverage company signed both New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy to endorsement deals that give both players equity in the business.

Diet Coke cans are about to get a new look. Beginning on Sept. 1, The Coca-Cola Co., Inc. will switch to a previously limited-edition design for Diet Coke cans, according to Advertising Age. The design, which was introduced last fall, features an oversized black “D” and red “k” cropped from the Diet Coke logo and a silver background, and represents the first time that Coke has made a permanent change to Diet Coke’s packaging in over five years.

A new report from SymphonyIRI indicates that consumers continue to worry about the economy and their personal financial situations and - hoping to find the best value for their money - are making more food and beverage purchases at dollar and club stores.