BevNET Live’s second day will feature a rare industry discussion with two of the most important executives in the energy drink business, Joey Cannata and Jason May -- respectively, the EVP of Sales and Distribution and the EVP of Marketing for Rockstar Energy Drink.
Keeper Energy Drink is an Austrian-produced energy drink that comes in an 8.4 oz. can. Heard this one before? Yes, it is yet another energy drink to deliver “classic” (aka Red Bull-like) energy drink flavor, but there’s really nothing else to be said for what’s inside the can. And on the outside, things don’t get any better.
A few years ago, when high-end bottled water got slammed with the twin effects of a deep recession and an environmental backlash, many of us called it the perfect storm. A sector that was riding high suddenly was in an impossible situation: only fairly affluent consumers could afford those brands any more, and within that social stratum it suddenly had become unfashionable to be spotted carrying around plastic bottles containing water shipped from halfway around the world.
It went unnoticed last week, but fast-growing BluePrint -- which makes raw juices and direct-to-consumer juice cleanse products -- has been scooped up by natural foods conglomerate Hain Celestial. Hain did not disclose the amount of money it was paying for BluePrint. Hain Celestial CEO Irwin Simon called BluePrint "an innovative leader." Huss declined comment to BevNET, saying through a spokesman that the deal was not yet finalized.
Samu Thai Coconut Water is a not-from-concentrate coconut water that comes packaged in a 12 oz. aluminum can. With a tagline of “thirst intelligence” and the phrase “naturally the best tasting” on the front of the can, we were somewhat surprised to see that this product contains added sugar. We’re really not sure what factored into their decision to go down the added sugar path, but it has definitely hurt this drink...
We’re less than a month away from BevNET Live Winter 2012, and created a short - and quite entertaining - video to offer you a brief look at some of the exciting content and speakers who have appeared during past events. As at our past events, we’ve put together another stellar lineup to help you move your beverage business forward, as well as ample opportunities for networking, sampling, and strategizing. Many more announcements on presenters and breakout sessions coming soon...
BevNET is pleased to release the names several new speakers who are participating in the event, which will be held on Dec. 3 and 4 at the Loews Beach Hotel in Santa Monica, Calif. The new additions range from marketing and financing experts to retailing and regulatory experts who will help guide discussion on a variety of topics.
And the hits just keep on coming for Monster Beverage. The energy drink giant is facing new scrutiny about the safety of its products, this time from the city attorney in San Francisco. In a letter sent to the company on Wednesday, Dennis J. Herrera alleged that Monster's marketing campaigns have led to “unsafe and irresponsible consumption of its products,” and asked Monster to substantiate its claims that consuming large amounts of its highly caffeinated drinks is safe for consumers.
Tea of a Kind is a new line of teas equipped with a patented cap-activated closure called “Gizmo." When twisted, the pressurized bottle cap forces ingredients - brewed tea, natural flavors, and antioxidants - into a bottle of water, which makes shaking generally unnecessary. While we like the innovative technology, we did experience some significant problems with the cap. Moreover, the branding and packaging of the product definitely needs some work.
BevNET is pleased to announce that Donna Spagnola, President and CFO of Central Beverage Co., will be speaking at BevNET Live in Santa Monica on Monday, Dec. 3. Ms. Spagnola will be taking part in a discussion concerning the state of distribution opportunities for entrepreneurial non-alcoholic beverage companies -- both as part of the Central Beverage portfolio and as part of an emerging organization called the Midwestern Distributor Group.
Amid the recent wave of negative publicity surrounding energy drinks, and the ire of some elected leaders calling for greater oversight and regulation of the category, consumer perception of the top energy drink brands has fallen to its lowest level since 2009, according to consumer research firm YouGov.
Orgain recently launched a new formulation and packaging for its line of organic meal replacement shakes. Now filled in 11 oz. Tetra Paks with a resealable “Dreamcap” top, Orgain is placing more emphasis on its high protein content, which along with an updated blend of vitamins, vegetables, fruit, DHA, soy and dairy, and mix of sweeteners, make for an overall upgrade and step in the right direction for the brand.
Lady Gaga's manager, Troy Carter, announced that he was launching Pop Water, a low-calorie soft drink with famed fashion photographer Terry Richardson as its design director. Activate Drinks co-founder Burke Eiteljorg is also attached to the project, bringing beverage industry knowledge and contacts to the team.
In an industry that is often risk averse, BevNET Magazine publisher Barry Nathanson suggests that beverage retailers and distributors take more chances on new brands and innovative products. "Beverages are in a lull, waiting for the next great thing. If it arrives soon, terrific. But until then, take a chance on some exciting new entries," said Nathanson.
