The Chill Group has announced a partnership with brand incubator L.A. Libations to expand the availability of its Just Chill relaxation drink line. L.A. Libations co-founder Danny Stepper said a growing number of retailers have expressed interest in the relaxation drink business, and that Just Chill, an all-natural product that uses L-theanine as its primary functional ingredient, was the brand that he viewed as having the best potential to be the leader in the nascent category.

Ecuadorian energy blend Runa received a little stimulation itself recently in the form of a $3 million round of financing from a variety of investors, company co-founder Dan MacCombie confirmed to BevNET on Friday.

In yet another indication of chia's steady emergence as beverage ingredient, organic coconut water brand Coco Libre has launched a new line of coconut water and chia blends. Maverick Brands, the maker of Coco Libre, debuted Coco Libre Organic Coconut Water + Chia at Whole Foods stores in the grocer's North Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, Florida, and South regions. Coco Libre joins a range of new entries into the chia category over the past year, including Chia Star, Drink Chia, and GT's.

Here's a win for former Red Bull honcho-turned Big Red owner Gary Smith, who managed to get Big Red into Pepsi Bottling Ventures' North Carolina markets starting in July.

Fitness celebrity Jillian Michaels has joined EBOOST as an investor and brand ambassador. EBOOST markets a line of vitamin-enhanced powder packets and shots and Michaels joins a roster of athlete investors in the company, including New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire and Miami Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano. Michaels will hold the role of "Chief Energy Officer" for EBOOST.

The private equity company, which manages investments for the family office of a large German private label manufacturer, has made its third beverage investment in less than a year, adding fledgling premium soda brand SIPP to a group that also includes Cheribundi and Balance Water.