Taste Radio: What This Early-Stage Investor In Sweetgreen Wants To Hear In Your Pitch

Maxine Kozler Koven, co-founder of LDR Ventures & Consulting, discussed the venture capital firm’s investment philosophy and portfolio, which includes stakes in Sweetgreen, Thrive Market and Shaka Tea, the importance of nurturing the development of early-stage founders, the relevance of innovation when evaluating new concepts and the historical lack of funding for female-led companies.

On the Clock: TikTok’s Potential As CPG’s Next Big E-Platform

TikTok is becoming one of the fastest-growing social commerce channels worldwide and is helping brands reach hundreds, even thousands, of new consumers via videos of skin care or vegan ice cream - if they can market themselves right.

Shamrock Farms Named Official Milk Sponsor Of USA Pickleball

America’s fastest-growing sports craze has a new protein- packed partner to fuel all its serves, rallies and smashes. Rockin’ Protein will be the official protein and recovery beverage of USA Pickleball, while Shamrock Farms will be the official milk of the association.

Phocus, Kroger, ESPN Radio Fuel First Responders, Families in Western Kentucky During Aftermath of Tragic Weather Events

Phocus is working alongside valued partners Kroger and ESPN Radio and has formed the “Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund Fueled by Phocus, Kroger and ESPN Radio.” The group is mobilizing to gather much needed funds that will directly benefit those affected. An event will take place Wednesday, December 15 all day at the Kroger Stony Brook.

Sugarlands Expands Music Partnership Portfolio With O.A.R. Collaboration

Sugarlands Distilling Co., an award-winning craft distillery, announced a multifaceted partnership with platinum-selling recording artists O.A.R. The collaboration will celebrate O.A.R.’s 25th anniversary and include two specialty products from Sugarlands bearing the band’s name.  

Playboy and Código 1530 Partner To Launch Rare Hare Extra Añejo Tequila

Playboy, the iconic lifestyle brand owned by leading pleasure and leisure lifestyle company PLBY Group, Inc., announced a special collaboration with Código 1530, the ultra-premium tequila brand, announced today the launch of Rare Hare Double Barrel Añejo tequila.

Reduced-Sugar Food Tech Co. Better Juice Signs First U.S. Manufacturing Deal

Israeli food tech startup Better Juice is finally preparing to bring its first reduced sugar juices to U.S. consumers. The Rehovot-based company announced today that it has signed its first commercial partnership with an unnamed U.S.-based juice manufacturer to begin producing beverages using its patented sugar-reduction technology in the coming weeks.

Drake’s Organic Spirits Launches Perfect Margarita BOXTAIL

Drake’s Organic Spirits — the leading brand in sustainability and the only producer on the market that is certified USDA Organic, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan and Kosher — announces the launch of Drake’s Perfect Margarita Boxtail (1.75L; SRP $19.99), which joins Minted Mojito, Watermelon-Tini, Mango Punch, and Black Cherry Limeade in this innovative, eco-friendly, ready-to-drink cocktail line.