Present-day the company is generating revenue with impressive year-over-year sales growth thanks to their retail presence in Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Kroger, Sprouts and Harris Teeter among other food and beverage retailers as well as a robust e-commerce operation shipping products directly to customers coast to coast.

Looking ahead, a study published by Market Study Report, LLC, the global Kombucha market size alone is expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2020 to 2025 and is expected to reach nearly $5 Billion by 2025 compared to just over $1 billion this year.  To capitalize on this upward trend, Kombucha Town plans to expand its product offerings to include a line of alcoholic products, a youth-oriented line of kombucha, performance-enhancing recovery drinks, and much more.

As an innovator in the rapidly growing functional beverage industry, Kombucha Town has positioned itself for continued growth. Their Live Seltzer not only combines two of the strongest emerging trends in the industry, seltzer products and probiotics, but it’s also affordable for the average consumer. Live seltzer is the first-ever probiotic seltzer water on the market with Zero Sugar, 1-2 calories per can and all-natural ingredients.

Kombucha Town is also on an environmental mission; all their products are Non-GMO, organic, fair trade and is a partner of “1% for the planet”. They also plant a tree for every case sold online to help restore forests and priceless animal habitats.

Thanks to equity crowdfunding anyone can be an investor in this exciting beverage producer.  Everyone is invited to look over the offer on StartEngine and consider making an investment.

Source: The Kombucha Town

A captain on the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and former lead American whiskey critic for Whisky Advocate, Minnick, a Wall Street Journal-bestselling author, tasted more than 600 whiskeys throughout the Pandemic. Throughout the year, Minnick tasted before live audiences amongst the various platforms. Minnick’s American Whiskey of the Year was taped live for YouTube and will later appear on Amazon Prime.

In a blind tasting, Minnick selected Pappy Van Winkle 15 year over categorical winners Sazerac 18-year-old rye whiskey (Best Rye), Barrell Bourbon Batch 26 (Best Blend of Straights), Journeyman’s Corsets, Buggy & Whips (Best Wheat Whiskey), Four Gate Batch 6 (Best Barrel Finish), MB Roland Corn Whiskey (Best Corn Whiskey), Slipknot’s No. 9 (Best Celebrity Whiskey), and St. George Spirits American Single Malt (Best American Single Malt).

However, Minnick notes a big winner was the sixth place finisher in the bourbon taste off: Spirits of French Lick’s Lee Sinclair Bottled in Bond.

“The truth is, 95% of the best American whiskey comes out of Kentucky and Tennessee,” Minnick says. “And if a small craft distiller in French Lick, Indiana, can out taste the likes of Knob Creek 15 year old, that shows the future of bourbon is bright.”

The winner Pappy Van Winkle 15 year certainly does not need another award, but Minnick notes it’s highly allocated for a reason. “When I tasted this blind, I was wowed,” he said. “The whiskey doesn’t lie, and that 15 year old bourbon is truly great and deserves this accolade.”

Best American Whiskey: Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old (Frankfort, Kentucky)

Bourbon Rankings:

1. Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old, 2020
2. William LaRue Weller, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, 2020 (Frankfort, Kentucky)
3. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch, 2020 (Lawrenceburg, Kentucky)
4. Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #2 (Bardstown, Kentucky)
5. Booker’s 2020-2 (Clermont, Kentucky)
6. Spirits of French Lick Lee Sinclair (French Lick, Indiana)

Best Barrel Finish: Four Gate Batch 6

Best Blend of Straights: Barrell Bourbon Batch 26 (Louisville, Kentucky)

Best Celebrity Whiskey: Slipknot No. 9 Reserve Iowa Whiskey (Swisher, Iowa)

Best Rye Whiskey: Sazerac 18 year old, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, 2020 (Frankfort, Kentucky)

Best Corn Whiskey: MB Roland (Pembroke, Kentucky)

Best Wheat Whiskey: Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey, Batch 10 (Three Oaks, Michigan)

Best American Single Malt: St. George Spirits American Single Malt Lot 20 (Alameda, California)

Source: Minnick Media

Boost Coffee blend is made using the Laird Superfood Medium Roast coffee beans, functional mushroom extracts from Red Reishi and Maitake, Olive Leaf extract, and Agaricus mushroom powder. Each 12 oz serving has 15% of your daily Vitamin D needs when prepared using a wire filter.

This new blend of coffee made with nourishing, functional, and plant-based ingredients is available for pre-order now. As one of the first food and beverage companies to venture into the functional coffee space, Laird Superfood is ushering in the next wave for the coffee industry and setting the precedent for the future functionality of coffee.

Laird Superfood Boost Coffee ingredients:

• Organic Ground Medium Roast Coffee
• Olive Leaf Powder
• Organic Red Reishi Mushroom Extract
• Organic Maitake Mushroom Extract
• Organic Agaricus Mushroom Vitamin D Extract

With this launch, Laird Superfood introduces the first truly functional coffee that is as delicious as it is fueling. Each 12 oz. serving of Boost Coffee has 15% of an individual’s daily amount of Vitamin D when brewed according to directions. Upgraded to help consumers harness the benefits of thoughtful, functional ingredients and superfoods, Boost Coffee enhances the overall fueling experience.

“It has been a long-time goal to bring the first functional coffee blend to the superfood industry,” said Laird Hamilton, co-founder of Laird Superfood. “We believe that this new blend will radically change how we consume coffee. Once our customers experience the lasting benefits of the Boost Blend, they won’t want to return to a normal cup of coffee again.”

“In an effort to provide delicious, innovative products with functional benefits, we take normal, everyday rituals, such as your morning cup of coffee, to the next level,” said Sandy Egge, Director of Research & Development. “A morning cup can now deliver 15% of your daily value for Vitamin D, plus functional organic ingredients including Red Reishi, Maitake and Olive Leaf.”

In addition to the launch of Boost Coffee, Laird Superfood is launching three new items this month alone. The brand most recently introduced ACTIVATE Prebiotic Daily Greens supplements that are packed with superfood fruits and vegetables that nourish the gut microbiome.* Later this month, Laird Superfood is set to unveil Harvest Dates – a new plant-powered snack that provides a good source of fiber and can be added into smoothies and used for baking, as well as a limited-edition holiday coffee, Wonderful Winter Blend, that perfectly captures the delicious flavors of the season.

“This month we have launched four products that are meant to fuel every aspect of your day,” said Gabby Reece, Chief Brand Ambassador for Laird Superfood. “Whether looking to amplify your coffee, find a nourishing snack, or find balance internally, we want each item to be equally functional and easy to incorporate into a daily routine.”

Source: Laird Superfood

Born out of the desire to rethink what it means to “have a drink”, Optimist Botanicals is the first collection of distilled botanical spirits made without alcohol, sugar, additives or artificial preservatives – the first and only completely clean NoLo beverage collection that satisfies the demand of the growing ‘ Mindful Drinking’ movement. Originally created in LA with a master distiller, using a complex blend of meticulously sourced and carefully distilled ingredients, Optimist Botanicals are entirely free of alcohol, sugar, sodium, carbs, calories, additives, and artificial preservatives, allowing ‘sober curious’ gourmands and health-conscious consumers to enjoy a delicious craft spirit without compromising their mental or physical wellbeing.

Optimist Drinks’ first offering is Optimist Botanicals, signature distilled non-alcoholic botanical spirits that come in three elegant blends, BRIGHT, FRESH, and SMOKEY. A liquid love letter to Los Angeles, each unique flavor takes consumers on a sensory journey to salt-sprayed coastlines ( BRIGHT ), verdant canyons ( FRESH ) and arid desert ( SMOKEY ), inspired by the diverse cultures, landscapes and mindsets of LA.

Optimist Drinks’ Co-Founders, husband and wife Tommy and Lisa Farr Johnstone, realized that despite the popularity of the increasingly crowded NoLo (No and Low) alc drinks space, a crafted, complex importantly clean offering was missing. The original recipes were developed with a master distiller in Downtown Los Angeles.

The three (3) distinct blends each combine 10-15 unique botanical distillates, employing a range of extraction methods – steam, vacuum, and CO2 extraction, some you’d expect from a high-end craft spirit, but others more commonly used in perfume making or the cannabis industry. This ensures they use the truest ‘essence’ or ‘spirit’ of every botanical. The ingredients are meticulously sourced from all over the world, keeping sustainable farming and supply practices in mind.

BRIGHT is inspired by Venice Beach with notes of citrus, sherbert and salty sunshine featuring Lemon, Jasmine, Green Mandarin, Lavender, Turmeric, Cornmint, Orange, Tangerine, Fennel, Myrrh and Cinnamon Leaf.

FRESH takes its cue from the verdant Topanga canyons after a late spring rain with notes of wild herbs, wet leaves and earthy pine from Juniper Berries, Cilantro, Lime Peel, Fennel, Lovage, Basil, Angelica Root, Red Thyme, Tarragon, Jasmine, Habanero, Oregano and Tangerine

SMOKEY takes its inspiration from the High Desert at sunset with warming and intense notes of the bonfire, bittersweetness and spice from Lapsang Souchong, Bitter Red Orange, Clove, Ginger, Sage, Turmeric, Bergamot, Cinnamon leaf, Habanero, Geranium, Valencia Orange, and Jasmine.

In addition to creating an alternative beverage that gives people a choice, the freedom to experiment with their drinking rituals and enhance their social connections, Optimist has a broader mission to promote mental and social wellbeing and will create ‘tools for Optimists’ beyond the drinks, launching ‘In Progress’, a bi-weekly podcast that helps build a practice of optimism.

The founders of Optimist Drinks are building a company with integrity, purpose and one that is genuinely sustainable. There has never been a more crucial time for optimism, and Optimist believes that people deserve the freedom to experiment with their drinking rituals and strengthen their social connections without compromising their physical and mental wellbeing.

The company will direct 2% of all sales to provide access to mental wellbeing services for underserved youth in every market they sell in. Their non-profit launch partner in LA is a Safe Place for Youth, a Venice Beach-based organization that empowers young people experiencing homelessness to thrive by providing lasting, holistic, community-driven solutions. Optimist Drinks is also working towards B Corp status in its ongoing mission to safeguard both people and the planet through sustainable practices and promoting physical and mental wellness. Welcome to the year of the Optimist.

Source: The Optimist

Mother Root Ginger Switchel is a sophisticated, award-winning aperitif that’s secretly good for you.

100% all-natural, this non-alcoholic aperitif is made with four key ingredients – a maceration of pressed ginger juice, blossom honey, Organic apple cider vinegar and a hint of chilli, making it ideal for those who love revitalising drinks with a kick.

Inspired by the age-old Anglo-American “shrub-making” tradition, the switchel is a fascinating beverage originating from the 1700s, which witnessed increased popularity during the Prohibition era. Mother Root’s Ginger Switchel is a revival of these interesting flavours, that’s been given a captivating modern twist.

Originally born in a kitchen in Peckham, Mother Root Ginger Switchel was made in small batches with care by founder and drinks specialist Bethan Higson. Since its inception, Mother Root has gone from strength to strength as people discover – and fall in love with – its unique and complex flavour profile. Once you try it, this aperitif-style spritz is set to become your favourite new downtime ritual!

An uplifting and flavourful alternative to alcoholic beverages, Mother Root Ginger Switchel is best enjoyed as a pre-dinner aperitif. Serve over ice with sparkling water or a light tonic, add a slice of orange and a fragrant sprig of rosemary, and you have everything you need for a refreshing drinking experience.

Alternatively, if you fancy a tipple, you can shake up your cocktails with an infusion of Mother Root Ginger Switchel. It’s especially great paired with vodka or dark rum, providing endless options for cocktail creativity.

Founder of Mother Root, Bethan Higson, said:

“I’m a self-confessed flavour fanatic, which is what inspired me to create a non-alcoholic drink with a modern twist that’s bursting with flavour. I want to encourage people to switch off and embrace their downtime each day. With Mother Root, you can enjoy the ritual of a delicious end-of-the-day drink, with all the flavour and none of the compromise.”

Source: Mother Root

Signature Brew is commemorating 2020 with Anthology – an annual time capsule of everything the brewery has achieved this year. This rich, dark Imperial Stout (10% ABV, £8 per 440ml can) celebrates the brewery’s journey through a challenging but heartening 12 months.

The artwork features photos from Signature Brew’s year in beer and music including head brewer Tom Unwin brewing and Rob Lynch from one of his lockdown gigs at the brewery. When this can and future Anthology releases sit next to each other, the stripes on the artwork will begin to build a pattern across all the cans. Each year’s edition of Anthology will have an accompanying barrel-aged beer.

Signature Brew Co Founder Sam McGregor says, “from hosting 35 sold out shows, to brewing 23 new beers with the likes of Sports Team, The Darkness, Dynamite MC & DRS, we are incredibly proud of how we pulled together as a team to bring beer, music & Pub In A Box to the people. Along the way, we also helped musicians, hospitality workers & the NHS. If 2020 has proved anything, it’s that the things we love are worth fighting for. Although we don’t know what next year will bring, we know we’re ready for it. Long live beer & music.”

Led by founders Sam McGregor and Tom Bott, the Signature brewery team is made up of musicians and music fans alike and – with an unwavering commitment to quality – Signature Brew has channelled the spirit and energy of live music into a brewery that stands for craftsmanship, artistry and passion. Brewed in Walthamstow, enjoyed by beer lovers and music superfans globally, their beers are of unrivalled quality, and they were crowned SIBA’s highly prestigious Brewery Business of the Year 2018.

2020’s Covid 19 crisis has seen Signature Brew get creative to keep the beer flowing in people’s homes, creating the Pub in a Box, hand delivered in London by musicians who had their tours cancelled (paid London Living Wage) and delivered via courier nationally. Signature Brew hosted a series of socially distanced gigs at the brewery to keep live music playing, they’re also prepping for the sold out Piss up in a Brewery (when all of this blows over), as well as two Skints gigs (their first in E17 for 10 years) as something for everyone to look forward to – we can all raise a glass to that! Signature Brew are gearing up for a momentous 2021, a year that will see the brewery rally around venues and musicians whilst celebrating their 10th Birthday with many more live shows, exclusive beers and band collaborations.

Source: Signature Brew

$250 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway December 4-18

Share a photo of you and/or your family enjoying True Lemon® Kids and be entered to win one of five $250 Walmart gift cards (plus a sampling of True Lemon® Kids products!). To enter, purchase any of the new True Lemon® Kids flavors from Walmart and share a photo of you and/or your little ones enjoying it. Five winners total, one winner will be randomly selected each day starting on December 14 through December 18 and will be notified by email.

True Lemon Kids: 92% Less Sugar Per Serving Than Juice & Soda

American children consume roughly 81 grams of sugar per day, says the American Heart Association. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that children consume no more than 30-35 grams of sugar per day.

“We believe hydration can be delicious without a lot of sugar,” said Robert Cuddihy, CEO of True Citrus. “Families have so many beverage options for their children, but few of them are low-sugar or naturally-sweetened. Hydration is the foundation of a healthy, happy lifestyle. Thanks to simpler, Non-GMO ingredients and great tasting flavors, we think True Lemon® Kids is an easy win parents can feel good about.”

Each serving of True Lemon® Kids has 2g of sugar in an 8-ounce serving, while most juices and sodas have 24g of sugar in the same 8-ounce serving. Available in Pink Lemonade, Fruit Punch, and Blue Raspberry flavors, True Lemon® Kids products are available nationwide at Walmart and at TrueLemon.com.

True Lemon Kids: Helping Kids Stay Hydrated

According to The American Journal of Public Health, half of all children aren’t adequately hydrated(3).

“It’s hard being a parent these days,” said Heidi C. Carney, Executive Vice President of Marketing for True Citrus. “We’re all dealing with so much due to COVID-19 and there’s a lot of competing advice about what’s good for our kids. True Lemon Kids can make a small part of the day easier. While plain water is the best beverage kids can drink, this is a great alternative to juice or soda — and for children who don’t like drinking plain water. It’s a delicious way to boost hydration.”

Source: True Citrus

1000 Trades is also delighted to announce, alongside Garage Creative, they have won a silver medal in the prestigious Harper’s Wine & Spirit Design awards 2020 for 1000 Trades Gin.

Phil Warren, Founder, experienced in the drinks industry, is responsible for launching a number of new brands into UK on & off trade since opening distribution company Novus in 2009, said.

“2020 has been a hugely successful year for us, we are really proud and delighted to have achieved so many things in such a short period of time.  Launching in a global pandemic has not been without its challenges.  We have had to adapt how we run the distillery due to the effect’s lockdown restrictions have caused.  The design award is a great achievement for the team at 1000 Trades and Garage Creative. It was a zoom driven project – a first for all!  The results have been fabulous.  We created zesty and spicy gin to reflect the diversity of Birmingham. We wanted the label to sing Birmingham, too.  It’s the ‘spirit of our city’ in both name and inspiration”.

He added: “It is important to us to grow roots in our local community and give the trade and consumers of our area a brand and drinks they can relate to.  As we expand, we will also be creating jobs in the local community for 2021 and beyond.  Our signature blends are available to the trade through local wholesalers Swallow Drinks and Inn Express.  They are also available direct to the public through our own online store, as well as Amazon.  A number of new products and collaborations are planned for 2021, which will be an even bigger year”.

Source: 1000 Trades

The Women’s Choice Award is the only award based solely on the recommendations of women, the most powerful consumer. The mission of the award is to empower women via a collective voice which identifies brands, products and services that deserve their loyalty and referrals. To earn the 9 out of 10 Recommended award Gemma di Luna was required to satisfy a two-step qualification process to achieve a greater than 85% recommendation rating in both a national survey of the brands female consumers and with a live taste testing panel.

Recommendation ratings are the pinnacle for determining true brand loyalty and love, with peer recommendations being one of the key criteria consumers say influence their choices in wine. The award enables Gemma di Luna to display the Women’s Choice 9 out of 10 Recommended Seal in the brands marketing communications. When choosing between two brands at a similar price, 95% of women say that seeing the Women’s Choice Award seal would make their purchase decision easier, which gives Gemma di Luna a powerful differentiator to stand out in the the cluttered wine marketplace. Gemma di Luna will communicate the award via special packaging, digital outreach and point of sale materials.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Women’s Choice Award,” said Giovanni Pecora, CEO of Enovation Brands. “In conceiving Gemma di Luna, we sought to bring together everything women want in wine; beloved varietals, carefully crafted and presented in beautiful packaging to infuse a bit of luxury into every day moments. This endorsement confirms we have no only achieved that goal, but also earned the trust and loyalty of our valued consumers.”

Source: Gemma di Luna

Cool Cat Wine Spritzers are naturally flavored and made with California Pinot Grigio and pure cane sugar. They are naturally gluten free and each 12 ounce can contains just 150 calories and two carbohydrates, the equivalent of two glasses of standard table wine. Now available in two varieties – Original (Elderflower Mint Lime) and Citrus – Cool Cat Wine Spritzers are a fun and delicious accent to any holiday occasion.

Six Tips to Spritz Up the Holiday Season:

• Switch it Up – Rather than a traditional bottle of wine or spirits, bring something new to the table: a festive 4-pack of ready-to-sip canned wine spritzers
• Simplify Your Sip – Cool Cat tastes great out of a chilled can or poured over ice
• Spritz Up Signature Cocktails – Mix up personal-sized sangria cocktails with Cool Cat Original. Pour Cool Cat over chopped apples, pears and grapes, and top with sparkling water. If sunny citrus flavors are your jam, try the Citré, mixing four ounces of Cool Cat Citrus with three ounces of rosé wine
• Give a Spritz – Cool Cat is a fun stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift
• Share the Spritz – You can ship four-packs of Cool Cat wine spritzers nationally, so it’s easy to share with family and friends. Plus, Cool Cat is offering free shipping on all orders through December 2020!
• Savor the Flavor – Pair Cool Cat with your favorite foods at a boozy brunch. The fresh, bright flavors are a great complement to holiday foods, like turkey and ham

“It’s time for new traditions especially given the challenges of in-person gatherings this year,” said Cool Cat co-founder and CEO Rocco Venneri. “More than a drink, Cool Cat is a unique lifestyle brand that offers refreshing wine cocktail experiences with the ease and convenience of a canned beverage. Wine spritzers are a delicious year-round option. At Cool Cat, it’s always spritzer season!”

Source: Cool Cat