The distribution momentum for Silly Juice has been rapid, with the brand accelerating from a small-scale sampling relationship with Albertsons to doubling their order in just two weeks to become available at locations across the west coast. Following tremendous reception for Silly Juice’s direct-to-consumer website launch in August, the brand sold out within four hours of its release. Silly Juice’s quick distribution expansion is a testament to the strong interest from shoppers for its high-quality flavor innovation.

“We’re so excited to bring Silly Juice’s twists on classic flavors to grocery store shelves across the west coast, and meet the consumer’s demand to get their hands on our unique varieties,” said Keith Davis, CEO and Co-Founder of Silly Juice. “Expanding to in-store retail for the first time through these meaningful partnerships is the next step in bringing the Silly Juice experience to families across the country, and delivering a burst of mouthwatering flavor that reminds them to take a break in their days and get a little silly.”

Silly Juice was co-founded by CEO and entrepreneur, Keith Davis and YouTube stars, The Ace Family, to start a revolution in the juice category. During a period when consumers are spending more time at home than ever before, Silly Juice brings creative flavor combinations to the forefront of their grocery aisles to make the whole family’s taste buds dance.

Silly Juice is available in six fun-filled varieties, including Cool Blue Freeze, Orange Cream, Pink Strawberry Swirl, Red Apple Cherry Blossom, Watermelon Fruit Punch, and White Grape Burst. Made with real juice and no high fructose corn syrup, Silly Juice is non-GMO, gluten-free, low in sodium, and contains no added colors.

Silly Juice is available at select Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, and Safeway stores for $1.59/10 fl. oz. bottle. To find a retailer near you, please visit the store locator. Silly Juice is also available direct-to-consumer at the brand’s online store for $15.95/12-pack.

Source: Silly Brands Inc.

Aseppak is steadily evolving into one of the premier innovation boutique shops for the food and beverage world by solving three important industry dichotomies:

1. Creating products in a lab is one thing. Successfully launching a product to the public is another.
2. The market demands fast innovation. Investors need optimal and efficient innovation.
3. Consumers want new ingredients. Brands need to catch up while staying compliant.

In such a pursuit, Aseppak has joined forces with St. Croix ABF, a company dedicated to providing aseptic beverage co-packing services to brands who understand what it takes to innovate in today’s market.

The collective of companies has implemented a streamlined process that will pave the road for brands looking to innovate new beverages by the highest food safety standards. Current capabilities include a high acid pilot plant and testing facility and opening for low acid aseptic processing and packaging by first quarter 2021.

In an era where innovation is a requirement to survive, professionals need to develop plans that minimize risk and increase the chances of meeting the desired objectives. For decades, professionals in the product innovation universe have seen tons of value destroyed for the purpose of creating new value.

This is normal in most industries, yet the tech revolution has had an important impact in innovation in general for a variety of reasons. One of them being its ability to innovate with the consumer, in real time through the use of methods and concepts like Minimum Viable Products, open innovation and soft-launches.

Leading food and beverage companies have the opportunity to implement these concepts as well. Part of the answer is mindset, part of the answer is access to technology.

The reason why Aseppak continues to develop resources that will allow companies to prove concepts and validate product hypothesis at different levels: formula optimization, scalability, functionality, safety, flavor and health amongst the most important ones.

Some of these resources include bench top validation, aseptic testing, proof of formula scalability, packaging format exploration and rapid consumer and retailer feedback. There is a true sweet spot to be found in terms of the optimization of innovation projects that allows for more products to be successfully launched in less time.

Source: Aseppak

Known initially for their 11.1% alcohol wine-based party punch, BeatBox Beverages, the brand was launched into the spotlight after successfully gaining a $1 million investment from Mark Cuban on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2014. “I invested in BeatBox because at heart I’m a 25-year-old, and I saw that this was going to be a party phenomenon,” Cuban recounted on a 2017 episode of Beyond the Tank, a reality series that follows up on entrepreneurs who pitched products to the panel of investors on Shark Tank.

Since their primetime success, the BeatBox brand has been enjoying steady growth supported largely by their enthusiastic consumer fanbase. “At the core of all our marketing is a special relationship with our fans,” said Brad Schultz, co-founder and CXO at Future Proof. “We are launching this campaign as an opportunity for consumers, who already do so much to amplify our brands, to own a part of Future Proof,” added Schultz. Those interested can gain equity in Future Proof’s portfolio of brands through a minimum investment of $100.

As of August 2020, the BeatBox brand alone generated over $6 million on a trailing 12-month basis, and has doubled sales in each of the last 2 years. According to Nielsen, BeatBox is the fastest growing and fastest-selling single-serve wine product in all US convenience stores.  “Just a year ago, BeatBox was found in fewer than 100 chain locations. Now, we have 12,000+ accounts purchasing from over 150+ wholesale partners,” said co-founder and CEO Justin Fenchel. “Despite that rapid growth, we are still sold in just 3.5% of the total available accounts in the US! So there is a ton of room to grow, ” Fenchel added.

Because of the disruptive nature of BeatBox and the excitement from wholesaler partners, the company repositioned in late 2019 as Future Proof Brands. Since then, they’ve launched two new product lines, Brizzy Seltzer Cocktail and Cørkless, a sparkling canned wine. “In recent years, hard seltzer and single-serve wine have been a massive part of the growth of the alcohol beverage industry,” said Aimy Steadman, co-founder, and COO at Future Proof. “With our experienced team and world-class distribution partners, we can launch innovative products to compete in these exciting and fast-growing categories.”

Future Proof has set a goal of raising $1,069,999 and has already surpassed the halfway point just days into the campaign.

Source: Future Proof

“We appreciate the recognition and trust from these prestigious leading global institutional investors. This is an important milestone to reinforce the momentum in our business as we continue to capitalize on the global health and wellness trends and disrupt the energy beverage category. The injection of funds will allow us to eliminate our outstanding bonds incurred in connection with our October 2019 acquisition of Func Food Group Oyj, which bonds are due in October 2020 and provide working capital enabling Celsius to maximize the significant growth opportunities in both domestic and global markets,” commented John Fieldly, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Fieldly continued, “Maximizing shareholder value is the paramount goal of our management and board of directors. We have established Celsius as a significant player in the functional energy drink category, facilitated by our increases in market share, outsized growth across multiple channels compared to our peers and a market capitalization that enables larger, industry-focused institutions to justify both the due diligence and capital allocation to invest in Celsius.  We believe Celsius has just begun recognizing the opportunity in front of us on a global scale and justifies further investment initiatives which continue to accelerate our growth, maximizing value creation for our shareholders.”

In the placement transaction, the Company will sell 1,437,909 shares of common stock at a price of $15.30 per share. In addition, various affiliates of Celsius, including six directors and CD Financial, LLC an entity owned by Carl DeSantis, the Company’s largest shareholder, will sell an aggregate of 1,307,189 shares of common stock at $15.30 per share.  The CD Financial LLC sale represents approximately 3% of the holdings of Mr. DeSantis.  The aforementioned affiliate sales will represent a minority divestiture from our long-term strategic investment partners to facilitate the investment.  The investment transaction will be effected pursuant to an exemption from registration afforded by Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933.

In addition to the announcement of the transaction,1 Celsius announced the expansion into the largest chain of company-owned and operated gasoline and convenience stores in the United States, Speedway.   The initial rollout will include two SKU’s across 2,700 stores starting in the beginning of the fourth quarter 2020.  The Company anticipates a material ACV increase to over 15% once the rollout to stores commences. Over 90% of participating Speedway stores will be serviced by DSD (direct store delivery) distribution partners.

“Horizon Ventures and affiliated partners seek to invest in companies with exceptional management teams which are positioned to disrupt categories and Celsius has already established the Company as a leader in the rapidly emerging functional energy beverage category. Consumers are striving for healthier drink options which is a common trend on a global scale, and we are confident that Celsius is well positioned as an energy drink that not only tastes good but is a true differentiator in the category, a unique and attractive offering which any consumer around the world can relate and benefit from. Stay energized and stay healthy,” said Tony Lau of Horizons Ventures & Co-Chairman of Celsius Holdings.

“We have always believed that Celsius was a winner with the potential to become a global brand. We are thrilled to welcome our new investors and together along with our existing management team, we will continue our growth and maximize our potential. These two prestigious funds looking to invest in Celsius only reinforces our belief that this brand is ready for continued growth and expansion,” said William H. Milmoe, President of CDS Holdings & Co-Chair of Celsius Holdings.

Source: Celsius Holdings, Inc.

A healthy alternative to alcohol meant to be enjoyed in all social situations, Cann balances 2MG of THC and 4MG of CBD for a joyous natural experience. Low-dose, low-calorie, and delicious, Cann offers a light, energetic social buzz, without the hangover. As a tonic, Cann is quicker to take effect than traditional edible cannabis products and provides a feeling of vigor and well-being in about 10 minutes. Unlike most cannabis beverages which typically have 5x more THC per serving, Cann provides an approachable dose that gives consumers control over their experience.

“With sophisticated flavor profiles, premium all-natural ingredients, and micro-dose of THC, Cann is uniquely designed to be approachable even for someone who has never previously considered cannabis as a part of their social lives — and appealing to that consumer is what it takes for a product to break the ‘stoner’ stigma and cross over into the mainstream,” said Cann’s Co-founder, Luke Anderson.

Having secured leading partners across retail, technology and cannabis, Cann will use the funding to support rapid growth into new legal state markets, enabling the brand to capitalize further on its first-to-market innovative drinks, as well as expand its production capacity, broadening and accelerating product development.

“It’s rare – and a real honor – to find the support of two well-respected brand platforms, lifestyle investors, as well as the backing of the industry’s leading investment firms,” continued Jake Bullock, Cann’s Co-founder. “Counting industry experts and consumer specialists among our ranks proves that this isn’t your typical cannabis company. It’s a vote of confidence that Cann will change the way people socialize.”

Change in Consumer Tastes

With consumers’ fundamental viewpoint on alcohol consumption shifting towards disinterest, Imaginary and other industry visionaries are setting their sights on a bold new world of socialization, single-handedly changing the perception of being high.

“We have been tracking the new generation of consumers who are searching for and embracing new forms of responsible social drinking which do not involve alcohol,” said Natalie Massenet, Co-founder of Imaginary. “Cann, with its formulation that has the potency of a light beer without the alcohol or calories, addresses this growing trend in a brilliantly formulated series of beverages. Being obsessed with backing the best new disruptive consumer product companies, Imaginary also loves the fantastic branding and positioning of Cann.”

Nick Brown, Co-founder of Imaginary continues, “Our team truly views Cann as the future of social drinking, and we’re excited to work alongside Cann given they are best positioned to capitalize on this new generation of socializing.”

“Cann is unique in that its flavor profiles, ingredient purity and smokeless format sets the brand apart not only within the cannabis space, but also the beverage industry as a whole,” said Gregory Thomaier, Founding Partner of JM10. “We feel beverages like Cann provide the perfect product for the cannabis-curious.”

Source: Cann

At the incredible 2019 event, your FREE ticket will give you exclusive access to all of the hottest new drinks trends, immersing you in the ultimate marketplace for business growth, and equipping you with all the tools you need to maximize your revenue.

Designed to inspire ambitious industry professionals with an appetite for innovation, the show’s unparalleled lineup is sure to equip you with all the latest advancements you need to build your brand, boost your profits and attract hordes of new customers.

All under one roof, you’ll be able to try, touch and test all the latest products, solutions and systems from across the globe that are driving revenue growth, and hear industry experts from the biggest brands on the planet divulge their very own secrets to success, enabling you to return to your business armed with ambition and brimming with ideas and inspiration.

Over the course of two unmissable days, you’ll be able to find over 200 suppliers of the most innovative drinks solutions available on the market, listen to over 120 expert seminars, engage in panel sessions led by inspirational industry giants, connect with many like-minded professionals, sample an extraordinary array of products to get a taste for success, and so much more.

Better still, this year’s installment runs alongside 5 other industry-leading events; collectively forming #FES19, THE biggest business growth event for the world of food and drink.

So what are you waiting for? To register for your free ticket now, visit internationaldrinkexpo.co.uk.

Source: The International Drink Expo

These adjustments are required following increase in costs to produce the affected products.

Customers should contact their Tate & Lyle account manager for further details.

Source: Tate & Lyle

This September, Chameleon Cold-Brew, the leading organic cold brew brand in the nation and one of the original purveyors of premium bottled cold brew coffee, debuts its first-ever seasonal coffee products, Pumpkin Spice Oat Milk Latte and Gingersnap Oat Milk Latte. The multi-serve lattes offer a not-too-sweet alternative to indulgent holiday drinks, combining Chameleon’s super smooth, meticulously-crafted organic cold brew coffee with organic, dairy-free oat milk.

The Pumpkin Spice features organic cold brew blended with oat milk and warm fall flavors, while the Gingersnap’s cinnamon, nutmeg and molasses notes remind consumers of the classic holiday cookie. Both blends offer a plant-based option for consumers looking for a high-quality, nostalgic seasonal drink that also showcases Chameleon’s exceptional coffee standards.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our first limited edition seasonal cold brew lattes this fall,” says Chief Product Office Matt Swenson. “These two flavors deliver Chameleon’s signature cold brew taste with a delicious holiday spin.”

Like all Chameleon Cold-Brew products, the seasonal flavors feature their sustainably grown and ethically sourced coffee. Both seasonal offerings are blended with organic and gluten-free oat milk, which is an ideal dairy-free alternative due to its smaller environmental footprint in relation to nut-based milks — a reflection of Chameleon’s commitment to long-term sustainability.

Source: Chameleon Cold-Brew

COUP is a private collection of craft champagne which celebrates the creative culture of musicians, artists and entrepreneurs. Each bottle of COUP is collected from the cellars of independent producers. They are handcrafted, hand-painted, hand-assembled and feature a custom engraved caption. No two bottles are remotely similar. 

COUP is proud to announce it will be a part of the official 2019 MTV VMAs celebrity gift bags. Presenters, artists and special guests attending the 2019 @MTV Video Music Awards will receive a one-of-a-kind personalized bottle of champagne from COUP.

COUP is a private champagne collection which celebrates creative culture. Every artist at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards will receive a custom hand-painted, hand-assembled and laser-engraved bottle with a personalized statement to honor their contribution to music.

“We created COUP to provoke all of us to shake off expectations so that we can more freely find and express ourselves,” said Ryan Tu, founder of COUP. “But it’s precisely these moments of expression that are the most deserving of a glass of champagne. These awards remind us to stay true to our art. We are excited to honor that creativity with the best craft champagne in the world.”

COUP Vintage is collected from the cellars of independent producers who are rich in talent, passionate in craft, with their own personal narrative. Each bottle pays tribute to this individuality and no two bottles are remotely similar.

To elevate the experience, COUP Saber combines the same artisanal quality of craft champagne with the thrill of sabering. The patented bottles can only be opened with the included saber. For the first time ever, people can capture their most memorable moments by safely sabering a bottle of COUP champagne anytime, anywhere.

Comedian, actor and best-selling author Sebastian Maniscalco will host the 2019 VMAs live from Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on Monday, August 26, 2019. The show will air across MTV’s global network of channels in more than 180 countries and territories, reaching more than half a billion households around the world.

Source: COUP

Wabel Takes On Emerging Brands

Wabel, the leading Private Label sourcing company in Europe, is delving into the world of brands – and in a big way. The young but fast-growing French company is on the lookout for innovative, breakthrough brands in the beverage industry that are looking to access the French and neighboring European markets. First stop, the prestigious Carrousel du Louvre on June 27^th and 28^th, where Wabel will be hosting their inaugural UP DRINKS, an exclusive B2B matchmaking event open to qualifying drink brands and 500+ on and off premise buyers.

Trade Show 2.0

UP DRINKS is not your typical trade event. Wabel utilizes their matchmaking expertise to organize and tailor 30-minute smart meetings between participating suppliers and buyers. Participation is subject to approval by a selection committee to ensure that all brands and buyers uphold the communicated values and trends, including but not limited to: Functionality, Sustainability, Healthfulness, Extreme Craft, Novelty and LoNo.

Exclusive & Targeted

UP DRINKS is open to all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage categories with the exception of wine.

Are you an emerging unique beverage brand trying to find the right distribution partners in France, Germany, Benelux UK, Central and Eastern Europe? Do you wish to connect with specialized and premium European retail chains? Want to be in the next big Parisian concept store or referenced on the trendiest international e-commerce sites? Tell the Wabel team what makes your brand Upworthy at WABEL!

ADDRESS:
99 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
WEBSITE:
https://upbywabel.com/drinks/
E-MAIL:
drinks@wabel.com