Black Momma Beverage Industry

VOSS Water unveil VOSS+ line on National Hydration Day

New York-based VOSS Water is set to officially launch its new VOSS+ line on June 23 at select retailers nationwide to coincide with National Hydration Day. The new line will feature three enhanced waters designed to help consumers elevate and enhance their everyday life through unique hydration experiences, the company says.

Ballast Point celebrates 25th anniversary with mix pack

To celebrate a quarter century of brewing, Ballast Point Brewing Co., a division of San Diego-based Kings & Convicts Brewing Co., is releasing a new, limited-release 25th Anniversary Mix Pack. 

MTN DEW GAME FUEL collaborates with Jack ‘CouRage’ Dunlop

MTN DEW GAME FUEL, the brand developed by and designed for gamers, announced the launch of a new flavor created in partnership with video game streaming personality Jack "CouRage" Dunlop. The brand's new collaboration with the popular streamer coincides with the launch of a limited-edition flavor that's perfect for summer: MTN DEW GAME FUEL CouRageous Sherbet, it says.

Constellation Brands invests in Dos Hombres mezcal

Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y., has acquired a minority stake in Dos Hombres, an artisanal and handcrafted mezcal brand created by “Breaking Bad” co-stars Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston. The investment was made through Constellation’s venture capital group, and Dos Hombres remains independently owned and will continue to manage, market and produce its award-winning mezcals. 

Uncle Matt’s Organic unveils Ultimate Shots line

Uncle Matt's Organic, Clermont, Fla., launched its Ultimate Shots line and the entrance into this new category. Crafted with a multitude of functional ingredients and powerful probiotics, Uncle Matt's Organic Ultimate Shots aim to aid specific functions such as immune support, digestion and energy.

IRI unveils 2020 New Product Pacesetters

Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI) announced the release of its 2020 New Product Pacesetters, the 26th annual report revealing the top new product launches across food and beverage and non-food sectors.

NV Group establishes USA venture

NV Group, one of India’s largest and most successful distillers and brewers, announced the establishment of NV Group USA and the appointment of Mike Ginley as president of the new venture. 

Lipton Iced Tea celebrates start of summer on National Iced Tea Day

This summer, Lipton Iced Tea, through the Pepsi Lipton Partnership at PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., is helping Americans take a moment to stop chugging and start sipping with the launch of Lipton Sunshine Pools. 

Constellation invests in Sapere Aude Sparkling Wine

Through Constellation Brands Ventures’ Focus on Minority Founders initiative and commitment to invest $100 million in African American/Black, Latinx and minority-owned businesses by 2030, Constellation, Victor, N.Y., announced that it has acquired a minority stake in Sapere Aude Sparkling Wine.

MTN DEW Baja Blast returns with new varieties

This summer, MTN DEW, a brand of PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., answers pleas from consumers everywhere with a surge of tropical Baja tastes, including two new flavors and a chance at daily rewards and a grand prize giveaway, keeping the party going, all summer long.

SodaStream, Laverne Cox partner in support of Pride month

SodaStream, a brand of PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., released its 2021 campaign in support of Pride month. The brand has teamed up with Emmy-nominated actress and prominent trans advocate Laverne Cox in a animated film entitled, “Rainbow Story.”

Online tea company delivers ethically sourced African tea blends

Cured Leaves Tea Co., Baltimore, launched its online tea company to offer top-quality loose-leaf teas carefully cultivated and ethically sourced from the heart of Africa and mindfully blended for the ultimate tea drinking experience, it says.

STILLHOUSE launches Unbreakable Summer Challenge

STILLHOUSE, known for its stainless-steel packaging and award-winning portfolio of American-made spirits, is officially launching its Unbreakable Summer Challenge. The sweepstakes is aimed at fostering an unbreakable spirit, and encouraging adventurers to take STILLHOUSE where glass can't follow all summer long.

Anheuser-Busch campaign encourages Americans to get vaccinated

Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, announced a national campaign with the White House to help meet President Biden's goal of encouraging as many Americans as possible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by July 4. With many parts of the country in a pivotal transition phase, the brewer is doubling down on its pledge to use its unique capabilities and deep connection to consumers to lead a strong and safe recovery by encouraging consumers to get their vaccines with its biggest beer giveaway in history.

Miller Lite, New Balance partner for Father’s Day celebration

To celebrate Father's Day, Miller Lite, the Father of Light Beer, and New Balance, the maker of the "Dad Shoe," are launching the Shoezie: a shoe for your beer.

Fairtrade America partners with 6 certified brands to encourage consumers

Fairtrade America, Washington, D.C., announced it has partnered with six Fairtrade certified brands to encourage shoppers to make purchases with people and the planet in mind.

Whole Foods Market releases plant-based trend predictions

Whole Foods Market, Austin, Texas, revealed its first-ever plant-based trend predictions, with nut-based cheese alternatives, banana blossoms and creamy cashew dips topping the list. Looking ahead to summer and beyond, the grocer’s Trends Council pooled members’ industry knowledge, product-sourcing expertise and hands-on work with emerging and existing plant-forward brands to inform the predictions.

Reed’s Extra Ginger Beer now in aluminum cans

Reed’s Inc., Norwalk, Conn., announced the launch of its flagship Extra Ginger Beer in 12-ounce cans led by the expansion into more than 1,600 Walmart Mixer Sets, marking a secondary shelf placement for Reed’s.

Essentia Water expands packaging range

Essentia Water added a six-pack of 500-ml bottles to its premium water lineup in direct response to increased consumer demand for multipack options during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Fable launches to deliver zero-alcohol premium botanical cannabis cocktails

Denver-based BKKB Ventures LLC announced the launch of Fable, a line of four cannabis-infused botanical beverages.

CERIA Brewing doubles distribution network in past 12 months

CERIA Brewing Co., Arvada, Colo., reports its distribution network has doubled in the past 12 months. The two CERIA styles ― Grainwave Belgian White and Indiewave IPA non-alcohol craft beers ― created by Colorado brewmaster Keith Villa, are currently carried by 40 distributors in 18 states and U.S. territories, including recent distributor relationships in Texas and Puerto Rico.

 

BACARDÍ Real Rum Canned Cocktails expand range with new flavors

Following on the successful launch of BACARDÍ Real Rum Canned Cocktails last year, BACARDÍ Rum, a brand of Bacardi Ltd., Hamilton, Bermuda, is expanding its range of canned cocktails with three new flavors and a variety pack. The new flavors are BACARDÍ Bahama Mama, BACARDÍ Mojito and BACARDÍ Sunset Punch (Sunset Punch exclusively is available as part of the new variety pack).

Molson Coors unveils Proof Point Spirited Seltzers in time for summer sipping

Proof Point Spirited Seltzers, a brand of Molson Coors Beverage Co., Chicago, released a new line of hard seltzers made with real spirits and a splash of real juice. Available in 27 states, the new ready-to-drink (RTD) seltzers were developed for hard seltzer drinkers who prefer a top-shelf, authentic experience that is just as real as they are, the company says.

Trinchero Family Estates adds to fine wine portfolio with Ceretto

Trinchero Family Estates (TFE), St. Helena, Calif., announced that Ceretto is partnering with TFE as the portfolio's sales and marketing partner in the United States effective immediately. The partnership will allow Ceretto to continue to grow in the United States with the support and resources of TFE.

Southern Glazer’s to distribute Kendall Jenner’s 818 tequila brand

Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, Miami and Dallas, has signed a national alignment agreement with 818, the award-winning, hand-crafted tequila brand founded by Kendall Jenner. Produced in Jalisco, Mexico, the brand has created as much marketplace buzz for its 16 blind tasting awards as it has from its famous owner.

Data shows bottled water remains in high demand among consumers

Bottled water reaffirmed its position as America’s top packaged drink in 2020, outselling all other packaged beverages (by volume) for a fifth year in a row, according to new data from Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC), New York. 

Constellation acquires minority stake in La Fête du Rosé

Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y., has acquired a minority stake in the fast-rising rosé label, La Fête du Rosé ― a brand created to cater to diverse drinkers who share common interests across travel, food, experiences and wine. The investment was made through Constellation’s venture capital group and represents the first company to receive investment dollars as part of Constellation’s Focus on Minority Founders initiative, which plans to invest $100 million in Black, Latinx, and minority-owned businesses by 2030, it says.

Nuun to be acquired by Nestlé Health Science

TSG Consumer Partners, a leading private equity firm, announced that its partner company, Nuun, a hydration supplement brand, has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Nestlé Health Science. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Technomic study reveals COVID-19 impact on beverage category

Chicago-based Technomic has released the beverage category sizing report exploring how COVID-19 impacted foodservice beverages. This report is a deliverable of the Away-From-Home Beverage Navigator program, which offers a comprehensive assessment of both hot and cold beverage categories, including market sizing, historical tracking, predicted growth, consumer insights, operator responses, major trends and market dynamics.

VIVE Fruit Punch Hard Seltzer Variety Pack enters Texas market

VIVE, a brand of Braxton Brewing Co., Covington, Ky., announced its launch into H-E-B markets as well as its Fruit Punch Hard Seltzer Variety Pack hitting Texas store shelves.