Black Momma Beverage Industry

Coca-Cola's quarterly report highlights increase in concentrate sales

Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co. reported first quarter 2021 results and provided an update on progress against its strategic initiatives. “We remain focused on emerging stronger and executing against our growth accelerators during the recovery phase. We are pleased with the progress we are making,” said James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Co., in a statement. 

Dr Pepper launches Dr Pepper Zero Sugar

Dr Pepper, a brand of Keurig Dr Pepper, Plano, Texas, announced the launch of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar, which celebrates the blend of its signature 23 flavors in a zero sugar soda. The new variety now is available nationwide in Original, Cherry and Cream Soda flavors.

SLIQ Spirited Ice partners with TerraCycle

SLIQ Spirited Ice, a premium hard freezer pop launched by 21 Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of The Jel Sert Co., has partnered with TerraCycle, to make its packaging nationally recyclable in the United States. 

Manzanita Sol debuts in New York City, partners with local food trucks

Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo is celebrating the launch of its newest refreshment beverage: Manzanita Sol, a crisp apple soda. Reminiscent of the flavors of Latin America and the Caribbean, the carbonated soft drink features a lightly sweetened taste, the company says.

Yuengling Lager debuts camouflage cans

D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. announced the rollout of its limited-edition camouflage cans in partnership with military veteran nonprofit Team Red White & Blue (Team RWB) as part of its Stars & Stripes program.

Coca-Cola, Jel Sert partner for POWERADE Sports Freezer Bars

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, and the Jel Sert Co., West Chicago, Ill., announced the national rollout of POWERADE Sports Freezer Bars, offering everyday athletes a new way to enjoy POWERADE. Available in stores nationwide, POWERADE Sports Freezer Bars feature the brand's most popular flavors: Mountain Berry Blast and Fruit Punch.

Fishers Island Lemonade releases canned cocktails, frozen pops

Fishers Island Lemonade, New York, launched four new offerings: Spiked Tea, Pink Flamingo, Fizz and Spirit Pops. This introduction marks the first-ever line extension released since the original brand was launch by Bronya Shillo in 2014. 

Limited-time release from Baileys delivers vacation vibes

Baileys, a brand of Diageo North America, New York, is gearing up to deliver a new addition to your next staycation with the launch of Baileys Colada, a new, limited-time offering. 

Nestlé Waters North America becomes BlueTriton Brands

The company formerly known as Nestlé Waters North America announced that it has begun operating under a new corporate name: BlueTriton Brands. This announcement follows the completion of its acquisition by One Rock Capital Partners LLC, in partnership with Metropoulos & Co., from Nestlé S.A., on March 31.

E. & J. Gallo Winery acquires Agave Loco LLC

E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo), Modesto, Calif., announced that its spirits division has signed an agreement to acquire Agave Loco LLC, the owner of RumChata, a leading cream liqueur brand.

Sparkling Ice, Gabby Douglas team up for Cheers to Heroes campaign

Seattle-based Talking Rain Beverage Co., the maker of Sparkling Ice beverages, announced the second annual Cheers to Heroes campaign to honor and celebrate America’s everyday heroes. To kick off this year’s campaign, the Sparkling Ice brand is teaming up with one of America’s favorite hometown heroes: three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas.

SodaStream partners with PangeaSeed Foundation to celebrate Earth Month

SodaStream, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, is on a mission to reduce single-use plastic waste. To kick off Earth Month, SodaStream is partnering with PangeaSeed Foundation, an ocean conservation nonprofit, to create three limited-edition SodaStream “Art for Action” bottles that will help consumers actively reduce their single-use plastic waste.

High Brew Coffee releases Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew

High Brew Coffee, Austin, Texas, is expanding its ready-to-drink (RTD) line and continuing to innovate in the nitrogenated (nitro) cold brew category with the launch of its Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew variety. 

S.Pellegrino Essenza adds coffee-inspired flavors

S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, a brand of Nestle Waters North America, Stamford, Conn., announced new coffee flavors will join the S.Pellegrino Essenza line. Taking cues from the ease and delight of Italian coffee bars, the latest innovation for S.Pellegrino Essenza is gently caffeinated, it says.

One Rock, Metropoulos & Co. complete acquisition of Nestlé Waters North America

One Rock Capital Partners LLC, in partnership with Metropoulos & Co., announced completion of the previously announced acquisition of Nestlé Waters North America (NWNA) from Nestlé S.A.

Consumer survey highlights eCommerce shift

U.S. grocery consumers have flocked online at a rate never seen previously because of the COVID pandemic, with time savings being the primary motivating factor rather than COVID-related safety concerns.

evian expands portfolio, enters new product category

evian, a brand of Danone North American, White Plains, N.Y., unveiled evian+, an innovative new product range outside of its premium still waters that also is packaged in a new way. evian+ Feed Your Mind features a range of flavored sparkling mineral enhanced drinks, packaged in recyclable aluminum cans ― a first for the brand. 

Ballast Point to expand California presence with new brew pub

Kings & Convicts Brewing Co., the San Diego-headquartered owner of Ballast Point, announced it is moving forward with a retail expansion of the 25-year-old craft brewery into Northern California. Ballast Point San Francisco is expected to open by the end of the year and will join the craft brewery's five Southern California locations in San Diego, Anaheim and Long Beach.

Dunkin’ launches Girl Scout Cookie inspired RTD iced coffees

Through a collaboration with Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co., Dunkin' is launching ready-to-drink bottled Iced Coffee in Girl Scout Cookie inspired flavors, keeping fans refreshed and running with their favorite cookie flavors. This is the first time the iconic Thin Mints, Coconut Caramel and S'mores flavors will be available in bottles of iced coffee.

LIFEWTR expands portfolio with Immune Support

LIFEWTR, a brand of PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., debuts LIFEWTR Immune Support, a new water beverage with 10 percent of the recommended daily value of zinc, aiding normal immune function. The launch marks the first product extension for the bottled water brand since its inception in 2017.

Nina Dobrev, Julianne Hough unveil Fresh Vine Wine

Best friends and entrepreneurs Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough introduced their company: Fresh Vine Wine, an exclusive collection of premium low-carb, low-calorie, gluten-free, and keto- and vegan-friendly wines available nationwide.

Infinium Spirits announces relocation to San Diego

Infinium Spirits officially announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters to San Diego, right in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, at 5th and Market. 

Diageo North America expands operations to support RTD category

To support New York-based Diageo North America’s growth strategy in the ready-to-drink (RTD) category, the company announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint and install two can lines at a new facility in Plainfield, Ill. With an investment of approximately $80 million, the site will have the capacity to produce more than 25 million cases of RTDs a year, including Smirnoff seltzers and the newly launched spirits-based RTD cocktails from Crown Royal and Ketel One Botanicals.

Pepsi announces rollout of Pepsi Mango

Pepsi, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, announced the nationwide rollout of Pepsi Mango, the brand's first new permanent flavored cola in five years. The new variety combines bright citrus and rich caramel notes, according to the company.

MTN DEW, LeBron James partner for new energy drink

In partnership with NBA icon, businessman and philanthropist LeBron James, MTN DEW announced the launch of RISE ENERGY,  an energy drink specifically formulated with ingredients to kick off the morning with a mental boost, immune support, and zero grams of added sugar, the company says.

Spindrift announces new hard sparkling water

Newton, Mass.-based Spindrift sparkling water introduces Spindrift Spiked, a lightly carbonated hard sparkling water made with only real ingredients, no synthetic natural flavors, sweeteners or additives, it says.

Califia Farms announces passing of founder, Greg Steltenpohl

Califia Farms, Los Angeles, announced the passing of its founder and executive director, Greg Steltenpohl. “It is with a heavy heart we share the news of the passing of our company’s founder, Greg Steltenpohl. He built the Califia Farms brand from the ground up with a passion for nourishing people and the planet. Greg touched so many lives on his plant-fueled journey to make the world a healthier place. He will be profoundly missed. We tip our hats to our visionary founder,” the statement said.

Hydrant announces Josh Allen as brand ambassador, investor

New York-based Hydrant announced that pro quarterback Josh Allen has been named the brand’s first ambassador.

Yuengling, DraftKings announce new collaboration

D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., Pottsville, Pa., announced a collaboration with DraftKings, a digital sports entertainment and gaming company known for its industry-leading daily fantasy sports and mobile sports betting products. The agreement marks the brewery's first-ever fantasy sports collaboration and merges the love of sports and beer through year-round events, contests and great prizes.

GoodSport turns to milk to deliver effective hydration

Chicago-based GoodSport Nutrition is launching GoodSport, a natural sports drink made from milk.