Black Momma Beverage Industry

Golden Grail acquires Trevi Essence Water

Golden Grail Technology, Weston, Fla., announces its acquisition of Trevi Essence Water. Trevi Essence Water was sold in high-end supermarkets and grocery chains such as Food City, Publix and Wayfield. Golden Grail entered into an agreement with Barebrick Beverage Co., Inc. to acquire Trevi Water Brand Assets and Intellectual Property, i.e., formulas, distributor lists, trademarks, etc.

G.O.A.T. Fuel taps Trey Lance as 1st NFL ambassador

Dallas-based G.O.A.T. Fuel, the health-forward energy drink from Pro Football Hall of Famer and renowned NFL G.O.A.T. Jerry Rice, announced its partnership with San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Trey Lance — the brand’s first NFL ambassador. 

Sugarlands Distilling, O.A.R. collaborate for band’s 25th anniversary

Sugarlands Distilling Co., Gatlinburg, Tenn., 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.  

bubly releases holiday flavor merry berry bublé

Just in time for the season of giving, and in celebration of the 10-year anniversary of his iconic, chart-topping holiday album “Christmas” as well as new holiday music videos for hits “Let It Snow” and “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas,” bubly is giving a very special gift to singer Michael Bublé: his very own, limited-edition holiday flavor: merry berry bublé.

Functional beverages see demand increase throughout pandemic
In the beverage market, functionality has become the figurative propulsion system driving new product development. Product claims such as hydration, immune support and digestive health are just some of the functions influencing new beverages.

Q Mixers adds Tropical Ginger Beer to lineup

Q Mixers, Brooklyn, N.Y., announced the launch of its newest innovation: Tropical Ginger Beer. After a year of measurable growth and strong retail performance from its classic Ginger Beer and Hibiscus Ginger Beer variation, the carbonated mixer brand is fueling its innovation pipeline with this tropical twist on the classic flavor, it notes.

Old Tennessee Distilling releases limited-edition bourbon

Old Tennessee Distilling Co., Kodak, Tenn., has released Sid’s Select, a limited-edition, Premium Tennessee Butcher’s Bourbon as the culmination of a seven-year dream. 

Small Brewery Sunday returns for 3rd year

Small Brewery Sunday, the national beer holiday created by the Boulder, Colo.-based Brewers Association (BA), returns for its third year on Nov. 28. The annual celebration encourages beer lovers to support their local breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms — small businesses that contribute to local communities and economies during the holiday season and beyond.

DRY launches non-alcohol Botanical Bubbly Reserve

DRY Soda Co., Seattle, announced the debut of a new sophisticated sparkling beverage: Botanical Bubbly Reserve. 

Stone Distributing adds Ashland Hard Seltzer, El Segundo Brewing

Stone Distributing Co. (SDC), Escondido, Calif., announced the addition of Ashland Hard Seltzer and El Segundo Brewing Co. to its Southern California portfolio of craft beers. The two new partners began distribution from Stone effective Nov. 8.

Nearly half of Americans enjoy holiday advertising

Almost half (47%) of American consumers say they enjoy holiday food advertising, with one-third (33%) saying it puts them in the right mood for the season, according to a new holiday-focused consumer sentiment survey from New York-based NCSolutions (NCS), a leading company for improving advertising effectiveness for the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.

Budweiser Zero, Uber partner for Thanksgiving Eve promotion

On Nov. 24, Budweiser Zero is hosting “Zero Hour” at participating bars across the United States, giving consumers the option to try a complimentary Budweiser Zero from midnight to 1 a.m. local time. 

Puerto de Indias wins Gold Medal at SFWSC

Puerto de Indias, a brand of Miami-based H.I.G. Capital, is adding to its growing stable of awards for its signature Strawberry Gin by claiming a coveted Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

KISS enters the US spirits category with launch of premium liquors

Legendary rock band KISS debuted its award-winning spirits portfolio: Drink It Up by KISS, in the United States. Drink It Up by KISS is a collaboration between the legendary band, their licensing agent, Epic Rights, Santa Monica, Calif. and the Sweden-based spirits producer Brands for Fans. 

Drizly teams with 7-Eleven to offer on-demand alcohol delivery

Drizly, Boston, announced its collaboration with 7-Eleven, Irving, Texas, to deliver alcohol to adults of legal drinking age in under 60 minutes from more than 1,200 7-Eleven stores. Following a successful pilot program with 190 stores, more than 1,200 7-Eleven stores across Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Washington state now offer delivery through Drizly. 

Bell’s Brewery, New Belgium Brewing join forces

Bell’s Brewery founder, Larry Bell announced that he has reached an agreement with Lion, an Australian-based brewer, for the sale of Bell’s. Lion acquired Colorado’s New Belgium Brewing in 2019. The move will see the Michigan-based craft brewer come together with New Belgium ― aligning the two American craft brewers.  

Coca-Cola launches Christmas campaign under Real Magic platform

Coca-Cola, a brand of Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co., launched Real Magic at Christmas, a seasonal campaign that spotlights and celebrates the magic of community and togetherness. The multi-faceted campaign carries at its heart a simple message of festive joy and inclusion, reminding us that Real Magic is in the moments of connection we share with others.

Arby’s teams with Celebrity Chef Justin Sutherland to unveil Arby’s Vodka

Inspired by the brand’s iconic Curly Fries as well as its newer Crinkle Fries, Arby’s is entering the world of spirits by offering two delicious and distinctive flavors of potato-based vodka for its 21-and-older consumers, the company says.

Kill Cliff Octane introduces Killer Cliffsicle CBD + Caffeine

Atlanta-based Kill Cliff introduced its latest creation: Kill Cliff Octane. The first Octane beverage to be released is the Killer Cliffsicle, an orange vanilla flavored limited-edition energy drink that contains CBD, the company says.

Public Goods launches first wine collection

New York-based Public Goods announced the launch of a completely new category and its first collection of alcohol offerings. 

ReserveBar to acquire Minibar Delivery

ReserveBar, Ridgefield, Conn., has agreed to acquire New York-based Minibar Delivery, a leading marketplace featuring on-demand delivery of wine, spirits, beer, ready-to-drink cocktails, mixers and more. Minibar Delivery facilitates these deliveries by partnering with more than 2,800 retail partner locations nationwide, including independent liquor stores and iconic national brands such as 7-Eleven. The acquisition accelerates ReserveBar's expansion of its retailer fulfillment network and planned introduction of on-demand delivery capabilities. 

G.O.A.T. Fuel named ‘Official Energy Drink’ of Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers named El Segundo, Calif.-based G.O.A.T. Fuel as the official energy drink of the team. G.O.A.T. Fuel is a health-focused energy drink, founded by NFL Hall of Famer and noted G.O.A.T. Jerry Rice, his daughter Jaqui Rice Gold and Trevion Gold. 

Doja Cat, LIFEWTR collaborate for digital, in-person activations

Premium bottled water brand LIFEWTR and global superstar Doja Cat are joining forces to help super fans across the country take a quantum leap into the world of “Planet Her.” 

Galaxy Wine expands operations into Washington

New York-based Wilson Daniels Wholesale announced that Galaxy Wine Co., Portland, Ore., is expanding its wholesale operations into the state of Washington, effective Jan. 1, 2022. 

Swiss Miss ‘Ugly’ Sweater designed to keep cocoa hot

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa, a brand of Chicago-based Conagra Brands Inc., announced its limited-edition ultimate “ugly” sweater. The festive sweater is designed with an insulated pocket and zipper to keep a thermos of Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa warm and toasty all night long, the company says.

MTN DEW teams up with Country duo LOCASH for Woods or Water Campaign

MTN DEW, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, teamed up with Country Music duo LOCASH to reward fans for getting out in the great outdoors this fall with the DEW Outdoors Woods Or Water Getaway. 

Coca-Cola acquires remaining stake in BODYARMOR

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, announced that it has acquired full ownership of BODYARMOR, a line of sports performance and hydration beverages that is incremental to the Coca-Cola beverage portfolio and has significant potential for long-term growth. In 2018, Coca-Cola initially acquired a 15% stake in BODYARMOR with a path to full ownership, based on a pre-determined discount. Coca-Cola is paying $5.6 billion in cash for the remaining 85% of the company.

Matthew McConaughey, Wild Turkey team up to honor local music scenes

Matthew McConaughey and Wild Turkey, a brand of New York-based Campari America, have teamed up to recognize individuals who kept their local music scenes alive with a series of $10,000 donations to community-based music initiatives of their choice. 

Jones Soda expands footprint with Meijer agreement

Seattle-based Jones Soda Co. announced a key expansion of its retail footprint with the addition of 210 Meijer stores in six Midwest states. The agreement adds a new marquee regional retailer to Jones Soda’s portfolio, it says.

Sparkling Ice celebrates holiday season with Cheers to Giving Program

This holiday season, with the launch of two seasonal flavors, Preston, Wash.-based Talking Rain Beverage Co., the maker of Sparkling Ice, is spreading holiday cheer through its new initiative: Cheers to Giving.