Black Momma Beverage Industry

Dr Pepper adds Strawberries & Cream to lineup

Dr Pepper, a brand of Keurig Dr Pepper, Burlington, Mass., Frisco, Texas, and Austin, Texas, debuted the newest flavor innovation to become part of the brand’s permanent portfolio as Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream hits shelves nationwide this month.

Milo’s Tea invests in manufacturing plant in South Carolina

Milo’s Tea Co., Bessemer, Ala., announced it will invest more than $130 million initially to build a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Spartanburg County, S.C. In the beginning, this new facility will bring more than 100 jobs to the area. Milo’s expects to break ground by mid-March 2023 and start production of its famous tea and lemonade in fall 2024.

Drizly, Gopuff join forces for on-demand alcohol delivery

Boston-based Drizly, an Uber company, and Gopuff, Philadelphia, announced a partnership to provide immediate, on-demand delivery of drinks to adults of legal drinking age. This new collaboration brings the full Gopuff Liquor & More assortment of beer, wine and spirits to Drizly’s beverage alcohol eCommerce shop, while also expanding the number of BevMo! and Liquor Barn stores on the platform.

Molson Coors, DraftKings unveil ‘High Stakes’ ad for Super Bowl LVII

Chicago-based Molson Coors Beverage Co. unveiled a Coors Light and Miller Lite “big game” commercial with real money on the line. Through Molson Coors’ agreement with DraftKings, fans have a free chance to win big money by predicting every detail of what will happen during the beer giants’ commercial — the first Super Bowl ad in more than 30 years, the company notes.

Take a ‘Bae-Cation’ with Parrot Bay Rum

From now through Feb. 28, Louisville, Ky.-based Parrot Bay Rum is offering fans the chance to win a trip for two, or a “bae-cation.” Three winners, along with their baes, will win a tropical-inspired vacation, valued at $5,000.

Speakeasy Co. raises $6.8 million led by InvestBev

Speakeasy Co., San Diego, an eCommerce platform for alcohol brands, has received funding for its third seed round, with $6.8 million raised. The funding was led by InvestBev, an investment firm in the industry, with a portfolio including Siempre Tequila and Fyllo.

BODYARMOR Sports Drink kicks off Operation Homefront partnership

BODYARMOR Sports Drink, a brand of The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, announced both an official partnership and $500,000 commitment to Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable and secure military families. BODYARMOR also launched a Cherry Lime flavor, with a military camouflage celebratory bottle in honor of those who serve and protect our country.

Browne Family Vineyards launches Browne Forest Project Initiative

Premium Washington wine brand Browne Family Vineyards, Seattle, has partnered with environmental nonprofit One Tree Planted to create the Browne Forest Project. For each bottle of Browne Forest Project wine sold, a tree is proudly planted to help restore forests in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Wine Warehouse to join Breakthru Beverage Group

Breakthru Beverage Group, New York, announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire California-based Wine Warehouse, further expanding the company’s footprint to the largest U.S. beverage alcohol market. The transaction is expected to close this spring and is subject to usual and customary closing conditions.

Simply brand to debut Mixology assortment

Simply, a brand of Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co., will expand its portfolio with the brand’s first-of-its-kind mixology assortment: Simply Mixology. Simply Mixology will be available in three flavors ― Strawberry Guava Mojito, Lime Margarita and Peach Sour ― which were carefully selected based on consumer and industry trends.

Pepsi upgrades Pepsi Zero Sugar recipe

Pepsi, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, announced a new and improved Pepsi Zero Sugar. The company also is giving consumers the opportunity to redeem up to 10 million free Pepsi Zero Sugars starting during the NFL Playoffs through the Super Bowl. 

7-Eleven debuts Vitaminwater Zero Sugar LOOK Slurpee

7-Eleven Inc., Irving, Texas, announced the newest addition to the Slurpee drink lineup: Vitaminwater Zero Sugar LOOK Slurpee. A blend of blueberry and hibiscus flavors, this sugar-free frozen drink is available now at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores for a limited-time only.

PepsiCo debuts STARRY to lemon lime soda market

PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., announced the launch of STARRY, a lemon lime-flavored carbonated soft drink bursting with lemon lime flavor that delivers a crisp, refreshing bite, the company says. STARRY in Regular and Zero Sugar versions is available now at U.S. retailers and foodservice outlets nationwide.

Partake Brewing incorporates Hazy IPA varietal into wider portfolio

Partake Brewing, Calgary, Alberta, announced the incorporation of its Hazy IPA Varietal into the company’s wider portfolio as a result of consumer demand.

Califia Farms launches Organic Oatmilk, Almondmilk

Califia Farms, Los Angeles, expanded its line of dairy-free products with the launch of USDA certified Organic Oatmilk and Almondmilk. With just three ingredients ― purified water, sea salt, oats/almonds ― and no oils or gums, the brand designed the latest offerings to meet the needs of consumers seeking products with fewer ingredients, yet at an accessible price point, it says. 

Monster Energy launches Monster Energy Zero Sugar

Corona, Calif.-based Monster Energy Corp. announced the launch of Monster Energy Zero Sugar. With a full launch in the first quarter of 2023, consumers can enjoy the taste of the flagship original Monster Energy Green, but without sugar, the company says.

Brown-Forman completes acquisition of Diplomático Rum brand

Brown-Forman Corp., Louisville, Ky., announced that it has completed its acquisition of the Diplomático Rum brand and related assets from Destillers United Group S.L. (Spain). The company announced its agreement to purchase the brand in October 2022, giving Brown-Forman an entry into the growing super-premium-plus rum category.

Drizly, Boisson team up to add non-alcohol retailer to platform

Boisson, New York, announced its availability on beverage alcohol eCommerce shop Drizly to deliver elevated non-alcohol (NA) beverages to consumers throughout the nation, it says. Through this collaboration, consumers across the United States now can shop Boisson’s wide range of NA beverages on the Drizly app or web experience.

International Delight releases FRIENDS Manhattan Hazelnut Mocha creamer

International Delight, a brand of Danone North America, Broomfield, Colo., is transporting coffee lovers from their kitchen tables to the most iconic orange couch in sitcom history with new limited-edition FRIENDS Manhattan Hazelnut Mocha creamer, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products.

Magic Hour launches new Wanderlust Collection

Ojai, Calif.-based Magic Hour, an everyday luxury brand of organic, hand-crafted premium teas, announced the launch of its newest line: the Wanderlust Tea Collection. Artfully representing seasonal tastes and traditional herbs from around the globe, the line is aimed to take wellness seekers and foodies senses on a culinary tour of the world's most exotic locations through interpretations of regional cuisine blended with wellness botanicals, the company says.

Labatt adds fruity twist to non-alcohol beer segment

Labatt Blue Light recently introduced its fruity take on non-alcoholic beer: Labatt Blue Light Non-Alc Strawberry Acai. With 75 calories, this year-round non-alcohol beer features bright notes of strawberry and popular acai. 

ReserveBar, The Tasting Alliance introduce Top Shelf

Ridgefield, Conn.-based ReserveBar, an established eCommerce leader in luxury and ultra-premium spirits, Champagne and wine and The Tasting Alliance, San Francisco, which operates a portfolio of global spirits and wine competitions, announced partnering to create Top Shelf. The immersive, multi-day event will bring together the world's most exciting, illustrious and award-winning brands and discerning consumers to experience the best that the industry has to offer, the companies say.

CGA, NielsenIQ identify what’s new, next in beverage alcohol

How have beer, wine and spirits performed in 2022, and what’s coming down the road in 2023? NielsenIQ experts Drew Hummel and Jon Berg shared the latest insights at a special beverage alcohol industry webinar: “What’s now and what’s next?,” a beverage alcohol industry webinar. 

HOP WTR unveils HOP LOCKR for ‘Dry January’

Los Angeles-based HOP WTR, a non-alcohol beverage company, announced its commitment to helping fans ditch the booze this January with the launch of the HOP LOCKR. With more people choosing to take part in “Dry January” each year, the HOP LOCKR will keep temptation at bay by keeping booze locked up until Feb. 1, so those participating can achieve their “Dry January” goals, the company says. 

Cann-Ade Corp. launches crowdfunding offering on StarEngine

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Cann-Ade Corp., producer of Cann-Ade, a USDA Organic cannabis-infused beverage brand, announced the launch of its Regulation Crowdfunding offering on the StartEngine equity crowdfunding platform.

SKYY Vodka toasts Marriage Equality by offering to fund marriages nationwide

SKYY Vodka, a brand of Campari Group, Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, announced its “SKYY Says I Do” campaign in partnership with NYC Pride, as an extension of the vodka brand’s ongoing support of marriage equality and the LGBTQIA+ community. The campaign will cover the costs of wedding ceremonies for 100 couples nationwide through a digital sweepstakes hosted on Instagram in celebration of marriage equality. 

White Claw Hard Seltzer debuts Crack the CLAW

Inspired by the upcoming film “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” White Claw Hard Seltzer and Netflix teamed up to create a limited-edition murder mystery game: Crack the CLAW. Much like Glass Onion, the dangerously fun game mirrors a good old-fashion whodunit: you can lie and deceive as a murderer, or channel your Benoit Blanc to uncover the murderers among you.

Grubhub releases ‘2022 Delivered’ report

Chicago-based Grubhub released its annual retrospective look at the biggest national ordering trends and eating habits of the year in a report called “2022 Delivered.” By analyzing millions of orders from diners this year, it shows that comfort inspired what consumers ate, revealing who they were in 2022, the company says.

Poppi raises $25M from CAVU Consumer Partners

Prebiotic soda brand Poppi, Austin, Texas, announced $25 million in new financing led by CAVU Consumer Partners. The funding comes after a year of meteoric growth for Poppi, in which the brand experienced 148% increase in overall revenue and a 250% increase in online sales, it says.

Corona Extra offers festive AR experience inspired by its ‘O’Tannenpalm’ holiday commercial

Corona Extra, a brand of Constellation Brands, Victor, N.Y., is bringing Feliz Navidad festivities directly to consumers in augmented reality with its O’Tannenpalm’s Tree Lot. The immersive and interactive experience transports fans into a Corona-themed winter wonderland full of surprising interactive experiences, helping infuse their homes with “La Vida Más Fina” all season long, it says.