Beverages

Socati launches CBD-infused sweetener for hot beverages

The company's chief revenue officer said the market opportunity for coffee additives is significant and interest by CPG companies remains high despite legal uncertainty. 

By Lillianna Byington • Feb. 26, 2020

Coca-Cola tests kombucha-like juice with less sugar

The beverage giant, which is rolling out the product in grocery and convenience stores in Texas and California, developed the drink in conjunction with its Minute Maid brand. 

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 26, 2020

Tecate shifts focus to Mexican-American heritage, leaving macho messaging in rearview

To position itself as culturally relevant, the brand is launching an extensive campaign and dropping its boxing sponsorships to focus on soccer and music.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 24, 2020

Big CPGs warn of financial hit from coronavirus as global outbreak worsens

Coca-Cola, Mondelez, Unilever and General Mills were among the companies who said the epidemic has reduced sales in China.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 24, 2020

Has LaCroix found 'vindication' from the withdrawal of a consumer lawsuit over its 'natural' claim?

The plaintiff said she could not determine whether the beverage contained synthetic ingredients, but the sparkling water brand still faces other challenges.

By Lillianna Byington • Feb. 20, 2020

Diageo pays $5M fine to settle SEC investigation

The regulator said the global spirits giant pressured U.S. distributors to buy more than they needed in order to meet internal sales targets in 2014 and 2015.

By Megan Poinski • Feb. 20, 2020

Silk puts plant-based first in RTD coffee launch

The Danone-owned brand's new drink emphasizes oat and almond milk, but offers few details about the source or roast of the beans.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 19, 2020

Dean Foods to sell assets to Dairy Farmers of America for $425M

If the deal goes through, the cooperative will acquire 44 of the company’s fluid and frozen facilities after the processor filed for bankruptcy in November. 

By Lillianna Byington • Feb. 18, 2020

Sprite Ginger debuts with streetwear line, wide-ranging marketing push

The Coca-Cola​ brand dropped hints on social media and outdoor ads to build excitement around the drink and clothes in the weeks leading up to the release.

By Dianna Christie • Feb. 14, 2020

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Leftovers: Declare love with a bouquet of Tyson chicken nuggets; Ocean Spray juices up with coffee

The meat processor will award $10,000 and a year's supply of nuggets for the most romantic take on its product, and Hi-Chew creates tropical blends to fight the winter blahs.

By Food Dive staff • Feb. 14, 2020

Molson Coors accused of trademark infringement for Vizzy seltzer

Future Proof Beverages, whose new hard seltzer Brizzy hit shelves late last year, said the brewing giant copied the branding and logo for its new drink.

By Megan Poinski • Feb. 10, 2020

Report: Oatly considering IPO, sale and additional funding

Mergermarket says the Swedish oat-based beverage maker is working with Goldman Sachs on several potential strategic moves.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 07, 2020

How huito blue wins natural colors in 2020

ADM's patented hue from a tropical fruit is already seeing a great year — with more than a little bit of help from the Pantone Color of the Year, company officials said.

By Megan Poinski • Feb. 06, 2020

Virginia dairy labeling bill advances but faces difficult future

The bill, which passed the state's House of Delegates last week, would deem anything labeled "milk" that doesn't come from a hoofed mammal as misbranded.

By Megan Poinski • Feb. 03, 2020

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Leftovers: Old Bay claws its way into hot sauce; Jameson gets into the Irish coffee spirit

After a speedy online sellout, McCormick says its new condiment based on the ubiquitous seafood spice is coming to grocery stores soon, and Clif Bars add coffee for an extra jolt of energy.

By Food Dive staff • Jan. 31, 2020

7 in 10 Super Bowl watchers will overindulge, giving snack and beer makers a sales touchdown

The average fan is planning to eat more than 4.5 times the recommended daily calorie intake​, according to a new poll.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 31, 2020

Despite growth in dairy, industry execs strike a cautious tone

Leaders from Danone and Lactalis were among those who said not enough is being done to promote their work on sustainability or the nutritional benefits of their products.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 31, 2020

Sweet revolution: How cacao fruit is poised to change the food industry

Conventional chocolate production throws out 80% of the fruit that produces cocoa beans. Industry movers are finding ways to upcycle it, creating new confections, snacks and culinary dishes.

By Megan Poinski • Jan. 30, 2020

Nestlé backs amendment to bill mandating PCR for plastic bottles in Maine

Joining multiple environmental groups, Nestlé Waters North America is pushing requirements for plastic bottles to have 30% post-consumer recycled​ by 2030. The beverage giant is among many that needs much more material to hit sustainability goals.

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 30, 2020

Unilever exploring sale of tea business

The owner of Lipton and Tazo said a potential divestiture comes as more consumers abandon black tea in favor of herbal varieties.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 30, 2020

Adding aromas could help reduce the sugar content in beverages

Researchers found by adding a natural smell synthesized in apples during ripening, tasters thought the juice contained more sweetener than it really did.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 30, 2020

Keurig Dr Pepper acquires sparkling water brand Limitless

The deal could help grow the distribution of the beverages, which have 35 milligrams of caffeine, no sugar and zero calories. 

By Lillianna Byington • Jan. 29, 2020

Dairy industry flexing to add CBD despite regulatory uncertainty

The head of the International Dairy Foods Association said an "insatiable appetite" for these products could prompt more companies to enter the space, even without FDA approval.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 28, 2020

Coca-Cola says it won't ban plastic bottles because consumers like them

Head of Sustainability Bea Perez said people like being able to reseal drinks in lightweight packaging, and alternatives could increase the company's carbon footprint and hurt sales.

By Lillianna Byington • Jan. 27, 2020

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Leftovers: Halo Top does keto; craft beer taps into the oat milk craze

The ice cream pint that revolutionized the category is at it again for dieters who want to indulge, and Silk whips the dairy alternative market with its new heavy cream offering.

By Food Dive staff • Jan. 24, 2020