Novamex launched all-natural Alova sparkling aloe vera beverages exclusively at The Fresh Market.

 One of the top reasons shoppers buy JUICES is for their better-for-you attributes, Sarah Theodore, global drinks analyst at Mintel, Chicago, told Beverage Industry in January.  

 Gourmetti Brands redesigned the packaging of its Chantea line of green tea and aloe vera beverages.  

Good Karma Beverage Inc. introduced a line of aloe vera juice drinks with pulp under the It’s the Sun brand name.

L.A. Aloe LLC harvests and processes the aloe vera in its new Aloe Gloe all-natural aloe water to retain the bioactive components that support the promotion of skin, immunity and digestion, the company says.

As beverage-makers continue to develop products that do more than satisfy consumers’ thirst, the number of beverages that carry a functional claim continues to increase. According to “Functional and Natural Ready-to-Drink Beverages in the U.S.,” a report by Rockville, Md.-based market research publisher Packaged Facts, sales of energy drinks, ready-to-drink (RTD) teas and sports drinks have helped the functional and natural RTD beverage market grow to $23 billion.

In the summer of 2007, an English man posted a video of his one-year-old son biting the finger of his three-year-old son on YouTube. The video, known as “Charlie Bit My Finger – Again!,” went viral reaching 417 million views as of Feb. 9. At the time of publication, it was the most viewed video on YouTube that is not a professional music video, according to Wikipedia.

They say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and according to new research, so does a bottle of 100 percent fruit juice. A report from the University of California at Davis shows that 100 percent fruit juices could have protective health benefits similar to those of whole fruits. The report found a positive association between consumption of 100 percent juices and reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and decreased cognitive function. Additionally, 100 percent juices are linked to heightened antioxidant activity, the report states.

SPI West Port Inc. launched the eighth flavor in its Alō Drink line.

Developed by Gourmetti Brands, Chantea is a line of ready-to-drink teas made from green tea leaves and aloe vera pulp.