Sports Drinks

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Reality TV has sparked resurgence in competition programming. Whether it’s dating shows, cooking challenges, sing-offs or physical/mental challenges, viewers aren’t at a loss to satiate their competitive appetites. And now, this kind of intense competition has reached a new platform.

As the old saying goes, only two things are absolute in life: death and taxes. As many of us just finished the hustle and bustle of tax season, I think we can add another item to today’s list of absolute certainties, and that’s the discussion of obesity.

Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co. reported worldwide volume growth of 2 percent as well as volume and value share gains for its non-alcohol ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages portfolio during the first quarter of 2014.

CytoSport, Benicia, Calif., recently expanded distribution of its Muscle Milk Protein ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes into select Boots and Sainsbury’s Locals locations in the United Kingdom. Available in 330-ml packages, the protein shakes contain 20 grams of dairy protein to boost athletic performance and promote healthy lifestyles, the company says. The drinks also are gluten-free and low in sugar, it adds.

BodyArmor, a Beverly Hills, Calif.-based sports drink company, announced that professional basketball player Kobe Bryant made a significant investment in the company and will become its No.3 investor, behind co-founders Mike Repole and Lance Collins.

Epicurex LLC, North Miami Beach, Fla., has joined forces with Hialeah, Fla.-based Sedano’s Supermarkets to retail its Cocozia 100 percent organic coconut water. Sedano’s Supermarkets is expected to sell the entire Cocozia lineup, including original, coffee, pineapple, mango and chocolate varieties, at its 34 stores in Florida.

Boca Raton, Fla.-based Celsius Holdings Inc., maker of negative-calorie beverages, partnered with NASCAR driver Blake Koch for the 2014 Nationwide Series.

Powerade, a brand of Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co., is partnering with Spanish soccer player Andrés Iniesta for its “There’s Power in Every Game” campaign centered around the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Through the campaign, Powerade, the official sports drink of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, will tell stories about soccer players who have overcome adversity to lift their teammates, rally supporters, and inspire communities through their dedication and achievements in the sport, the company says.

Core Power, a brand of Chicago-based fairlife LLC, signed on as the national sponsor and official protein drink of the 2014 Reebok Spartan Race, a global obstacle race series. The partnership pairs two companies committed to providing athletes and active individuals with tools and experiences designed to enhance sports performance.

Celsius Holdings Inc. added a new Berry Blast flavor to its Celsius line of drink mixes.