Acquisition supports juice company’s expansion into school nutrition channel
February 12, 2014
Port Washington, N.Y.-based Apple & Eve LLC acquired The Switch Beverage Co., a Darien, Conn.-based marketer of 100 percent sparkling juices. The acquisition supports Apple & Eve’s plans for growth and expansion in the school nutrition channel, the company says. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Contest coincides with launch of Smirnoff Sorbet Light Pineapple Coconut
February 12, 2014
Smirnoff Vodka, a brand of Norwalk, Conn.-based Diageo North America, launched the “Guiltless Pleasures” Pinterest contest to celebrate female consumers’ guiltless pleasures. As part of the contest, three women will have the opportunity to make their Pinterest aspirations a reality by pinning the things they love. The contest is timed in conjunction with the launch of Smirnoff Sorbet Light Pineapple Coconut, a guilt-free treat, the company says.
Jamba Juice Co., Emeryville, Calif., announced the first results of a three-part survey about freshly squeezed juice. The survey, conducted by Palo Alto, Calif.-based YouGov, polled a representative national sample of more than 2,200 Americans and revealed their views on juice and, in particular, how their perspectives on green juice vary.
Products scheduled to launch in second half of 2014
February 10, 2014
SodaStream International Ltd., Airport City, Israel, announced a strategic agreement with Bethenny Frankel’s Skinnygirl brand to co-develop a line of better-for-you flavors for use with the SodaStream home beverage carbonation system.
Krispy Kreme Smooth and Decaf coffees will be available in K-Cups by end of 2014, companies say
February 10, 2014
Waterbury, Vt.-based Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (GMCR) and Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Krispy Kreme have reached a multi-year agreement to bring Krispy Kreme signature coffee to K-Cup packs for the Keurig brewing system. The companies plan to launch Krispy Kreme coffees in Smooth and Decaf varieties in K-Cup packs online at keurig.com, krispykreme.com as well as at participating Krispy Kreme shops, grocery, retail and away-from-home channels throughout the United States by the end of the year.
Program leverages street art to share healthy hydration message
February 10, 2014
Wat-aah!, a New York-based bottled water brand for kids, and its Founder and Chief Executive Officer Rose Cameron announce “Taking Back the Streets,” a national art campaign developed to further support the goal of Drink Up , an initiative of the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) and its honorary chair first lady Michelle Obama that encourages Americans to drink more water more often.
Soft drinks company to purchase 10 percent minority stake in coffee company
February 6, 2014
The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (GMCR), Waterbury, Vt., have signed a 10-year agreement to collaborate on the development and introduction of The Coca-Cola Co.’s global brand portfolio for use in GMCR’s forthcoming Keurig Cold at-home beverage system. Under the global strategic agreement, GMCR and The Coca-Cola Co. will cooperate to bring the Keurig Cold beverage system to consumers around the world. In an effort to align long-term interests, the companies also entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement whereby The Coca-Cola Co. will purchase a minority equity position in GMCR.
Acquisition adds 40 craft beers to A-B’s portfolio
February 6, 2014
St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch (A-B), the U.S. arm of Anheuser-Busch InBev, announced it has agreed to purchase Blue Point Brewing Co., a Long Island, N.Y.-based craft brewer that has more than 40 beers and sales concentrated along the East Coast. The move will bring additional resources to Blue Point's operations, allowing it to meet growing consumer demand for its brands, A-B says. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Whiskeys also paced steady growth within US market
February 5, 2014
American distilled spirits exports broke new records in 2013, crossing the $1.5 billion threshold, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), New York. This growth was driven by premium bourbon and Tennessee whiskey, which exceeded the $1 billion mark for the first time, it reported at its annual briefing for Wall Street analysts.