Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Terminates Zico Coconut Water Brand; Others Under Review
The brand, acquired in 2013, will be phased out over the coming months globally as the company reviews its product portfolio to optimize for growth. The Coke Life brand may also end up in the bin, along with Diet Coke Feisty Cherry, Northern Neck Ginger Ale, and Delaware Punch. This optimization strategy has already seen the company discontinue its Odwalla juice and smoothie brand and dissolve its chilled direct store delivery distribution network, which delivered fresh drinks to stores.
Danone
Danone To Sell Remaining Stake In Japanese Probiotic Dairy Firm
The remaining 6.61 percent of its stake in Yakult is valued at about $570 million, according to reports. Danone sold off two-thirds of its original 21.29 percent stake two years ago for $1.53 billion in an effort to streamline operations. The effort continues with the new sale, launched via an accelerated book building process, and is said to be in line with a continued focus on capital allocation discipline and balance sheet strength.
Nestle
Nestlé Waters Digital Marketeer Finds NPD Gold In Amazon’s Online Reviews
Pierre Blanchemaison told an Arena International's online beverage innovation conference that consumer reviews on Amazon are a treasure-trove for beverage companies looking to create the next market-beating product. The Nestlé Waters (Paris, France) head of digital said Amazon's product ratings pages can help steer new product development (NPD) in drinks by highlighting both gaps in the market as well as where existing products fall down. The reviews are known for their often-harsh opinions but, he said, when used alongside other social media tools, are an effective – and free – innovation resource. "You can find gaps that the competition is not filling and they can help you understand what you need to offer,” Blanchemaison said. “It could lead to your next innovation that will help you win in the market."
Other Companies
Lo Bros Introduces CBD Kombucha, Two Probiotic Shots
The U.K. beverage brand’s new products, all vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, join Sainsbury’s functional drinks aisle nationwide and form part of its accelerated growth strategy. Lo Bros’ gut shots combine a billion cultures per bottle with organic fruit and vegetable juice. Each shot provides a dose of Bacillus coagulans and kombucha, which the brand claims helps to restore the balance of intestinal flora and protect the gut. The range is available in Fiery Ginger (ginger juice, carrot juice, orange, and lemon juice), and Beet Boost (beetroot juice, turmeric juice, and orange juice). The Blueberry Lemonade CBD Kombucha is non-alcoholic and contains 15 mg of active CBD, combined with living cultures. All of the drinks are free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. The gut shots are available now for £2.25 ($2.91) for a 60 ml glass bottle; the CBD kombucha retails for £2.75 ($3.56) per 330 ml glass bottle.
Flow Alkaline Spring Water Lands “Seven Figure” Investment
Following a $45 million Series D funding round earlier this year, the Canadian company has secured “a seven-figure investment” from Virgo Investment Group (Burlingame, Calif.). Flow Alkaline sells alkaline mineral water across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, in a range of flavors, packaged in Tetra Pak paper cartons made from 75 percent renewable resources. The company said the new capital will be used to expand Flow’s distribution channels, fund new product lines, and accelerate the company’s growth. In 2018, Flow introduced a CBD-infused water called Flow Glow, and earlier this year the brand added a collagen-infused line.
SodaStream Begins Installing Spent CO2 Tank Recycling Machines
In a partnership with can and bottle collection solutions company Tomra (Norway), the Israel-based PepsiCo business unit is launching reverse vending machines that allow customers to return used CO2 canisters for recycling. The machines are being installed in retail stores across the European Union and the U.S., and machines are already in operation in Sweden and France. The goal of the partnership is to make cylinder exchange more efficient for both retailers and SodaStream customers, and ultimately increase canister recycling for reuse.
Molson Coors To Distribute La Colombe Coffee In U.S.
The exclusive partnership with the Philadelphia-based coffee roaster is the latest in a series of moves by Molson Coors (Chicago, Ill.) to expand its business beyond the beer aisle since re-branding itself as Molson Coors Beverage Company. The company recently signed a deal with Coco-Cola to manufacture, market, and distribute Topo Chico Hard Seltzer in the U.S. La Colombe provides signature classic blends and single-origin coffees to cafés, hotels, restaurants, and retailers around the world. Molson Coors will begin distributing La Colombe’s Draft Latte and Brazilian Cold Brew products in the drug and convenience channels beginning in January 2021.
Karma Water Extends Wellness Water Line
Known for its patented Push Cap flavor infusion technology, the Rochester, N.Y.-based company’s new Wellness Water variant is elderberry starfruit flavor. The product contains a range of superfruit berry extracts, including açaí, pomegranate, and cranberry, as well as antioxidants. The Elderberry Starfruit Wellness Water also contains zinc and 110 percent of seven essential vitamins, including vitamins A, B12, D, and E. Each 18 fl. oz bottle contains 20 calories. To use the Push Cap, consumers peel off the protective seal, push the top of the cap to infuse the blend, then shake to ensure the vitamins are mixed into the beverage.
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