Vita Coco buys premium coconut water maker Copra in deal worth up to $275M

The transaction expands the fast-growing company into super-premium offerings. Dive Brief: Vita Coco has acquired super-premium coconut water maker Copra in a deal worth up to $275 million, according to a press release Wednesday. The transaction includes a $175 million upfront consideration with an additional earnout between $45 million and $100 million in 2029 based…

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Nestle to divest waters business through joint venture

VEVEY, SWITZERLAND — Nestle SA and the private equity company Platinum Equity, Beverly Hills, Calif., have created a 50:50 joint venture called Peranel that will own and operate Nestle’s waters and beverage businesses. The business will include more than 30 brands around the world, including S. Pellegrino, Perrier and Nestle Pure Life. “By partnering with…

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Ziggi’s Coffee taps Noodles vet as growth chief

Stacey Pool will oversee the chain’s next phase of growth, including a pipeline of at least 200 units, which would nearly triple the chain’s current store count. Name: Stacey Pool New title: Chief growth officer, Ziggi’s Coffee Previous title: Chief marketing officer, FullSpeed Automotive Stacey Pool joins fast-growing Ziggi’s Coffee during a “pivotal moment,” the…

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Premier Protein maker taps salty snack leader as CEO

Bellring Brands named Michael Axelrod to lead the company as it looks to maintain its top spot amid increased protein shake competition. Dive Brief: Premier Protein maker Bellring Brands has appointed snack industry veteran Michael Axelrod as CEO to help reinvigorate brands and fend off increased protein shake competition. Axelrod will become president and CEO…

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Michigan Cyclospora Outbreak Grows to More Than 1,000 Cases

The parasite is typically spread by fruits or vegetables exposed to contaminated irrigation water. NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly 1,000 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, making it the largest such outbreak in state history and one of the nation’s largest in years. No…

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PepsiCo Says Economic Concerns Weighed on Customers in North America During Recent Quarter

The food and beverage giant reported stronger than expected revenue despite weaker demand. NEW YORK (AP) — PepsiCo reported stronger than expected revenue in the second quarter despite weaker demand in North America, where it said consumers tightened their budgets due to economic concerns. The food and beverage giant said Thursday that its net revenue…

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Ingredient trends from the National Restaurant Association Show

CHICAGO – Menu innovation remains one of the restaurant industry’s most powerful growth tools, according to speakers at the National Restaurant Association Show, which took place in May in Chicago. But restaurant operators are challenged to develop on-trend menu innovations that pique consumer interest but also keep the end dish affordable. Adding to the pressure…

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PepsiCo, Coca-Cola to add QR codes for ingredients transparency

The beverage giants are joining an industrywide effort to connect consumers with government safety data as shoppers become increasingly concerned about what’s in their food and drinks. Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper are among the major beverage companies rolling out QR codes across packaging to give consumers access to more information about ingredients in…

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Plant-based milks face their next test at the coffee counter

Plant-based milk brands once competed on supermarket shelf presence, sustainability claims and nutritional comparisons with dairy. Increasingly, however, the decisive test happens behind the espresso machine. Coffee culture has evolved into one of the most influential product development drivers in the alternative dairy sector. For brands hoping to secure long-term growth, performance in hot beverages…

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