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• How a drop in c-store traffic is impacting the performance of key beverage categories
• Inside two former Monster Execs’ plans to grow the Thrifty Ice Cream business
• Why Ball is pulling back on beer
• People and product move news from around the industry

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If c-store traffic is a barometer of economic anxiety for American consumers, this summer hasn’t been exactly carefree. 

Falling foot traffic so far this summer – down sequentially by approximately 133 bps in July vs. June, year-over-year – may be behind dragging numbers from basically every category besides energy drinks, per the latest report from Jefferies Equity Research. Is it time to start the hand-wringing?

Insiders can access the full story for all of the insights.

Packaging files in one tool, product claims in another, feedback in your inbox? Bring content, specs, and reviews together to keep launches on track and teams aligned. Learn more

If you’re wondering where last week’s big scoop went on Drippy becoming the first THC-infused beverage to be picked up by a major airline for in-flight service, you’re not the only one. 

• Upon seeing the announcement on the brand’s official LinkedIn page, we reached out to CEO Alleh Lindquist for comment, which he provided. 
• Shortly after we published our story, Virgin Atlantic (a UK operator) confirmed that the deal was not happening, and Lindquist stopped responding to texts and phone calls; later that day, we retracted the article. 
• Lindquist has since admitted it was a marketing stunt fabricated to generate attention for his infused soda brand.

For our part, we apologize to our readers for publishing an inaccurate story and unknowingly promoting a false narrative. With plenty of news, brands and products coming from the hemp-derived THC category, we’ll keep on covering the real ones. 

Arkansas-based co-manufacturer Westrock Coffee has been busy building in the last few years and that infrastructure investment appears to be paying off. 

Insiders can access the full recap to understand how the co-manufacterer is building to capture a broader client base.

Protein and meal replacement maker Huel is getting into a red-hot ready-to-drink category, confirming this week it will debut its Daily Greens supplement in three canned varieties (Apple Cucumber & Mint, Peach & Hibiscus, and Blueberry Lemon & Thyme, if you were wondering). 

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Next Thursday, August 14 from 5-7 PM CT, we’re partnering with Hoste Cocktails, InvestBev, Ingredion, and Sorse Technology to bring the food, beverage and beer communities together in Chicago, and we’d love for you to join us.

• This is a chance to connect with local founders, operators, and investors who are building and backing some of the most talked-about food and beverage brands. 
• Leaders from Lemon Perfect, S2G Investments, Chomps, Tonic Ventures, Supply Change Capital, and more are already signed up.

It's free to attend, but space is limited. RSVP for free here.

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