Manna Beverages & Ventures (MB&V) announced yesterday that it has entered an agreement to acquire California-based co-packer Nor-Cal Beverage Company, a deal that adds another powerful piece to the Kentucky-based business group’s growing production portfolio.

MB&V is an affiliate of Manna Capital Partners, an investment firm founded by Kevin Attkisson and business magnate and former Milwaukee Bucks player Ulysses L. “Junior” Bridgeman, founder of Midwestern bottler Heartland Coca-Cola. 

Read the full story on BevNET.

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As the momentum behind zero-proof drinks shows no signs of abating, leading non-alc retailer Boisson is taking steps to secure its place within the expanding category, bringing on a new CEO and announcing today that it has received $5 million in funding via a bridge round led by Convivialité Ventures, the VC arm of Pernod Ricard, and Connect Ventures.

🏠 The funding also brings in a new CEO: Sheetal Aiyer, a former executive in startups and growth phase CPG companies.

📈 For founder Nick Bodkins, the next stage of growth is continuing to build a “verticalized approach to the market” internationally and to leverage Boisson’s flexibility outside of the three-tier system to continue to sell direct to consumers, into bars and restaurants, and specialty grocery.

🛒 The CEO is skeptical, however, on the rush to grocery by “factions within the category.”

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Having introduced Flash I.V. earlier this year to compete in the red-hot rapid hydration subset – albeit a few years after its chief rival – BodyArmor is bringing the line into an equally on-trend format: powder sticks. The zero-sugar Flash I.V. Hydration Boosters have a 220mg dose of electrolytes with zinc, vitamins B and C, for on-the-go rapid rehydration and are available in 6-count or 12-count boxes in five flavors: Tropical Punch, Cucumber Lime, Grape, Strawberry Kiwi and Lemon Lime.

Dive Deeper: Active Adaptation: Sports Drink Category Evolves To Meet New Consumers

Brooks Addington, the CEO of sparkling alcohol-alternative brand TÖST, spoke about why the brand’s positioning has resonated with all types of consumers, why having few competitors is “a double-edged sword,” the importance of an affordable price point and a frugal marketing strategy, and the company’s strategic partnership with Constellation Brands.

Listen to the full episode on BevNET

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• A look at how Federal Trade Commission's antitrust suit against Amazon means for CPG
• BodyArmor is (finally) getting into rapid hydration powder sticks
• B.B. King's Estate is bringing the king of blues to the whiskey world and Woody Harrelson co-founds Holistic Spirits Co.

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