In a Jan. 24 report, analysts at RBC Capital Markets compared the portfolios and social media data for Monster Beverage and Bang Energy. Bang gained attention from analysts last year as a potential threat to Monster’s core energy offerings (BD 10/26/18). 

Coca-Cola has closed its $4.9 billion purchase of retail coffee café chain Costa  …  JAB Holding-owned Peet’s Coffee has acquired a majority stake in Revive Kombucha 

Farm Bill Legalizes Hemp. The newly-passed $867 billion U.S. Farm Bill, awaiting President Trump’s signature, includes a provision to legalize hemp nationally. This could make it easier for beverage companies to market products infused with CBD, a non-psychoactive ingredient derived from hemp...

Keurig Dr Pepper has agreed to acquire the sales and distribution rights of Swire 7Up Dr Pepper of Pasco, Washington, which covers territory in Franklin and Benton counties on the Columbia River; brands being moved also include A&W, Sunkist, Schweppes, Cactus Cooler soda, Deja Blue bottled water and Venom energy drink

Monster Beverage CEO Rodney Sacks has disclosed an arbitration case with the company’s chief distributor and equity partner Coca-Cola. At the center of the disagreement is a product Coke is developing under its flagship brand called Coca-Cola Energy. The drink will contain “caffeine from naturally-derived sources and guarana extract,” according to Coke. “It would be developed as a preferred option for people who want these types of ingredients in an energy drink.” The innovation would include a