Following Bang Energy’s termination of its 10-year distribution deal with PepsiCo and subsequent lawsuit, BD requested interviews with Bang Founder and CEO John H. “Jack” Owoc and other company officials. Owoc, on behalf of Bang Energy, agreed to answer written questions by email.

Given the high interest in the sudden dispute between Bang, one of the most important energy brands to emerge in recent years, and PepsiCo, a multinational food and beverage company, Bang’s emailed responses to BD’s questions have been included below in full, unedited.

Keurig Dr Pepper announced agreements to buy back territory from Red River Beverage Group and the Maid-Rite Company. Together, the territories include 37 counties in east Texas and northern Louisiana...

A 10-year distribution agreement between Bang Energy and PepsiCo that began just eight months ago has devolved into confusion and a lawsuit. On Nov. 25, bang owner Vital Pharmaceuticals, also known as VPX, sued PepsiCo in US District Court in Florida alleging that PepsiCo has breached the agreement and interfered with Bang’s business relationships. The lawsuit, reviewed by BD, comes ...

Franchise bottlers for Coca-Cola’s North America Operating Unit recently met virtually to review innovation and system execution plans for 2021. Those plans will center on growing the base business, relaunching innovation that was disrupted in 2020, and introducing “purposeful” innovation, according to multiple sources who attended...

Stay up to speed on key beverage industry deals ...

Late last month, Coca-Cola went all in on the fast-growing US hard seltzer category, signing up Molson Coors Beverage to manufacture, market, and distribute Coke’s new Topo Chico hard Seltzer. Meanwhile, PepsiCo’s executives indicated they may remain on the sidelines, at least for the foreseeable future.