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"Was Coca-Cola the right company to buy Zico? In hindsight, probably not" - just-drinks speaks to Zico founder Mark Rampolla 19 Jan 2021

Andy Morton

Mark Rampolla founded Zico Coconut Water in 2004, building the brand into a major force in soft drinks and introducing a generation of consumers to low-sugar, functional waters. The strength of the brand was underlined in 2013 when The Coca-Cola Co bought Zico for an undisclosed fee. Last year, in a sharp reversal of fortunes for the brand, Coca-Cola announced Zico was one of about 200 brands earmarked to be discontinued as the group implemented a major cost-cutting programme. Last week, in yet another twist for Zico, Rampolla's investment company, Powerplant Ventures. acquired the coconut water from Coca-Cola, returning Rampolla to the brand he created. Yesterday, just-drinks spoke to him about his journey back to Zico, what changes he has seen in the beverage industry while away and why Coca-Cola is not the best company to build emerging categories.

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"Who knew we'd launch in the middle of a pandemic?" - just-drinks speaks to Jade Padua, co-founder of new CBD beverage company G&Juice 23 Apr 2020

Andy Morton

The whole world may be in lockdown, but despite the coronavirus pandemic the drinks industry refuses to stop. An example is G&Juice, a Californian, hemp-derived CBD beverage start-up whose plans for the release of its first products were thrown into disarray by COVID-19. Meetings with leading retailers and distributors scheduled for Expo West were lost when the Anaheim trade show was cancelled at the last minute, potentially cutting off G&Juice's route-to-market at a crucial stage. Undaunted, the three women at the helm of G&Juice have reassessed their plans, turning to smaller outlets in California that were calling out for stress-busting CBD products in a time of national emergency. Yesterday, just-drinks spoke to G&Juice co-founder & CMO Jade Padua, currently in lockdown in her home city of Toronto, Canada, about reacting to the cancelled Anaheim show, the positives of launching during a global pandemic and what US food safety authorities have in store for CBD beverages.

If you read only one thing... - This week's must-reads on just-drinks - Results Special 12 Feb 21

Rhodri Morgan

Here's a look at the biggest stories and the best content from just-drinks this week.

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From the just-drinks cellars - What happened in drinks on this day in … 11 Feb 21

Rhodri Morgan

Here's a look at what was happening in the drinks industry on this day in ...

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US cannabis trade group forms beverage council 9 Feb 21

Andy Morton

A US cannabis trade organisation has launched a beverage offshoot in a bid to provide a united front for its members.

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Distell makes CBD play with Rethink brand stake purchase 1 Feb 21

Olly Wehring

Distell has branched into cannabis in its home market, buying into South African "cannabis wellness" brand Rethink.

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Anheuser-Busch InBev partner Tilray widens Sweetwater Brewing US distribution 25 Jan 21

Rhodri Morgan

Canadian company Tilray, the cannabis partner of Anheuser-Busch InBev, is to expand the footprint of recently-acquired craft brewer Sweetwater Brewing to Colorado.

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Portman Group issues retailer alert on Silent Pool Distillery's CBD gin 20 Jan 21

Andy Morton

UK alcohol advertising watchdogs have told retailers not to stock a CBD gin after the brand's packaging broke guidelines on promoting drug use.