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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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"The longer something goes on, the more permanent it becomes" - just-drinks speaks to William Grant senior category director Ian Baines about post-COVID trends 15 Jan 2021

Andy Morton

Earlier this week, William Grant & Sons launched its latest annual report on global alcohol trends. Today, just-drinks spoke to the company's senior category manager, Ian Baines, to dig deeper into what the post-coronavirus world will look like.

The Coca-Cola Co removes two Aha flavours as can shortages bite 26 Feb 21

Andy Morton

The Coca-Cola Co is to discontinue two variants from its US caffeinated flavoured sparkling water brand, Aha, due to constraints on the supplies of aluminium cans.

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If you read only one thing... - This week's must-reads on just-drinks 26 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 ... 26 Feb 21

Rhodri Morgan

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

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Waterloo Brewing Co's LandShark Seltzer - Product Launch 26 Feb 21

Rhodri Morgan

Ontario-based Waterloo Brewing Co is launching a range of hard seltzers under the LandShark beer brand in Canada as part of its production agreement with the brand's owner, Margaritaville Malt Beverages.

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PepsiCo's Neon Zebra cocktail mixers - Product Launch 26 Feb 21

Andy Morton

PepsiCo has launched a range of mixers to help consumers create their own simple cocktails at home.

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Heineken, The Coca-Cola Co end Brazil spat with distribution revamp 25 Feb 21

Andy Morton

Heineken is to take the distribution of its two biggest beer brands away from The Coca-Cola Co in Brazil as the two sides settle a long-standing dispute in the country.