Will Monster Beverage diversify into hard seltzers? The question has swirled since mid-2019, when CEO Rodney Sachs told investors he would consider an entry into the category. The next best chance for an answer to the question comes Thursday, when Monster executives host an annual business update webcast for investors. And there is fresh evidence ...

Collection of industry briefs to keep you up to speed on key developments.

On Dec. 7, an emergency arbitrator ordered Bang Energy owner Vital Pharmaceuticals to stop actions to take distribution back from PepsiCo. VPX must “cease any and all actions” to sell to PepsiCo’s Bang customers, distribute products in PepsiCo’s Bang territories, or “take back” territories or customers from PepsiCo, the arbitrator wrote...

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.

A collection of the most important recent industry news to keep you up to date.

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...