During an investor update Thursday, Monster Beverages said it would launch a new performance energy drink called Reign Total Body Fuel in March with six flavors. The brand would compete with fast-growing Bang Energy Drink. A new Dragon Tea energy offering also is planned. Plus, Monster said arbitration over Coke’s plan to launch a Coke-branded energy drink overseas is “moving expeditiously” and that “we are in the process of amicably resolving this disagreement.” An update is expected in the second quarter, he added.  

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 (a strain of cannabis) that is said to be an anti-inflammatory. The Farm Bill would clear a major federal regulatory hurdle for CBD producers by removing hemp from a list of illegal drugs enforced