The latest food and beverage industry news and trend analysis

The hemp-derived THC beverage brand co-founded by music icon Willie Nelson has closed a $15 million Series A funding round. The investment was led by Left Lane Capital, with participation from Second Sight Ventures.

The launch marks a significant commercial milestone: it represents Canada Dry’s first official entry into the alcoholic ready-to-drink category, leveraging its ubiquity as a premium mixer to capture share in the high-growth convenience segment.

The deal immediately strengthens the Dutch brewer's position in the high-growth Central American market, adding a robust portfolio of local brands and an established retail network to its global operations.

The launch leverages robust market data indicating a shift towards "heat" in beverage consumption. The company cites forecasts suggesting that sales of spicy vodka are projected to increase by 27% by 2029.

The move will see the company cease manufacturing its Lonewolf Gin and Abstrakt Vodka lines at its distillery in Aberdeenshire over the coming months.

The initiative leverages the intersection of coffee culture, spirits, and lifestyle marketing to engage consumers through immersive pop-up experiences.

Bacardi-owned super-premium vodka leader GREY GOOSE has announced its most significant flavour expansion in ten years, introducing GREY GOOSE Berry Rouge.

The design project, initially exploring deep market research with national agencies, was ultimately executed in-house under the oversight of Design Director Ron Jasin. The labels are being produced by international premium spirits specialist Eurostampa.