Much has changed in the beverage landscape as a result of COVID-19. As craft distilleries grapple with shuttered tasting rooms and falling sales, owners report that reopening and sustaining business in this climate isn’t looking bright.
Brand launches match donation for first responders
May 11, 2020
Lakeville-Middleboro, Mass.-based Ocean Spray, the cranberry cooperative owned by more than 700 farmer-families, has announced that Atoka, a new line of herbalist crafted, plant-based functional beverages, is now available for direct-to-consumer purchase online at AtokaWellness.com.
With so much difficult news to digest, it can be hard to find something to inspire a smile. However, the response from the spirits community not only got my chin up, but continues to amaze me each passing day.
During this unprecedented time in history, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on the supply chain, causing bars, restaurants and retailers to close, tradeshows to be shuttered, and living rooms to turn into workplaces and schools.
Drake’s facilities can produce up to 20 million 2-ounce packets per month
May 6, 2020
Drake’s Organic Spirits announced plans to donate up to 1 million ounces of hand sanitizer to medical facilities, law enforcement personnel, EMTs and other first responders who answer emergency calls and place themselves in harm’s way.
Kombucha Heal-In helps deliver kombucha to frontline workers
May 5, 2020
Kombucha Brewers International (KBI), Los Angeles, has rallied the industry for a giveback program to help healthcare workers and food banks throughout the United States. The Kombucha Heal-In is a week-long initiative from May 5-11, with the goal of providing 100,000 bottles of kombucha to those on the frontlines as a way to protect and provide resilience for these most vulnerable populations, it says.
At a time when it’s needed most, beverage brands are becoming part of a collective effort to spread care and kindness during this global pandemic to healthcare workers, the elderly, and at-risk children and communities.