Industry Issues
Club Kokomo Spirits, Stone Distributing Co. announce partnership
San Diego-based Club Kokomo Spirits has partnered with craft beverage distributor Stone Distributing Co.(SDC), San Marcos, Calif., as the exclusive partner for Southern California, from Santa Barbara to San Diego and east to Palm Springs.
“We are delighted to partner with Stone Distributing Co. and expand our footprint in sunny Southern California,” said Mike Love, Club Kokomo Spirits’ founder and Chairman, in a statement. “We launched a family band here 60 years ago and it is exciting to be launching the next chapter of a family business inspired by our Southern California roots.”
Club Kokomo Spirits is the result of a shared vision of a legendary rock star and decorated master distiller and is produced and distilled in San Diego.
“This collaboration marks a huge milestone for Club Kokomo Spirits,” said Brian Love, co-founder of Club Kokomo Spirits, in a statement. “Stone Distributing’s talented team is well-positioned to bring our craft products to the wider California market, raising the bar for the rum category overall.”
SDC was founded more than 25 years ago and has cultivated a portfolio of exceptional beverages and industry-leading brands, the company notes, establishing themselves as a sought-after partner in the Southern California market.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Club Kokomo Spirits, a brand that embodies the spirit and innovation we value at SDC,” said Brian Fried, general manager at SDC, in a statement. “Their dedication to quality and craft resonates with our mission, and we’re excited to help them grow in the Southern California market.”
Perricone Farms acquires Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co.
Premium craft juice company Perricone Farms recently announced its acquisition of Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co. Perricone Farms has deep roots in California’s citrus industry and Natalie’s is an award-winning juice company based in Fort Pierce, Fla.
With this acquisition, two high-quality, trusted names in the juice industry are united, strengthening both brands and enhancing the ability to serve customers with excellence in quality and customer service coast-to-coast, it says. The combined company will also be able to take advantage of bi-coastal production facilities, improving its delivery capabilities, expanding product offerings and leveraging its additional scale to “ensure juices reach customers with the same quality,” the company adds.
“We are excited to add Natalie’s to the Perricone Farms family. Natalie’s commitment to producing the highest quality products, combined with unmatched customer service, aligns with the core values we have been providing in the marketplace for years. Working together, we will be stronger and will be able to provide greater value to our customers,” said Bob Rovzar, CEO of Perricone Farms, in a statement. “This exciting merger offers new opportunities for growth and expansion, including entrance into new markets, developing innovative products and strengthening relationships with customers, suppliers, vendors and partners. Together, Perricone Farms and Natalie’s are now better equipped to ensure the continued success and growth of both brands.”
Both brands have become industry experts at procuring and producing the highest quality juices over the years, the companies note. Unifying these two entities will strengthen their reputation as a premium juice provider in the foodservice and retail channel, they add.
“We are excited for the future and the opportunities this partnership will provide our cherished Natalie’s family,” said Natalie’s CEO Marygrace Sexton, who founded the award-winning juice company, named after her daughter, more than 35 years ago. “Natalie’s has been built to last and will be providing you with authentic juices on a world-wide scale for generations to come.”
Free Rein Coffee Co., San Angelo, Texas, announced its first nationwide rollout into retail, exclusively at Walmart. The company will bring its portfolio to the mass merchandiser, including its leading blends American Dirt, Homestead and Prospect' in ground coffee, and American Dirt and Homestead in single-serve K-cup pods. Founded by a veteran and originally known as Longhorn Coffee Co., the business was acquired by actor Cole Hauser alongside friends and fellow entrepreneurs Karl Pfluger, Paul Anderson and Aron Marquez, and relaunched as Free Rein Coffee Co. in 2023. With its launch into Walmart, Free Rein is committing to a Buy a Bag, Give a Cup promise, meaning the company will give a cup to someone who serves their country or community for every bag of Free Rein Coffee bought at Walmart this year.
Milo’s Tea Co. Inc., Bessemer, Ala., named Emily Backstrom its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Backstrom will drive Milo’s financial strategy and position the company for ongoing long-term success. Backstrom will play an integral role as an executive team member. Her deep understanding of the financial landscape, coupled with her strategic vision, will be invaluable as Milo’s continues to scale its operations, focus on product innovation and expand its market presence, it says. “Emily’s impressive financial planning and corporate strategy experience, along with her strong leadership skills, are a great fit for Milo’s during a period of exponential growth as we continue to make the number one selling refrigerated tea in America,” said Milo’s Chair and CEO Tricia Wallwork in a statement. “As I strive to ignite Birmingham as a hub for consumer packaged goods companies, I am proud to have a leader of Emily’s caliber join us.”
BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages, Des Moines, Iowa, announced its partnership with entrepreneur, legendary Hall of Fame athlete, and esteemed coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, who joined the company as co-owner and social change leader. “Joining BLK & Bold is more than just a business move for me — it’s about making a lasting impact,” Coach Prime said in a statement. “I’ve always believed in the power of giving back and uplifting others, and with BLK & Bold, we have the perfect platform to do just that.” Founded in 2018 by Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson, BLK & Bold has experienced explosive growth, evolving from a small garage operation and eCommerce site to being featured in more than 11,000 retail stores, including major chains like Albertsons, Target, Amazon, Walgreens and Giant, the company notes. All products also are available on the brand’s website at blkandbold.com.
Dallas-based WES Brands, the parent company of fast-growing brands Aspen Vodka, BSB Flavored Whiskey, Flecha Azul Tequila, and Fraser & Thompson Whiskey, announced that Adam Rosen will assume the role of CEO. Rosen joins WES Brands following his successful tenure as executive vice president at Casamigos Spirits Co. The appointment of Rosen comes at a pivotal time for WES Brands, an independent spirits incubator that has expanded from one to four brands since 2022. WES Brands excels at pairing high-potential brands in growing categories with strategic partners to amplify their reach, it says. The company also is redefining its route-to-market strategy, positioning itself for continued success, it notes. “I’m very excited to join the team at WES Brands,” Rosen said in a statement. “The brands in our portfolio are really special, each with tremendous opportunity. It’s also extremely exhilarating to work with our high-profile investors who are so engaged and committed to building the business for the long term. In just a short time, we have optimized the front end of the business to help achieve all our goals. I can’t wait to work closely with our talented team, distributors and retail partners to unlock growth for our full portfolio.”