This Week’s CPG News at a Glance
From cannabis giants launching drinks to legacy brands buying up cocktail mixers, this week’s CPG news is a study in momentum. Bold branding, cross-category moves, and capital from both athletes and influencers are shaping what—and how—consumers drink, snack, and celebrate.
It’s not just a week of press releases. It’s a signal that the future of CPG is more integrated, more experiential, and more talent-hungry than ever.
Rythm Launches THC-Infused Drinks in Strategic Expansion
Rythm, one of the top cannabis brands in the U.S., has officially entered the THC beverage space. Backed by a strong footprint in the regulated cannabis market, Rythm’s move into drinks reflects both consumer demand for low-dose formats and the strategic opportunity to capture social, shareable occasions with familiar branding. The initial product launch includes fast-acting formulations and will begin in Illinois.
Maison Saint Aix and The Zero Proof Launch Beau Vivá Non-Alcoholic Rosé
In a partnership aimed at bringing premium NA offerings to the U.S., Maison Saint Aix and The Zero Proof have launched Beau Vivá, a sparkling non-alcoholic rosé inspired by Provence. The drink is made from real wine grapes and produced using traditional winemaking before de-alcoholization. This launch reflects a continued premiumization of the non-alcoholic category, offering sober-curious consumers a more elevated alternative.
Quinn Snacks Debuts New Brand Identity
Better-for-you snack company Quinn has unveiled a full brand refresh, including updated packaging and positioning. Known for its commitment to regenerative agriculture and clean-label ingredients, the new look aims to reflect both the brand’s mission and its momentum. The move supports continued retail expansion and increased shelf visibility in a crowded snacks category.
Ferrara Candy Acquires CPK Group
Ferrara Candy, a major player in the U.S. confections space, is set to acquire CPK Group, a European candy and chewing gum manufacturer. This international acquisition expands Ferrara’s footprint and capabilities in both branded and private label candy—further cementing its growth trajectory under Ferrero Group ownership.
Dave Portnoy Backs PHX Energy Drink Launch
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is backing PHX, a new clean-label energy drink entering a competitive field. The brand emphasizes natural caffeine, low sugar, and functional ingredients, aiming to win over Gen Z and Millennial consumers with both performance and personality. Portnoy’s involvement brings built-in audience reach and media visibility out of the gate.
Spindrift Brings in Athlete Investors with Patricof & Co
Spindrift, the real fruit sparkling water brand, has partnered with Patricof & Co to bring in a new class of athlete investors. Known for connecting pro athletes with high-growth private companies, Patricof’s involvement hints at a broader cultural play for Spindrift—using athlete-backed advocacy to boost both credibility and distribution reach.
Mizkan Acquires Zing Zang Cocktail Mix Brand
Mizkan America, the U.S. arm of the Japan-based condiment and sauce company, has acquired Zing Zang, a leading cocktail mixer brand. The deal expands Mizkan’s position in U.S. beverage mixers, giving it access to a well-known consumer brand with strong grocery and bar presence.
What This Means for the CPG Industry
This week’s CPG news underscores how lines are blurring—between cannabis and traditional beverages, between performance and celebrity, between local brands and global scale.
The launch of Beau Vivá shows that the non-alc movement continues to attract serious players, and they’re not interested in being treated like second-tier options. They’re building beautiful products meant to stand side by side with premium wine and spirits.
Meanwhile, Rythm entering the THC drinks category is more than a new SKU—it’s a signal that established cannabis brands see drinks as a viable growth lever. And they’re investing accordingly.
On the branding side, Quinn and PHX both reflect the next generation of consumer expectation: transparency, function, and personality. And with names like Dave Portnoy and top-tier athletes stepping in as investors, distribution is no longer the only moat—audience access matters just as much.
For hiring managers, this is where product meets momentum. New verticals, new ownership, and new audiences all demand experienced leadership—especially in brand, ops, and growth strategy. If you’re scaling or rebranding, this is the market signal you’ve been waiting for.
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