Linda Becker

2 weeks ago | vendingmarketwatch.com | Linda Becker

Buffalo Rock Co., the Birmingham, Ala.-based Pepsi and Keurig Dr Pepper bottler, sold its full-line vending operations to Canteen North America in April. All or parts of 10 of Buffalo Rock’s 14 franchise sales center locations will be added to Five Star Breaktime Solutions’ base of business. The remaining business will be split between associated local Canteen partners.

2 weeks ago | vendingmarketwatch.com | Linda Becker

Buffalo Rock is the nation’s largest single-family, privately owned Pepsi and Keurig Dr Pepper bottler and has been family-owned for nearly 125 years. Established as the Alabama Grocery Co. in 1901, Buffalo Rock released its flagship ginger ale in 1906 and opened its first full-scale bottling plant in 1922. Years later, the company added full-line vending and other food services to its portfolio, including its first micro market in 2012.

4 weeks ago | vendingmarketwatch.com | Linda Becker

Organic farmer-owned cooperative Organic Valley has selected Shawna Nelson as the cooperative’s fourth CEO, effective today. Nelson has extensive experience at the organic farming coop, having started as an intern and worked in the organization for 20 years. During her tenure, she served in roles in marketing, sales analysis, recruitment, employee relations, field operations and dairy pool management. Nelson succeeds Jeff Frank, who leaves to assume the CEO role at Monogram Foods.

1 month ago | vendingmarketwatch.com | Linda Becker

Seeing an opportunity in consumers’ demands for high protein and functional beverages, Brevel Ltd. and Central Bottling Co. will work together to develop functional beverages and dairy alternatives containing Brevel’s microalgae protein and oils. CBC Group is Israel’s largest beverage company and the national franchiser of such global brands as Coca-Cola, Carlsberg and Muller. CBC also has a strong presence in Eastern Europe and South Africa/MENA region.

1 month ago | vendingmarketwatch.com | Linda Becker

As U.S. convenience stores seek new ways to drive sales beyond fuel and tobacco, functional beverages like Poppi are entering the mix. In early 2024, 7-Eleven began stocking the trendy prebiotic soda — soon to see a further brand boost with PepsiCo’s recent acquisition announcement. The functional beverage’s push could signal a potential shift in how C-stores approach health-conscious consumers, says one analyst.