Los Angeles, CA - April 16, 2012
Oatworks® Debuts Deliciously Smooth Oat and Fruit
Smoothies
The much anticipated launch of Oatworks®, an oat and fruit
smoothie sold in a single-serve, 10.8 ounce bottle, will begin in
Boston and San Francisco this month with inaugural DSD partners
Blue Coast Beverage and DBI Beverage, Inc. The kick-off
features three smoothie flavors: Pomegranate & Blueberry,
Strawberry & Banana and Mango & Peach. Each flavor is
made from 100% real fruit juice and puree. The drinks have no
added sugar and contain PromOat™, a proprietary soluble oat fiber
ingredient from Sweden which captures the natural benefits of beta
glucan, the healthiest part of the oat. Oatworks® is the
easiest way for consumers to enjoy the natural goodness of oatmeal
with a deliciously smooth taste and texture.
Each bottle of Oatworks® oat and fruit smoothie contains
essential vitamins and minerals in addition to two grams of soluble
fiber, equivalent to approximately two bowls of oatmeal. The
oat beta glucan in Oatworks® smoothies delivers the well-known
health benefits of oatmeal in a convenient and easy-to-enjoy
format, helping to lower LDL cholesterol, keep hunger at bay,
ensure the digestive system is functioning healthily and release
energy steadily over time. Perfect as a snack, a meal, or on the
go, the reason is, as Oatworks® proudly boasts: "Because Oats
Work™."
Founded by a group of beverage entrepreneurs and food
scientists, formulation and branding was led by First Beverage
Group. Said First Beverage's Managing Partner, Tom First,
"Oatworks® speaks to consumer demand for healthy and functional
oat-based products. Our strong brand name and clean packaging
will create an exciting new opportunity for consumers and
retailers."
For more information, please visit www.oatworks.com or email social@oatworks.com.
***
About Oatworks
Oatworks is produced by Biovelop, a Swedish company that has
developed PromOat™ using locally-sourced, non-genetically-modified
oats. Biovelop's patented separation method is free of chemicals,
resulting in pure, natural ingredients that are full of healthy
goodness. PromOat™ is the only clean-label, gluten-free
soluble fiber derived from oats. Oat beta glucan actively
helps to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular
disease. It is a low Glycemic Index (GI), prebiotic
ingredient with applications ranging from weight management to
improved digestive health to enhanced energy uptake. Supplied as a
white, taste-neutral powder, PromOat is also a functional
ingredient which adds body to smoothies and fruit juices and can be
used as a low-fat emulsifier for healthy dressings, sauces and
mayonnaises.
About First Beverage Group
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial services firm
dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry. First
Beverage focuses on providing growth solutions to leading operators
in all segments of the beverage industry through a comprehensive
range of products, including growth capital for emerging beverage
brands, investment banking, and value-added consulting services.
Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Boston, New York, and
Portland, the First Beverage team has over 200 years of experience
in the beverage industry. For more information, please visit
the company's website, www.firstbev.com.
Los Angeles, CA - April 3, 2012
Purity.Organic Juices off to Fresh Start in the Northeast
Purity.Organic has completed a packaging refresh and has
re-launched its juice line in a 16.9-ounce bottle, beginning in the
northeastern U.S. The refresh includes two new flavors: Grapeade
and Orange Mango Paradise. In addition, the San Francisco-based
produce and juice company is rolling out a new 12-ounce line: 100%
Apple Juice, 100% Orange Juice, and Cranberry Cocktail. Leading the
DSD charge in New York City is new distribution partner Big Geyser,
which has seeded the brand into key accounts in all five boroughs,
Long Island, and Westchester County in addition to existing anchor
accounts like Whole Foods Market and Duane Reade. In Boston, Blue
Coast Beverage has partnered with Purity to distribute the line of
nine juices. Rounding out the current northeast network is Bayside
Beverage in Rhode Island. The company plans to continue its
expansion in the New England and New Jersey DSD network.
"Purity is excited to work with such professional and
enthusiastic distributors in the Northeast," commented
Purity.Organic VP of Sales, Dave Minnick. "Each has quickly grown
the account base and consumer awareness of our delicious organic
juices."
The new label, bottle, and flavors have received praise from
distributors and customers. Working with its advisors at First
Beverage Group, Purity's investment partner, the company has
developed a new 16.9-ounce bottle boasting a larger label with a
slightly contemporized logo. The iconic "fruit grid" that Purity
bottles have come to be known for remains present, but the three
rows have been reduced to two in order to make the hand-painted
fruit illustrations more prominent, highlighting the fact that the
juice comes from organic fruit.
For more info on distribution or partnership opportunities
contact Purity.Organic at info@purityorganic.com.
***
About Purity.Organic
Founded by Greg Holzman, Purity.Organic is the brand
created by Pacific Organic Produce, one of the largest and most
diverse organic tree fruit marketers in America. Operating for over
15 years, the company works to make healthier food available to
Americans while contributing to the flourishing of organic farms,
the enrichment of our soils, the protection of farm workers from
harmful pesticides and the support of more intact ecosystems. For
more information, please visit the company's website, www.purityorganic.com.
About First Beverage Group
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial services
firm dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry. First Beverage
focuses on providing growth solutions to leading operators in all
segments of the beverage industry through a comprehensive range of
products, including investment funds for growth capital,
value-added consulting services, and investment banking.
Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Boston, New York, and
Portland, the First Beverage team has over 200 years of experience
in the beverage industry. For more information, please visit the
company's website, www.firstbev.com.
Los Angeles, CA - July 22, 2011
First Beverage Group Makes Investment in Purity Organic™
First Beverage Group today announced that it has made an
investment in Purity Organic, the San Francisco-based emerging
juice company founded by Greg Holzman. This investment by the
First Beverage team will allow Purity Organic to tell its story in
a bigger way and to continue to expand its current distribution
footprint.
"Purity Organic is a brand that we have admired for several
years and we're thrilled to now be their partner," said Tom First,
First Beverage's Managing Director and co-founder of the nationally
renowned juice company, Nantucket Nectars. "Like Nantucket
Nectars, the brand is built on a great quality product and a
wonderful story. The success that Purity Organic has had in a
small number of markets shows that it has the potential to be a
very large brand."
"I knew from my initial conversations with First Beverage that
partnering with Tom First and the rest of the First Beverage team
was the right choice for Purity Organic, the brand, for me, and for
the whole Purity Organic team," said Holzman.
"We are excited about this opportunity to invest in the
outstanding brand Greg has created," said Bill Anderson, Founder
and CEO of First Beverage Group. "We look forward to bringing
to Purity Organic the combined expertise of the First Beverage
team, in particular that of our in-house juice guy, Tom
First. We are certain Purity Organic has a big future in the
beverage business."
***
About First Beverage Group
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial services firm
dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry. First
Beverage focuses on providing growth solutions to leading operators
in all segments of the beverage industry through a comprehensive
range of products, including private equity; M&A advisory;
strategic and operational consulting; and real estate capital
through sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions.
Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, Boston, New
York, Portland, and St. Louis, the First Beverage team has over 200
years of experience in the beverage industry. For more
information, please visit the company's website, www.firstbev.com.
About Purity Organic
Founded by Greg Holzman, Purity Organic is the brand created by
Pacific Organic Produce, one of the largest and most diverse
organic tree fruit marketers in America. Operating for over
15 years, the company works to make healthier food available to
Americans while contributing to the flourishing of organic farms,
the enrichment of our soils, the protection of farm workers from
harmful pesticides and the support of more intact ecosystems.
Purity Organic is currently distributed in San Francisco, New York
and Los Angeles by national and regional retailers, including
Safeway, Kroger and Whole Foods.
Los Angeles, CA - May 9, 2011
First Beverage Group Hires Investment Banker Townsend
Ziebold
First Beverage Group today announced that it has hired Townsend
Ziebold as Managing Partner. Ziebold will be responsible for
further developing the Company's investment banking practice,
including its mergers and acquisitions advisory
business.
"Townsend brings an unparalleled level of Wall Street deal
making experience and a unique combination of M&A and private
equity skills to our efforts to build a premier investment banking
firm dedicated to the beverage industry," said Bill Anderson,
founder and CEO of First Beverage Group. "As Sean McLaren and
John O'Connor have done for our distributor and importer M&A
group, Townsend will bring a specialized focus on supplier
M&A. Townsend will also play an important role in our
private equity investments in early-stage beverage
brands."
Ziebold has over 25 years of experience in investment banking
and private equity at The First Boston Corporation, Wasserstein
Perella & Co., and Wasserstein & Co. He
has completed over $40 billion in mergers and acquisitions advisory
assignments, and as a principal investor over 30 private equity
investments, ranging from leveraged buyouts and growth equity to
venture capital. In this capacity, Ziebold was also a former
director and non-executive chairman of Imax Corporation, a leading
large-screen film projection company, and a former director of two
other public companies, Collins & Aikman Corporation, a $2
billion automotive components company, and Maybelline, Inc., a
leading mass market cosmetics manufacturer. He received his
B.A. in Economics from Trinity College and his M.B.A. from the
Stanford School of Business.
"I am very excited to be joining First Beverage Group," said
Ziebold. "The combination of its deep team of industry
experts with its full range of products from early to mid-stage
private equity, consulting, private placements and mergers and
acquisitions advisory services, makes it a compelling platform to
serve the needs of its beverage industry clients. I am
looking forward to bringing my experience as both an investment
banker and private equity investor to First Beverage to build one
of the premier financial service firms servicing the beverage
industry."
Ziebold will head First Beverage's New York office. He can
be reached at townsend@firstbev.com.
***
About First Beverage Group
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial services firm
dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry. First
Beverage focuses on providing growth solutions to leading operators
in all segments of the beverage industry through a comprehensive
range of products, including private equity; M&A advisory;
strategic and operational consulting; and real estate capital
through sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions.
Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, Boston, New
York, Portland, and St. Louis, the First Beverage team has over 200
years of experience in the beverage industry. For more
information, please visit the company's website,
www.firstbev.com.
Los Angeles, CA - April 25, 2011
JB Shireman Joins First Beverage Group
First Beverage Group today announced that JB Shireman has joined
the company as Vice President of The Beverage Intelligence
Group. Shireman, who is widely known in the beverage industry
as a leading expert in the operations and culture of craft beer
companies, brings his specialized knowledge to the growing team of
experts at First Beverage.
"A key strength of our business is our ability to attract and
retain the industry's best talent," said Joth Ricci, Chief
Operating Officer of First Beverage Group. "Bill Anderson and
I have worked with JB in various capacities over the last 10 years,
so it seemed a natural fit to ask him to join our team. JB's
expertise in craft beer brings yet another dimension of value to
our current and potential clients, whether they seek to launch a
new craft brand, grow market share, or develop new business in that
category. We are very happy to welcome him on board."
Shireman's experience in the beer industry spans 24 years.
He is the former Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing
for New Belgium Brewing, the makers of Fat Tire Ale. He is also the
founder and owner of the Bar Double S Tavern in LaPorte, Colorado,
and of Craftcentric Consulting, which provides full-service
consultation to beverage distributors and suppliers. He
attended Colorado State University, where he majored in zoology and
minored in geology. Shireman is also a freelance writer for
The Drake and Fish & Fly magazines and is a
regular Contributor to Craft Brew News and Beer
Business Daily.
"I have worked with Bill Anderson since my early days at New
Belgium and I have been continually impressed over the years by the
depth of experience and diversity of the team he has assembled at
First Beverage," said Shireman. "I am honored to have been
asked to be a part of it."
Shireman will be based in Ft. Collins, CO and can be reached at
jb@firstbev.com.
***
About First Beverage Group
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial services firm
dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry. First
Beverage focuses on providing growth solutions to leading operators
in all segments of the beverage industry through a comprehensive
range of products, including private equity; M&A advisory;
strategic and operational consulting; and real estate capital
through sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions.
Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, Boston,
Portland and St. Louis, the First Beverage team has over 200 years
of experience in the beverage industry. For more information,
please visit the company's website, www.firstbev.com.
Los Angeles, CA - April 18, 2011
First Beverage Group Hires Tom First
First Beverage Group today announced that Tom First has joined
the company as Co-Managing Director of its strategic consulting
division, The Beverage Intelligence Group and First Beverage
Ventures, the company's venture capital arm which focuses on making
equity investments in emerging beverage brands. First joins
Bill Anderson and Joth Ricci as part of the leadership team
dedicated to providing specialized consulting and growth equity to
the beverage industry.
"Tom First is the consummate beverage entrepreneur who knows how
to grow great brands from the ground up," said Bill Anderson,
Chairman & CEO of First Beverage Group. "Tom's passion
for the industry and knowledge of authentic brand development and
distribution strategy will provide an unparalleled pipeline of
ideas and innovation to our clients. I could not be more
pleased to have him as a partner."
First is a serial entrepreneur who most recently founded owater,
the Massachusetts-based healthy sports drink company which makes
three product lines that are distributed nationally in chain and
independent grocery stores. Prior to owater, First co-founded
Nantucket Nectars, a natural fruit juice company that he and
partner Tom Scott developed and originally sold from their boat, a
floating convenience store in Nantucket Harbor. Today, the
brand is carried by retailers in 48 states. It was sold to
Cadbury Schweppes in 2002. First graduated from Brown
University in 1989.
"I am thrilled to be joining First Beverage Group," said
First. "Bill and Joth have created a team of people with
unique talents and deep industry knowledge and I hope to add yet
another valuable dimension to that mix. Working with emerging
brands and budding entrepreneurs has been one of the most rewarding
parts of my career since we sold Nantucket Nectars and I'm excited
to continue that work as a part of First Beverage."
"We hope the addition of Tom to the First Beverage team signals
to our current and future clients that we are absolutely committed
to providing unmatched service to growing beverage businesses
across all sectors of the industry," added Joth Ricci, Chief
Operating Officer of First Beverage Group. "Tom exemplifies
the type of high-level talent that is becoming synonymous with the
First Beverage name, and we are excited about the value-add his
experience brings to our business."
First will establish a Boston office for First Beverage and can
be reached at tom@firstbev.com.
***
About First Beverage Group
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial services firm
dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry. First
Beverage focuses on providing growth solutions to leading operators
in all segments of the beverage industry through a comprehensive
range of products, including private equity; M&A advisory;
strategic and operational consulting; and real estate capital
through sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions.
Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, St. Louis,
Phoenix Portland, Seattle, and Boston, the First Beverage team has
over 200 years of experience in the beverage industry. For
more information, please visit the company's website, www.firstbev.com.
Los Angeles, CA - March 4, 2011
First Beverage Group Hires Josh Groff
First Beverage Group today announced that it has hired a new
Associate, Josh Groff, for its new strategic consulting division,
The Beverage Intelligence Group (BIG). Groff will report to
the company's Chief Operating Officer, Joth Ricci, for the second
time in his career. He previously worked for Ricci as Brand
Manager when the two were at Jones Soda Company.
"We are very glad to have Josh on board," said Ricci. "One
of First Beverage's primary strengths is our ability to attract top
talent, and with the addition of each new member to our team comes
another unique set of skills. Josh's industry
experience, gained by working with brands such as Starbucks, Jones
Soda and Miller Brewing, will add significant value to the First
Beverage family of companies."
"I am excited to be a part of the innovative team at First
Beverage," said Groff. "The unique capabilities they bring to
the beverage segment create best-in-class services and provide
continued growth opportunities for operators."
Groff comes to First Beverage from Starbucks Coffee Company,
where he was a Product Manager responsible for launching Starbucks
VIA® Ready Brew into the food, drug, mass and club channels.
Prior to that, he worked at Jones Soda Company as a Brand Manager
in charge of re-branding the core Jones Soda line and was
responsible for market analysis, packaging refresh, SKU
rationalization and go-to-market strategy. He has also worked
as a Marketing Finance Associate with Miller Brewing Company and as
a Program Coordinator with Burton Snowboards. Groff has a BA
in Finance from the University of Washington and a Certificate of
International Business Studies from Aoyama Gakuin University in
Tokyo.
***
About First Beverage Group
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial services firm
dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry. First
Beverage focuses on providing growth solutions to leading operators
in all segments of the beverage industry through a comprehensive
range of products, including private equity; M&A advisory;
strategic and operational consulting; and real estate capital
through sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions.
Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, St. Louis,
Phoenix and Portland, the First Beverage team has over 200 years of
experience in the beverage industry. For more information,
please visit the company's website, www.firstbev.com.
Los Angeles, CA - January 20, 2011
Joth Ricci Appointed Chief Operating Officer of First Beverage
Group
First Beverage Group today announced that it has appointed Joth
Ricci to the position of Chief Operating Officer. Ricci's new
role at the parent company level will entail increased involvement
with the day-to-day operations at the company, as well as the
development of the company's new emerging brands incubator fund and
its new strategic consulting division, The Beverage Intelligence
Group (BIG).
"Joth brings an outstanding array of talents to our team and a
great breadth of knowledge in and passion for the beverage
industry," said Bill Anderson, Founder and CEO of First Beverage
Group. "From his experience at Columbia Distributing and
Jones Soda, he has a unique understanding of the importance of
distribution strategies, retail execution and brand development.
Since joining our team in 2010, he has contributed
significant operational expertise to our portfolio companies,
including Activate and Thomas Kemper. I'm certain he'll
provide superior operational and strategic guidance for us at the
parent company going forward, along with leadership of BIG and our
incubator fund."
Regarding the responsibility he will assume in the development
of BIG, Ricci said, "We are extremely pleased with the feedback we
have been receiving from the industry in response to this new
product offering. BIG was conceived in response to our
clients' need for a partner to help them navigate the many critical
and complicated decisions involved in running a successful beverage
operation. Our goal through BIG will be to provide hands-on
advisory to beverage companies by utilizing our team's many years
of multi-faceted industry experience, along with the resources of
our subsidiaries and partners."
"Whether our clients need real estate services, financial
advisory, capital solutions, go-to-market planning, brand
development, market roll-out, general industry advice, or a
combination of these services, First Beverage is now positioned to
be the financial and intellectual services provider of choice to
the beverage industry," added Ricci.
Ricci joined First Beverage in April of 2010, immediately
following his departure from his position of President and CEO of
Jones Soda Company, a publicly-traded beverage company known for
its unique marketing, flavor and product portfolio. He is the
former General Manager of Columbia Distributing Company, a
20-million-case, multi-category beverage distributor in the Pacific
Northwest, a position he earned after serving in several senior
management positions across the company's beer, wine and
non-alcoholic business platforms. Ricci also spent nearly a
decade in various sales and marketing management positions outside
of the beverage industry with McNeil Consumer Healthcare/Johnson
& Johnson. He is a graduate of Oregon State University
with a B.S. in business education.
***
About First Beverage Group
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial services firm
dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry. First
Beverage focuses on providing growth solutions to leading operators
in all segments of the beverage industry through a comprehensive
range of products, including private equity; M&A advisory;
strategic and operational consulting; and real estate capital
through sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions.
Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, St. Louis,
Phoenix and Portland, the First Beverage team has over 200 years of
experience in the beverage industry. For more information,
please visit the company's website, www.firstbev.com.
Los Angeles, CA - December 22, 2010
Tata Global Beverage Acquires Additional Stake in
Activate™
First Beverage Group today announced that Tata Global Beverages,
the world's second largest tea company and owner of some of North
America's most well-known beverage brands, including Tetley Tea and
Eight O'Clock Coffee, has acquired a majority of First Beverage
Group's shares in the functional water company, Activate™.
The move follows Tata's commitment in October 2010 of $21 million
in growth capital to Activate. First Beverage made its
initial investment in Activate in June, 2009 and the company will
maintain a significant stake in Activate, along with The Tornante
Company, the Eisner family and several key industry partners.
"We're extremely proud to make this next transition with Tata, who
will serve as an excellent beverage industry partner for Activate's
growth going forward," said Bill Anderson, Founder and Chairman of
First Beverage. "Tata will bring a range of strategic and long-term
solutions to the company which will help accelerate Activate's
broader brand development. Between Tata, the Eisner family
and Dan Holland and his team, the Activate brand is extremely
well-positioned to succeed in the marketplace."
Peter Unsworth, Group CEO of Tata Global Beverages said "We have
ambitious growth plans and a vision to become the leader in the
'good for you' beverage sector. This investment is a further step
on our strategic journey to bring brands and products to consumers
that meet their health & wellness, convenience and
sustainability needs."
***
About Activate™
In 2007, the founders of The Rising Beverage Company, LLC, doing
business as Activate, helped develop a new approach to getting
vitamins into drinks. Activate employs a unique and patented design
in which vitamins and nutrients are stored as powder in a chamber
inside the cap. When the cap is twisted, the chamber opens,
allowing the fresh ingredients to drop into the water below.
Activate offers a convenient way to get a healthy dose of the
nutrients your body needs. For more information, please visit
www.activatedrinks.com.
About First Beverage Group
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial services firm
dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry. First
Beverage focuses on providing growth solutions to leading operators
in all segments of the beverage industry through a comprehensive
range of products, including private equity; M&A advisory;
strategic and operational consulting; and real estate capital
through sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions.
Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, St. Louis,
Phoenix and Portland, the First Beverage team has over 200 years of
experience in the beverage industry. For more information,
please visit the company's website, www.firstbev.com.
About Tata Global Beverages
Tata Global Beverages is a global beverage business and the
world's second largest tea company. The group's annual turnover is
$1.5billion and it employs around 3,000 people in over 40 countries
worldwide. The company focuses on 'good for you' beverages and has
a stable of innovative regional and global beverage brands,
including: Tata Tea, Tetley, Himalayan natural mineral water, Good
Earth and Eight O'clock coffee. For more information, please
visit www.tataglobalbeverages.com.
About The Tornante Company
Founded in 2005 by Michael Eisner, The Tornante Company is a
privately held company that invests in, acquires, and operates
companies in media and entertainment. Tornante's companies include
Activate, The Topps Company, Inc., Vuguru, Diversion, and Tornante
Animation.
Los Angeles, CA - September 29, 2010
First Beverage Group Announces Strategic Partnership With Bump
Williams Consulting
First Beverage Group today announced that it has formed a
strategic partnership with Bump Williams Consulting, one of the
nation's foremost beverage industry research and analysis firms,
through which the companies will share critical resources including
intellectual capital, industry expertise and contacts, and
consultation capabilities. The alliance will significantly enhance
the services offered by both firms and will allow the companies to
provide diverse strategic solutions to their clients in the
retailer, importer, financial institution, supplier, and wholesaler
sectors.
"I have always respected Bill Anderson and the work that his
team performs for this industry. It is an honor for my company to
be able to collaborate with First Beverage, particularly in this
time of unprecedented and exciting change in the beverage alcohol
industry. The combination of our two companies' personnel and
expertise will make each of our firms stronger and of greater value
to our clients. I am looking forward to continuing to expand my
presence in this industry and I think that First Beverage will be
an excellent partner with which to work."
"Bump Williams is the preeminent source of knowledge and
analysis for all things beverage. He provides his clients with a
deeper understanding of how and why beverages work at both
wholesale and retail, and he brings a great passion for the
beverage industry in everything he does," said Bill Anderson, CEO
of First Beverage Group. "We couldn't be more excited about this
partnership, which we know will positively impact our clients and
our entire team."
***
Bump Williams is a 30-year veteran of the consumer packaged
goods industry. He opened his consulting firm in 2008 after serving
for 16 years as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of
Information Resources, Inc.'s global consulting division. Williams
created IRI's Beverage-Alcohol Industry Vertical in 1999 and has
worked with industry leaders including Anheuser-Busch,
Constellation Wines US, DG Yuengling Company, Diageo, EJ Gallo,
Pernod-Ricard, Pabst Brewing Company, The Boston Beer Company,
FEMSA, Crown Imports and virtually every major craft brewer in the
United States. His responsibilities also included the management of
IRI's Global Beverage customers at the retailer, distributor and
manufacturer levels. Williams has also worked with The Procter
& Gamble Distributing Company, The A.C. Nielsen Company and The
New Belgium Brewing Company in roles that spanned field sales,
sales management, national accounts, sales analysis and retail
strategies.
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial firm dedicated
exclusively to the beverage industry. Services include debt, equity
and M&A advisory; private equity; and sale-leasebacks and
buy/build-to-suit transactions. Headquartered in Los Angeles with
offices in Atlanta, St. Louis, Phoenix and Portland, First Beverage
works with leading operators in all segments of the beverage
industry. For more information, please visit the company's website,
www.firstbev.com.
Los Angeles, CA - September 21, 2010
First Beverage Group to Present Seminar at NBWA
First Beverage Group will be presenting an educational seminar
on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 5th at the National Beer
Wholesalers Association's 73rd Annual Convention, which begins
October 3rd at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago.
Bill Anderson, Chairman & CEO of First Beverage Group, will
be joined by Sean McLaren and John O'Connor, Managing Directors of
First Beverage Financial, and Joth Ricci, Managing Director of
Operations of First Beverage Capital, in delivering a presentation
entitled "Has Your Company Game Plan Evolved Along With the Rest of
the Industry?" The First Beverage team will draw on its members'
diverse backgrounds and industry expertise to address game changing
topics that include broadening distributor portfolios, supplier
requirements, company governance, and capitalization.
"Over the course of our company's history we have been afforded
an uncommon opportunity to observe, from the operator's
perspective, the many changes to this industry that have in recent
years presented new and unusual challenges," said Anderson.
"Distributors are now more than ever confronted with the need to
make smarter portfolio and personnel decisions, address new
business opportunities, and take a hard look at the overall
structure of their businesses. Our team has a unique perspective
into the key challenges facing this industry and we will present
concrete solutions to match this new industry landscape."
To attend, please visit NBWA's website, www.nbwa.org, to
register for the convention and this educational seminar.
***
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial firm dedicated
exclusively to the beverage industry. Services include debt, equity
and M&A advisory; private equity; and sale-leasebacks and
buy/build-to-suit transactions. Headquartered in Los Angeles with
offices in Atlanta, St. Louis, Phoenix and Portland, First Beverage
works with leading operators in all segments of the beverage
industry. For more information, please visit the company's website,
www.firstbev.com, or call William S. Anderson, Chairman & CEO,
at 310-481-5101.
Los Angeles, CA - October 12, 2010
First Beverage Group Invests in Thomas Kemper Soda Company,
Joth Ricci to Join Board of Directors
Bill Anderson, Chairman and CEO of First Beverage Group, today
announced that the company has made an investment in the Thomas
Kemper Soda Company. In addition, Joth Ricci, Managing Director of
Operations of First Beverage Capital, will join Thomas Kemper's
Board of Directors. Ricci is the former President and Chief
Executive Officer of Jones Soda Company and the former general
manager of Pacific Northwest beverage distributor, Columbia
Distributing.
"The First Beverage team believes strongly in the opportunities
ahead for Thomas Kemper. Their new product plans along with
regional expansion provide a solid blueprint for the future," said
Anderson. "Our team is impressed by the existing product line,
including the Spiced Ginger Ale, Blood Orange, and other natural
flavors the company introduced over the past summer and we look
forward to helping them to expand their portfolio and distribution
footprint."
"I have long been a fan of this brand and I am honored by the
invitation to work with such an innovative team," said Ricci. "The
emerging brands space is an exciting one and I look forward to
working with Thomas Kemper as the company prepares to add an
all-natural soda to its platform."
"Joth is a welcome addition," said Bill Germano, CEO of Thomas
Kemper Soda Co. "His knowledge of brands, distribution, and the
national marketplace will be invaluable as we introduce new natural
sodas. We're pleased he has joined Thomas Kemper's Board and we are
looking forward to his contributions to our development."
"First Beverage and Joth bring new dimensions to Thomas Kemper,
including deep knowledge of the beverage business and the market
for financing growth," added Tal Johnson at Adventure Funds LLC.
"We share their outlook and approach for growing beverage brands
and businesses and look forward to working with them."
***
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial and advisory
firm dedicated to the beverage industry. Services include debt,
equity and M&A advisory; private equity and advisory; and real
estate sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions.
Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, St. Louis,
Phoenix and Portland, First Beverage works with leading operators
in all segments of the beverage industry. For more information,
please visit the company's website, www.firstbev.com.
Thomas Kemper Soda Co. is a privately-owned company that
produces classic and all-natural varieties of craft-brewed bottled
soda. The company got its start in the explosive microbrew scene of
1980's Seattle. Today, Thomas Kemper maintains the same Northwest
spirit at its Portland, Ore., headquarters and continues to bottle
its soda in small batches. Thomas Kemper products are available at
grocery stores, natural foods markets, finer retailers, and
restaurants throughout the Western U.S. with growing availability
across the rest of the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit
www.tksoda.com.
July 13, 2010
First Beverage Financial Announces Successful Buy-Side
Engagement: Southeast Beverage Company Purchases Kerr Wholesale
Company
Los Angeles, CA - July 13, 2010 - First
Beverage Financial is pleased to announce a successful buy-side
engagement. Southeast Beverage Company, a wholesaler of beer, wine
and non-alcoholic products located in southeast Ohio, purchased
Kerr Wholesale Company and Kerr Distributing Company. First
Beverage represented Southeast Beverage Company and acted as its
exclusive financial advisor on the transaction.
"Given that this transaction quadrupled my business size, First
Beverage's guidance was critical in all phases of the purchase
process. They helped me develop and validate my new business model,
create and present my plan to banks and suppliers, and negotiate
fair purchase terms," said Andy Phillips, President of Southeast
Beverage Company. "Their experience in the beverage industry
provided a level of comfort that was necessary to bring all parties
to the table and successfully complete a transaction that involved
many elements."
***
Southeast Beverage is a distributor of MillerCoors, craft and
imported beer brands, as well as wine and non-alcoholic beverages.
The company is family-owned and is headquartered in Athens,
Ohio.
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial firm dedicated
exclusively to the beverage industry. Services include
sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions; debt, equity
and M&A advisory; and private equity. Headquartered in Los
Angeles with offices in Atlanta, St. Louis, Phoenix and Portland,
First Beverage works with leading operators in all segments of the
beverage industry. For more information, please visit the company's
website, www.firstbev.com.
First Beverage Financial provides investment banking and debt
advisory services to beverage industry companies looking to raise
capital, merge, sell or acquire another business, or structure and
place complex financing. Its exclusive focus on the beverage
business, coupled with its team of knowledgeable, experienced
financial professionals with decades of beverage experience,
provides First Beverage with unparalleled insights into the
industry landscape.
May 14, 2010
Joth Ricci Joins Board of Directors of The Rising Beverage
Company
Los Angeles, CA - May 14, 2010 - First Beverage
Group today announced that Joth Ricci, Managing Director of
Operations of First Beverage Capital, will join the Board of
Directors of The Rising Beverage Company, the makers of
Activate.
"The addition of Joth to Activate's Board of Directors brings a
critical element to Activate's management team," said Dan Holland,
President of The Rising Beverage Company. "Activate is poised for
tremendous nationwide growth and Joth's very specialized experience
in this area will allow us to capitalize on our potential for
expansion."
"I look forward to working with Dan and the team on further
development of Activate," said Ricci. "The unique delivery system
combined with great taste and low calories provides an excellent
platform to build upon for today and the future. They are
developing a strong following in the Southwest region and we look
forward to expanding that to other parts of the country."
Activate is a vitamin-enhanced water product designed to solve
the problem of vitamins and nutrients losing their potency through
prolonged submersion in water. The company developed and patented a
unique solution in which vitamins are stored in dry powder form in
a special container within the lid, then released before
consumption. First Beverage made its initial investment in The
Rising Beverage Company in July, 2009. First Beverage's Bill
Anderson and Michael Wong also sit on The Rising Beverage Company
Board.
Ricci joined First Beverage Capital in April 2010, immediately
following his departure from Jones Soda Company, a publicly-traded
beverage company known for its unique marketing, flavor and product
portfolio. He is the former General Manager of Columbia
Distributing Company in the Pacific Northwest, a position he earned
after serving in several senior management positions across the
beer, wine and non-alcoholic business platforms. Ricci also spent
nearly a decade in various sales and marketing management positions
outside of the beverage industry with McNeil Consumer
Healthcare/Johnson & Johnson. He is a graduate of Oregon State
University with a B.S. in business education.
***
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial firm dedicated
exclusively to the beverage industry. Services include
sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions; debt, equity
and M&A advisory; and private equity. Headquartered in Los
Angeles with offices in Atlanta, St. Louis, Phoenix and Portland,
First Beverage works with leading operators in all segments of the
beverage industry. For more information, please visit the company's
website, www.firstbev.com.
May 5, 2010
First Beverage Financial Announces Successful Sell-Side
Engagement with Empire Distributors
Los Angeles, CA - May 5, 2010 - First Beverage
Financial, the investment banking division of First Beverage Group,
is pleased to announce a successful sell-side engagement. Kahn
Ventures, Inc., the parent company of Empire Distributors, Inc. and
Empire Distributors of North Carolina, Inc., has sold to McLane
Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. First
Beverage represented Kahn Ventures and acted as its exclusive
financial advisor on the transaction.
"We were certainly confident in First Beverage's experience and
contacts in the beverage industry," said David Kahn, President of
Empire Distributors, Inc. "They really listened to us and
understood our key issues as we considered the sale of our
70-year-old family business. First Beverage played a critical role
in this watershed event."
"The Kahn family has run a world-class operation for over 70
years, and they've now selected an extraordinary partner to carry
on their tradition of extraordinary commitment to their employees,
customers and suppliers," said William Anderson, Chairman of First
Beverage Group. "First Beverage was honored to advise Empire on
this transaction, and we look forward to watching Empire continue
to succeed in this industry for a long time to come."
Kahn Ventures and its subsidiaries are wholesale distributors of
distilled spirits, wine and beer in the states of Georgia and North
Carolina.
McLane is a $32 billion supply chain services leader, providing
grocery and foodservice supply chain solutions for thousand of
convenience stores, mass merchants, drug stores and military
locations, as well as thousands of chain restaurants throughout the
United States.
***
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial firm dedicated
exclusively to the beverage industry. Services include
sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions; debt, equity
and M&A advisory; and private equity. Headquartered in Los
Angeles with offices in Atlanta, St. Louis, Phoenix and Portland,
First Beverage works with leading operators in all segments of the
beverage industry. For more information, please visit the company's
website, www.firstbev.com.
First Beverage Financial provides investment banking and debt
advisory services to beverage industry companies looking to raise
capital, merge, sell or acquire another business, or structure and
place complex financing. Its exclusive focus on the beverage
business, coupled with its team of knowledgeable, experienced
financial professionals with decades of beverage experience,
provides First Beverage with unparalleled insights into the
industry landscape.
March 10, 2010
Joth Ricci to Join First Beverage Capital
Los Angeles, CA - March 10, 2010 - First
Beverage Group today announced that Joth Ricci, former President
and CEO of Jones Soda, will join the company's private equity
division, First Beverage Capital, as Managing Director of
Operations. Ricci will be responsible, along with Michael Wong, the
division's Managing Partner, to develop and manage the operations
and strategies of the firm's portfolio companies.
"Joth's wealth of experience will be a tremendous addition to
our team and our partners," said Bill Anderson, Chairman and CEO of
First Beverage. "I am confident that his sales, marketing and
distribution expertise will provide our portfolio companies with an
indispensable asset. We are delighted he has chosen to become a
part of our group."
"We are very excited about Joth joining our team," said Wong.
"He is an outstanding operator with significant experience in
beverage distribution as well as with growing beverage brands. Joth
will broaden the operational resources we offer to current and
prospective portfolio companies and will meaningfully enhance the
value of our investments."
"I am pleased to be joining such a great team," said Ricci.
"Bill and First Beverage have worked hard to put together a company
that has the potential to benefit all sectors of the beverage
business. I look forward to adding yet another dimension of value
to that proposition."
Prior to joining First Beverage, Ricci served as Jones Soda's
CEO since January of 2008 and as its President and CEO since May of
2009. He is the former General Manager of Columbia Distributing
Company in Portland, Oregon, a position he earned after serving as
the company's Vice President of Human Resources and Process
Improvement and as Regional Vice President of Sales &
Marketing. Ricci also spent nearly a decade in various sales and
marketing management positions with McNeil Consumer
Healthcare/Johnson & Johnson. He is a graduate of Oregon State
University with a BS in Business Education.
***
First Beverage Group is a full-service financial firm dedicated
exclusively to the beverage industry. Services include
sale-leasebacks and buy/build-to-suit transactions; debt, equity
and M&A advisory; and private equity. Headquartered in Los
Angeles with offices in Atlanta and St. Louis, First Beverage works
with leading operators in all segments of the beverage industry.
For more information, please visit the company's website, www.firstbev.com.
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