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Spiceology Holds Golden Tongs Sweepstakes for Barbecue Month

Spiceology is kicking off National Barbecue Month with its first Golden Tongs Sweepstakes. Known for its innovative spice blends and barbecue rubs, Spiceology is giving three lucky flavor fans a chance to create a BBQ blend worthy of joining the ranks of the Spiceology ‘Grill Greats’ such as Derek WolfChristie Vanover and Chad White.

Through May 31, any purchase made directly from Spiceology.com will automatically enter customers into the sweepstakes. Fans can also enter by sending their name, address, and phone number to goldentongs@spiceology.com, with entries limited to one per person.

Taking a page out of Willy Wonka’s playbook, the sweepstakes will grant the winners a pair of golden BBQ tongs and a trip to Spokane, Wash., to tour the Spiceology flavor factory and formulate their own Spiceology BBQ blend.

“The Spiceology community is enthusiastic and ever growing, and we wanted to do something to bring our fans even closer to the brand,” said Tony Reed, senior director of innovation and partnerships. “What better way to continue growing our connection to the community than immersing them in our world and getting a few lucky fans into the lab to see where and how all of the magic happens? Spiceology is a beloved brand, and we have our customers, fans and community to thank for that.”

Winners will work with Chef Tony Reed and Derek Wolf, Spiceology collaborator and the grill great behind the social phenomenon @overthefirecooking.

“Flavor innovation is at the core of our company,” said Chip Overstreet, president and CEO. “Our unique flavor combinations, like Smoky Honey Habanero and Black & Bleu, are what makes us a fan favorite. We’re excited to share the creative experience with our community and see what flavors and ingredient combinations they come up with.”

Following the trip to Spiceology’s headquarters in Spokane, each winner’s blend will be judged by the roster of Spiceology Collaborators, including award-winning pitmaster Christie Vanover, Burger Aficionado Chef Alvin Cailan, television celebrities and grilling experts The Grill Dads, Top Chef Chad White and more. One delicious blend will be chosen as the ‘Golden Tongs Blend’ and sold on Spiceology.com as a limited-time offering during the holidays.

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Beyoncé Headlines Investors in $31M Fundraising for Lemon Perfect Enhanced Water

Lemon Perfect, a fast-rising hydrating lemon water brand in the enhanced water category, raised $31 million in Series A funding from an influential network of investors across food and beverage, media, music, sports and entertainment headlined by internationally celebrated award-winning artist and entrepreneur Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

Lemon Perfect Founder and CEO Yanni Hufnagel says the company will use the funding to help scale the brand to more than 40,000 points of distribution by the end of 2022.

“Lemon Perfect is quickly taking significant market share from the leading brands in the enhanced water category by offering a better-for-you, better-tasting product that’s resonating broadly with the American consumer,” Hufnagel said. “We are honored and humbled that Beyoncé has become a part of the Lemon Perfect family. She is a worldwide icon whose talent, character, and positivity are unsurpassed. Her investment and the energy it sparks will accelerate Lemon Perfect’s rise toward its goal of becoming the number one brand in the multibillion-dollar enhanced water category by market share.”

“I don’t typically enjoy drinks without added sugar, but Lemon Perfect is delicious,” said Knowles-Carter. “It was an easy decision to invest in something that not only tastes great and is healthy, but also, and most importantly, allows choosing a healthier lifestyle to be affordable and accessible to everyone.”

In 2021, Lemon Perfect quadrupled revenue, and the company projects greater than 100% revenue growth in 2022.

“Lemon Perfect has found product-market fit in a hyper-competitive category, and we are thrilled to support their growth,” said Phillip Sarofim, Trousdale Ventures founder and CEO. “We believe they can disrupt an American beverage ecosystem still dominated by high-calorie, high-sugar options and democratize drinkable wellness.”

The financing brings Lemon Perfect’s total funding to $42.2 million and total valuation to over $100 million in fewer than three years from the company’s selling its first bottle.

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Flow Beverage, Accor Partner to End Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles in Hotels

Flow Beverage Corp. has reached an agreement with Accor for Flow Alkaline Spring Water to become Accor’s official water partner in its North and Central America luxury hotels. The vendor agreement is intended to replace all single-use plastic water bottles across Accor’s properties in the region with Flow water.

A world leading hospitality group with more than 5,300 properties in 110 countries, Accor is the second largest luxury hotel operator in North America. Beginning in April, Flow products will be launched at more than 70 luxury hotel properties under such globally renowned brands as Fairmont and Sofitel, across Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico, Bermuda and Barbados.

Flow products will support Accor’s notable sustainability initiatives, including its commitment to remove all single-use plastics from the guest experience. Flow is B Corporation certified and operates as carbon neutral, aligning with Accor’s commitment to industry-leading sustainability standards.

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