TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- PBEV LLC, which makes Killer Buzz (KLR BZ) energy drinks and ready-to-drink iced coffees, is expanding its management team and distribution network.
David Britton, formerly of Izze, Adina and Brown Forman, has been appointed as vice president of sales. Phillip Gates, formerly of Quaker Oats, PepsiCo and Celestial Seasonings, has joined the team as national director of convenience store sales. Krista Van Wart, formerly of Dora's Naturals and Sysco, and Monti VanBrunt, formerly of Pepsi Bottling Group and EAS, join the team as territory development managers in New York City and Texas, respectively. Rounding out the team are Daniel Williams and Josh Tuning, who have experience at Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors, respectively.
"We are very excited how the team is shaping up, and they are the reason Killer Buzz is already ahead of our targets for 2013", said Barbara Friedman, COO. "It took a little bit of time to get the structure right, and we are confident we have the right people in the right positions at the right time with the right leadership."
Killer Buzz is currently distributed in 30 U.S. markets by independent Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors, Coca Cola and Dr Pepper Snapple Group distributors mainly in the Southeast and Midwest.
The company recently added Exclusive Beverage Distributors, which has 20 years of experience specializing in natural, healthy, organic, upscale beverages and snacks, to distribute Killer Buzz in the New York City region. Its business specialty is complemented by extensive experience in brand building, including helping to build brands like Vita Coco and Hint.
Killer Buzz Energy Drink is owned and operated by the privately held PBEV, Tuscaloosa, Ala., Alabama. KLR BZ's Dragon Spit, Livid and Hybrid flavors join Proto and Zilch to complete the KLR BZ lineup. The company recently launched RTD Iced Coffee, Mocha Madness, Luscious Latte and Hypnotic Hazelnut. All flavors of KLR BZ contain the functionality of the original, named Proto, including Giant Hornet Amino Acids (GHAA), a blend of 17 amino acids. GHAA contains nine out of the 10 essential amino acids essential to life. Killer Buzz is also available in 8.4-oz. cans and three-gallon bag in the box for on-premise.
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