BevNET's Best of 2013 Awards

BevNET.com's Best of 2013

Whereas added functionality -- often in the form of energy or health and wellness benefits -- has been a key driver of innovation over the past decade, 2013 represented a turning point for the beverage industry in which the most dynamic new brands highlighted natural functionality and flavors. And for the 16 winners of BevNET's Best of 2013 awards, it wasn't so much about what was added, it was about presenting beverages in their most natural form, particularly as consumers pay greater attention to total calories, and grow more wary of artificial ingredients, sweeteners.

From our perspective, the majority of significant and disruptive innovation came from natural beverage categories, with cold-pressed juices, coconut water and kombucha drinks representing many of the most visible new product introductions that we saw in 2013. And while the beverage industry saw a boom in the number of Sparkling ICE-style product launches, there was little true or sustainable innovation in the market for zero-calorie, artificially sweetened, carbonated waters.

With a spate of innovative, polished and well-executed products launching in 2013, judging this year's BevNET's Best of was perhaps the toughest task we've had in the 11 years of awards. Nevertheless, we are pleased to present what we believe are the top new brands in the beverage industry, and on a path to lead their respective categories for years to come.

 

Product of the Year
Suja
Person of the Year
Kevin Klock, CEO, Talking Rain
Best Functional Beverage
Health-Ade
Best Enhanced Water
Balance Water
Best Energy Drink or Shot
Monster Zero Ultra
Best Tea or Tea-Based
Harmless Harvest 100% Raw Tea
Best Non-Carbonated Beverage
Califia Farms Almond Milk
Best Smoothie or Meal Replacement
Suja Elements
Best Coffee or Coffee-Based
Coco Cafe
Best Juice or Juice-Based
Project Fresh
Best Carbonated Beverage
Motto
Best Mix, Concentrate or Powder
Chameleon Cold Brew
Best Product Revamp
Live Kombucha Soda
Best Packaging Design
FOUND Beverages
Best Packaging Innovation
Vita Coco Kids
Best Marketing Campaign
“Drink Up” Initiative