Diverse Beverage Innovation Recognized

From HPP juices to evolving forms of energy products, the non-alcoholic beverage industry is being lauded for innovation. Some of these companies have been showcased in lists recently assembled by Forbes and BrandInnovators.com, confirming the diverse roots of ready-to-drink beverage trail blazers.

Forbes listed:

  • KeVita, which provides “health-seeking consumers with a delicious, vitalizing, probiotic drink.” Founded by Chakra Earthsong Levy and Bill Moses, Forbes pointed out KeVita’s array of trendy characteristics: organic, non-GMO, gluten free, sparkling and probiotic. The story also said that at the end of 2012, KeVita was on pace to increase revenue by 100 percent compared to the previous year.
  • Muscle Milk, which is “making sports nutrition cool again.” Forbes writes that estimates of Muscle Milk sales have recently exceeded $200 million annually. The article said that this number represents seven times the sales figures of Gatorade Recovery.
  • Suja, “because not all juices are created equal.” These raw juices are cold pressed by hand, with each bottle containing two to three pounds of fruits and vegetables. Forbes writes that in less than one year, Suja grew from a home delivery business to national distribution with Whole Foods.

In a top 25 list for 2013, Brand Innovators listed:

1. Aloe Gloe – a pulp free, aloe vera water produced locally in California. The company claims that it promotes skin, immunity and digestive health, and contains vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes and minerals.

10. 5-hour Energy – a familiar player in this industry, 5-hour is a nearly 2 oz. energy shot that contains no sugar and four calories. It contains caffeine “comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee,” according to the product’s website. Many estimate that number around 200 mg of caffeine.

15. Nawgan – aims to help its consumers increase their ability to focus and stay alert. With just 45 calories (and a zero calorie option) and low sodium, this beverage follows the gradually growing trend of products intending to improve cognitive functions.

25. Whynatte – a not-too-sweet latte with a sleek black and gold slim can. This product contains 100 calories, 230 mg of sodium and 9 grams of sugar — high amounts compared to most trendy beverages — but these are figures that coffee drinkers can cope with for a good enough latte.