BevNET has opened applications for the next edition of the New Beverage Showdown, the beverage industry’s premier pitch competition for early-stage brands. Presented by Coca-Cola North America’s New Revenue Streams, the New Beverage Showdown will take place during BevNET Live NYC 2026, happening June 10–11, 2026.
For more than 15 years, the New Beverage Showdown has served as a launchpad for founders bringing the next wave of non-alcoholic beverage innovation to market. Past competitors include Poppi, Liquid Death, Health-Ade, MALK, CANN, Sanzo, wildwonder, Projo, and more. These brands didn’t just pitch to win, but used the stage to sharpen their stories, build momentum with investors, and spark industry-wide conversation.
A Legacy of Spotlighting What’s Next
The New Beverage Showdown gives emerging beverage brands a high-visibility platform to present their products and businesses to an audience of investors, retailers, suppliers, service providers, and fellow entrepreneurs. Semifinalists and finalists gain meaningful exposure across the BevNET Live community, both on-site and via livestream.
Competition Format
- Day 1: 12 semifinalists deliver a 2-minute pitch live on the BevNET Live stage.
- Day 2: The top six finalists present 5-minute business presentations, followed by Q&A with industry-expert judges.
- Winner: Receives a $10,000 BevNET advertising awareness package plus significant industry exposure via BevNET.com and our free livestream.
Who Should Apply
BevNET is seeking early-stage non-alcoholic beverage brands across all categories, formats, and business models, from first-time founders to fast-scaling disruptors. Eligible brands must be:
- Pre-launch (with product ready to sample), or
- In market for less than two years
Up to 12 brands will be selected as semifinalists.
Why Apply
- Industry Visibility: Pitch in front of hundreds of in-person beverage decision makers, including investors, retailers, and distributors, plus additional reach via livestream.
- Expert Feedback: Judges include retail buyers, venture firms, strategic investors, and brand builders.
- Community & Connection: Join a cohort of ambitious founders helping redefine what’s next in beverage.
How to Apply
Applications are open now and will be accepted through Friday, May 1, 2026.
Apply for the New Beverage Showdown >>
To learn more about the competition format and what to expect, visit the BevNET Live website.
About BevNET Live
BevNET Live is the leading event for beverage entrepreneurs, retailers, investors, and service providers. Held twice per year, BevNET Live is known for shaping the beverage conversation, surfacing rising stars, and fueling strategic connections across the industry.
Join us June 10–11, 2026 in New York, NY, and witness the next generation of beverage brands take the stage.
For questions about the New Beverage Showdown or BevNET Live, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the BevNET team.