The hardest part of building a consumer brand? It’s not the product; it’s everything that comes after. Caliwater co-founder Oliver Trevena, who launched the cactus water brand alongside fellow actor Vanessa Hudgens, opens up about the realities of fundraising, the challenges of securing and scaling distribution, and the emotional toll that building a brand can take.
Protein is showing up in more products than ever before, but does it need to be in your soda? The Taste Radio team digs into the fast-growing ingredient trend, breaking down taste, functionality and whether more equals better. The hosts also tease an exciting first: BevNET’s inaugural trade show booth at the upcoming Winter FancyFaire*.
This week’s gallery features protein line extensions from GORGIE and Bloom Nutrition, a skincare collaboration from Saint James and the latest innovations in THC-infused beverages.
This week's reviews features a pair of elevated takes on established categories: Mōcean's "grown-up" energy drink and The Only Mix, a new mixer line made with HPP juice.
Volume sales gains contributed to “modestly accelerated” growth for non-alc beverages in the two-week period ending December 27, according to the latest analysis of NielsenIQ data by Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
She helped redefine premium soda. Now she’s rethinking the martini. In this episode, Sharelle Klaus shares how the lessons, missteps and successes of building DRY Soda informed the launch of Second Sip, a lower-proof gin designed for today’s intentional drinker. She reflects on how her second act is more focused, shaped by patience, distribution strategy, brand clarity and long-term scale.
On location at BevNET Live L.A. 2025, actor and investor Ryan Phillippe – attending alongside Pretty Tasty co-founder Scarlett Leung – explains why functional beverages, credible health benefits, and shelf-grabbing design are the factors that separate forgettable brands from the next breakout hit.
Just in time for Dry January, this week's reviews features two brands specializing in alcohol-free relaxation, including a winter-themed mock-tini and a functional "leisure drink."
In a BevNET Live replay, beverage marketing consultant Courtney O’Brien discussed how emerging brands can build for long-term growth.
Non-alcoholic beverage sales were “healthy but modestly decelerated” during the two-week period ending December 13.
She went from selling hydration drinks out of the trunk of her car to building a $20M brand, without outside investors, industry experience or playing by the rules. Jesslyn Rollins, the CEO of rapid hydration brand Biolyte, reveals how grassroots hustle and relentless sampling helped her break into one of the most competitive categories in beverages, and why it’s now ready to make its boldest move yet.
The adult non-alcoholic (ANA) beverage category is undergoing a significant shift, as brands navigate evolving investment climates, retail skepticism and rising consumer demand in pursuit of sustainable growth.
The on-premise beverage landscape is quietly being reshaped, and the winners aren’t always where you’d expect. In the December 2025 NIQ x BevNet Quarterly Update, new data reveals how shifting venue dynamics, changing drink preferences, and evolving consumer intent are redefining what success looks like behind the bar.
As 2026 approaches, the Taste Radio hosts explore why uncertainty may actually favor emerging food and beverage brands. From changing definitions of value and retailer innovation to AI-driven discovery and standout new products, the episode highlights where real opportunity is taking shape in CPG.
