Reviews: Recess, Dad Grass Take on Dry January
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."
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.
Rather than signaling a death knell, the impending restrictions on hemp-derived THC drinks has spurred industry leaders to regroup, organize and take on the challenge of saving the category.
Build in your backyard and own a territory before widespread, national expansion. These cliches are often at the core of emerging brands’ growth strategies and for good reason. But finding independent retail accounts can have its limitations and ensuring these are high visibility and high loyalty partnerships is essential.
Protein drinks are primed for next-gen disruption, like the ones seen in this week's reviews of Unwell's category debut and Urban Remedy's latest organic shake.
Spindrift and its new owner, Gryphon Investors, spoke at BevNET Live about plans to turn the company into a $1 billion business.
In this replay of a 2023 Taste Radio interview with Poppi founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth – recorded when the BFY soda brand was still firmly in disruptor mode – you’ll hear the blueprint for PepsiCo’s $1.95 billion acquisition years before it happened: a brand that tastes great, moves at the speed of culture, wins both online and in-store, and boldly reclaims the word “soda.”
Buying smarter can be just as important as selling more. Strategic sourcing – selecting long-term partners for packaging, ingredients and manufacturing – sets the foundation for operational resilience.
Alcohol Alternatives: The Rise of Adaptogenic and THC Drinks explores how functional adaptogen beverages and THC-infused drinks are emerging from different corners of wellness and cannabis culture - but converging around a shared consumer desire for controlled, purpose-driven effects.