How Coconut Water Quietly Became One of the Fastest Growing Categories in Beverage
Hydration, clean label, plant-based – when it comes to leading beverage industry trends, coconut water is having a moment, and consumers are responding.
Brad Avery
Posts by Brad Avery
Christian Energy Drinks are Becoming a Thing. What’s Driving Them?
There’s been an emergence of Christian-themed energy drink startups that are putting their faith front and center. Brands like Agape Energy, 4GVN and Praise Energy have all sought to use their religious faith as the basis for their businesses.
Avsome Tea Is Now ‘Awesome,’ With Red Bull Vet Connors As CEO
Awesome Ice Tea founder Coby Farrow likes to say his brand was “birthed in the kitchen” during his years as a professional chef. Now, the avocado seed-based tea brand, formerly known as Avsome, is ready to meet the world.
Coke Projects Confidence in Innovation Strategy Amid Strong Q2 Earnings
The Coca-Cola Company’s “consumer-led innovation” strategy, with an emphasis on functionality and better-for-you, helped it to beat projections for Q2 2026 in its latest earnings report released on Tuesday.
RYSE Taps Protein ‘Expertise’ for RTD Shake Launch as Energy Expands
Three years into the launch of its energy line, fitness and wellness supplements producer RYSE is building on its protein expertise with a line of bottled shakes, rolling out to retailers now.
Hemp Beverage Leaders Line Up Behind New Bill to Legalize Regulated Sales
U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced a long-awaited hemp legalization bill today, seeking to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for hemp-derived consumer products ahead of the looming November ban.
Distribution: Saint James Goes Nationwide in Costco
Saint James Iced tea is expanding its club footprint via a nationwide Costco launch, featuring a chain exclusive variety pack at all of the retailer’s U.S. locations.
Hemp Beverages Grew 133% Last Year, HBA Reports
Despite a looming regulatory ban, hemp beverages are booming. The category grew 133% year-over-year between 2024 and 2025, according to a new report by the Hemp Beverage Alliance (HBA).
Distribution: Big Geyser Adds Gym Weed, Gym Soda to Roster
New York metro area DSD house Big Geyser is betting on fitness-focused functional beverage brand Gym Weed, along with its modern soda sub-line Gym Soda.
Distribution: Something & Nothing Adds H-E-B to U.S. Footprint
Premium soda startup Something & Nothing can now be found in over 200 H-E-B locations across Texas, launching an exclusive 4-pack format in the retailer for the first time in the U.S. market.
People: BellRing Brands Names Next CEO
BellRing Brands, the maker of Premier Protein and Dymatize, has named Snak King chief executive Michael Axelrod as the successor to outgoing head Darcy Davenport, assuming the role of president and CEO effective July 29.
Jabin Positions as ‘Electrolyte Refresher,’ Launches New Flavor
As the hydration beverage category diversifies, Jabin is making moves to broaden its appeal with mainstream consumers, launching a new flavor and upgrading its manufacturing capabilities.
Cheeky Branches Into Canned Mixers with Botanical Tonic Launch
Cheeky, the New York-based brand best known for its line of cocktail syrups and citrus juices, is branching out into RTD mixers. Cheeky Botanicals, a new line of canned functional tonics, was showcased last week at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2026 in New York City.
New Non-Alc Bevs, BFY Soda and Pickle Lemonade at Summer Fancy Food Show
This year’s Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City had no shortage of innovation,from startups making their industry debut to established companies like Cheeky and Open Water showcasing new product launches.