Expo West 2026 made one thing clear: food and beverage brands are racing to add function, but the ones that nail flavor have the best chance of winning. The hosts break down the show’s biggest trends, from protein-packed everything to standout brands in candy, beverages, frozen treats, and snacks, while sharing the products and ideas that reinforced a simple truth: in modern CPG, taste still comes first.
Uncle Nearest founders Fawn and Keith Weaver have made their final courtroom arguments to take back ownership of the troubled bourbon company after it defaulted on more than $100 million in loans and went into receivership.
Reyes Beverage Group will acquire more markets from Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), while dropping a previously announced state from the transaction.
Plant-based milk brand Milkadamia appointed CPG veteran Neil Cox as CEO, succeeding founder Jim Richards, who will stay on with the company as an advisor.
Gym Weed's new protein soda line is part of a larger group of new and established brands jumping into the growing set.
The family-run, Dallas-based brand, quietly debuted at Natural Products Expo West this week, showcasing its new four-SKU line of caffeine-free, lightly sparkling waters infused with 100mg of magnesium and electrolytes in each 12 oz. slim can.
Like many other established CPG brands today, Tropicana Brands Group (TBG) is chasing hydration and protein with its latest product innovations.
The protein trend has opened a whole new avenue for innovation for dairy brands, and Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) showcased several new protein-rich milk products this week at Natural Products Expo West 2026 in Anaheim, Calif.
The Danone-owned premium coconut water brand is expanding outside of refrigeration for the first time.
With samples rolling out on a conveyor belt, Oatly brought a funky assortment of flavor innovations to Natural Products Expo West this week, dedicating its show presence to a new line of six flavored Barista Oatmilks launching in Q3 this year.
South African plant-based nutrition brand Smul is adding four RTD functional drink lines and heat-and-eat meals to its portfolio.
Sporting a booth designed to look like a Premier soccer stadium at the Natural Products Expo West trade show this week, the company showcased new innovations and packaging across La Colombe’s family of coffee products.
De Soi, the non-alcoholic apéritif brand co-founded by Katy Perry, is pursuing daytime consumption with the upcoming release of a line of adaptogen-infused beverages featuring a lighter flavor profile.
Spirits-based ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) posted another blowout two-week period, up more than 30% in dollar sales, as brands such as Cutwater and Sun Cruiser continued to pull consumers away from former leaders, according to an analysis of NIQ data from Goldman Sachs Equity Research.
