Videos

As part of BevNET's continuing 2012 NACS show coverage, the BevNET editorial team examines key trends seen at the show including the boom of line extensions from top energy drink companies, the overall trend of natural and functional products crossing into the c-store channel, how packaging innovation has spurred growth in energy, relaxation, and better-for-you segments, and why some beverage companies are tailoring new products to small, but emerging, consumer sets.

Despite a sensational and raucous booth befitting its brand name, Rockstar rather quietly unveiled a new line of energy waters at the 2012 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show yesterday. Although the new water line appeared to be somewhat hush-hush, Rockstar did showcase a new line of sour energy drinks and line extensions.

In this video, filmed inside massive Red Bull's booth at the 2012 NACS show, we take a first look at the company's “Red Bull Edition" line, a three SKU set of new cranberry, lime and blueberry flavors dubbed Red Edition, Silver Edition and Blue Edition.

In this video segment filmed at Grady’s Cold Brew headquarters in Brooklyn, BevNET founder and CEO John Craven sits down with Laird to discuss a range of topics, including the growth of cold brew beverages, and how having a home base in New York’s most eclectic borough is deeply tied to its success. Laird also addresses rapid crowding within the cold brew coffee category, and the importance of differentiation and education as a way to stand out among similarly branded products.

On a recent visit to Los Angeles, BevNET CEO John Craven and Andrew Guard, a beverage specialist, examined the growth of a number of nascent, higher-priced, better-for-you beverage categories, including cold brew coffee, high-pressure processed juices, and kombucha drinks. Craven and Guard also explore L.A.'s impact as a driving force behind the current health and wellness trends sweeping through the beverage industry.

As one of the first all-natural energy drinks on the market, Hiball has steadily carved a successful niche within the natural channel, one whose consumers have slowly adapted to the booming energy drink category. Yet, Hiball, now armed with new packaging and an revamped formulation, is looking beyond natural retailers, and has set its sights on a dramatic increase in distribution throughout mainstream channels.