BevNET Magazine
May-June 2022

Cover Story

Power Plays: The Concept of an “Energy Drink” is Evolving, and Brands are Eager to Change with the Times

When it comes to getting energy from a drink, consumers aren’t exactly short on options these days. Whether its caffeinated sparkling water, enhanced coffee, a buzz-boosting sports drink or something else altogether, the lines between traditional energy drinks and new functional beverages have been sufficiently blurred as to create both opportunities and challenges for brands across the industry. Though sales keep accelerating, even the term “energy drinks” feels increasingly outdated with each passing year.

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Features

Malternatives: Reading the Hard Tea Leaves

After hitting a zenith in the early-to-mid 1990s, flavored malt beverages (often referred to as “FMBs” or “malternatives”) never got back to that peak. Nevertheless, they’ve remained a surprisingly dogged presence in beverage alcohol, existing peacefully alongside other segments without causing too much disruption – until the hard seltzer sub-segment came along, and the category found itself as disrupted as everything else in a can or a bottle.

2022 Supplier & Services Guide

BevNET’s annual Supplier and Services Guide is an important resource to thousands of beverage brands, natural food brands, craft beer brands, distributors, retailers, and bottlers.

Columns

The First Drop: Soda Bubble

At the front of the pack, we’re seeing energetic brands that are combining the functional aura of gut health with the classic flavors cola or fruit CSDs. Top seller Olipop has mixed throwback flavors (Cherry Vanilla, Root Beer, Orange Cream) with very low sugar and plant-based fiber sources like inulin and chicory to create a low-calorie, prebiotically enhanced alternative to Coke, Pepsi, or Dr Pepper.

Publisher’s Toast: At Least the Price is Right

Our world continues to be turned upside down. Over the past few years, there have been so many dramatic and dire events and obstacles thrown our way. COVID-19 continues to be a bane of our existence, Aaron Judge won’t re-sign, and just TRY and find parking when you’re in a hurry.

Guest Insights: Consumers want Personalization; Diversity is the Key

Diversity has become massively important, not only for brands to “look good” or have talking points during Black History Month, but also as a necessary key to success in an increasingly competitive marketplace. An office filled from top to bottom with diverse talent that is able to speak to the experience of different races, genders, intellectual abilities and languages is uniquely positioned to communicate with consumers and offer the level of personalization they demand.

Bevscape: The Latest Beverage Brand News

In beverage news: Poppi Names Chris Hall as CEO; A SHOC Closes $29M Series B Funding Round; Jones Soda Sells to Canadian Portfolio Co. for $99M; Monster, Orange Bang Ask Court to Confirm $175M in Damages Against VPX; and Keurig Dr Pepper Announces CEO Transition Plan.

Brewscape: The Latest Craft Beer Brand News

In craft beer news: Jim McGreevy to Join Coca-Cola PACS Following Beer Institute Departure; Stone Seeks Added $284M in Trademark Infringement Case with Molson Coors; Reyes Picks Up Bell’s Brewery Portfolio Within Its Indiana Territory; Spirit-Based Truly Vodka Seltzer to Release in Summer; BrewDog Closes Indianapolis Taproom; Judge Grants Sycamore Brewing Injunction Against Stone’s Use of ‘Keep It Juicy’ Phrase.

2022 Summer Fancy Food Show Returns to New York City

After a two-year hiatus, The Specialty Food Association’s Summer Fancy Food Show, the largest U.S. show devoted exclusively to specialty foods and beverages, is set to return to its hometown at its regularly scheduled time of year.

NOSHscape: The Latest Food Brand News

In food industry news: Beyond Meat & Pepsi JV Launches Jerky in Retail; Plastic-free Zero Grocery Closes; Analysts Say Model Was Unsustainable and Acid League Raises $6M; Launches Refrigerated Dressings As Part of ‘Third Wave Pantry’ Push.