It’s time to reveal the semifinalists for BevNET’s signature pitch competition, the New Beverage Showdown, taking place at BevNET Live L.A. December 7-9.

The beverage world is evolving faster than ever, and this year’s New Beverage Showdown, presented by Coca-Cola North America’s New Revenue Streams unit, captures that momentum. From founders redefining what refreshment means to innovators blending functionality, flavor, and purpose, these brands represent the next generation of beverage innovation.

Each finalist brings a unique perspective to the stage, showcasing where the industry is headed with better-for-you formulations, culturally inspired flavors, sustainable packaging, and mission-driven storytelling. Together, they reflect the innovation and energy shaping the future of beverage.

Founders from 12 emerging beverage brands will compete in the semifinal round of the New Beverage Showdown, taking place on Monday, December 8. The entrepreneurs will share their business strategies and products with a panel of expert judges for immediate feedback. A group of six finalists will then be chosen for the final round, which will take place on Tuesday, December 9.

Now, let’s meet the players…

The New Beverage Showdown semifinalists are:

• Banagua: A tantalizing tropical beverage brand inspired by Brazilian açai culture, Banagua combines exotic fruit flavors and functional ingredients to offer a vibrant alternative to traditional refreshment.
• Birdie Sparkling Tea: A sparkling tea brand delivering real-juice flavors, electrolytes and only about 35 calories per can—championing the emerging “luxury sparkling tea” category.
• Drizz: A zero-sugar mixer-drops brand that lets consumers transform water or spirits into bar-quality cocktails or mocktails anytime, anywhere.
• Luba: A zero-proof cocktail company crafting premium non-alcoholic drinks designed to deliver the sophistication of crafted cocktails—without the alcohol.
• NA Beverage Co.: A functional non-alcoholic brand offering social tonics and mocktails infused with adaptogens and nootropics, redefining sober-curious drinking.
• NO CAP! Soda Pop: A better-for-you soda brand delivering zero sugar, zero calories, zero caffeine and no artificial sweeteners—aiming to remake the soda aisle for a wellness-mindset shopper.
• Projo*: A functional coffee brand combining high-quality instant coffee with grass-fed collagen and protein, built to fuel active and on-the-go lifestyles.
• Rhinestone: A non-alcoholic “party” brew brand offering 0.0% ABV craft beers with less than 5 calories, 0 carbs and full flavor—designed for good times without the hangover.
• Skinergy: A beauty-energy drink hybrid combining hydrolyzed collagen, niacinamide, biotin and caffeine into a zero-sugar can—positioned as “liquid skincare you can drink.”
• SPARKLiNUTS: A Miami-based beverage brand crafting organic sparkling coconut tonics with innovative flavors—still in early stages but aiming for the light-beverage space.
• Stursi: A female-founder-led premium zero-proof cocktail brand rooted in culture and crafted by a certified mixologist, bringing full-bodied flavor to non-alcoholic celebrations.
• TIZZ: A founder-led fizzy citrus drink brand that reimagines orange soda using 33% juice, no added chemicals, and a nostalgic twist targeting health-minded consumers.

In addition to being the star of the show, the winner of New Beverage Showdown will be awarded a $10,000 awareness-building advertising package from BevNET. Past victors include Poppi, Health-Ade, MALK, and Cann, among many others.

Watch the competition and meet the players at BevNET Live. More than 550 beverage professionals are attending and with less than 30 days until the event, time is running out to register.

Register for BevNET Live L.A. 2025 >>

About BevNET Live

BevNET Live is the most influential business event for beverage brands in North America. Held twice annually, the event brings together a curated community of founders, investors, retailers, and distributors for strategic programming, 1:1 meetings, product sampling, and high-visibility networking.

The L.A. 2025 edition takes place December 7–9 in Marina del Rey, CA, and will feature the 27th edition of the New Beverage Showdown, alongside expert-led panels and insights from some of the industry’s most impactful leaders.