Reviews: Culture Pop’s Black Cherry LTO, Plus Loonen’s Pure Water Play
This week's reviews features a bubbly probiotic limited-edition release from Culture Pop and singer Noah Kahan, plus a dive into spring-sourced and purified water brand Loonen.
Headlines
New Products: Co-Branded Takes Over with Jolly Rancher Teas and ICEE Soda
Co-branded candy flavors truly aren’t just for energy drinks anymore. This week’s new products feature three new co-branded offerings from The Ryl Co., Sparkling Ice and No Cap, along with an assortment of new modern soda launches, THC-infused beverages and energy drink innovations from both leading brands and category newcomers.
Marketing: Evolution (Re)Fresh; Hugh Jackman Joins AG1
Cold-pressed juice brand Evolution Fresh is the latest brand to kick off the New Year with an updated look; Healthy drink mix brand AG1 has named actor, singer and dancer Hugh Jackman as its latest global ambassador.
Circana: Gen Z Continue to Avoid Drinking, Consumers Embrace ‘Super Premium’ Alcohol
The numerous conversations the bev-alc industry has had about Gen Z may be disproportionate to the youngest legal-drinking-age (LDA) generation’s actual impact on consumer trends, according to a new beverage trends report from market research firm Circana.
As Non-Alc Cocktails Enter Their Craft Era, Will Alt-Spirits Get Left Behind?
The best New York bars for non-alc cocktails don’t heavily rely on non-alc spirits, according to the Inaugural NYC’s Best Bars for NA 2025 Awards.
Vermont THC Drink Maker Plots Future With Adaptogens
Initially founded as a CBD brand nine years ago, Upstate Elevator has expanded into adaptogen-infused, intoxicating hemp drinks.
Don’t Quit Rebrands as SkyPop To Focus on Protein Soda
That’s an ethos that drove protein beverage brand Don’t Quit since its founding, and it will continue to fuel the business as it unveils a comprehensive rebrand, dropping its old name and shakes line to focus entirely on protein sodas under the new name Skypop.
Bawi Closing On $6M Round
Agua fresca maker Bawi has raised $4.1 million of a planned $6 million funding round, according to a SEC filing.
Distribution: The Zero Proof Hits Target
Online retailer and distributor The Zero Proof is the latest adult non-alc beverage purveyor to partner with Target, announcing last week a national retail launch in the mass retail chain with a curated selection of NA wines and mocktails.
Starbucks Points to Revival Strategy in Strong Q1 Earnings Report
Starbucks’ core retail business showcased the proof of concept for chairman and CEO Brian Niccol’s “Back to Starbucks” strategic plan, delivering 4% global comparable store sales growth in its Q1 fiscal year 2026 earnings report today.
Hiyo Leans Into Refinement, Not Expansion, After Breakout Growth Year
Hiyo Social Tonics is coming off a major growth year that welcomed investment from Constellation Brands and Live Nation, signs of confidence behind its relaxing “social tonics” positioning. Now, the brand is working to win over everyone else.
PHX Builds On Multi-Functionality Message, Expands Footprint
Energy drink PHX is expanding its distribution footprint with 14 new regions as it builds momentum around its multifunctional benefits.
Taste Radio: How A Strategic Shift Helped Zevia Win At Walmart
After years of building credibility with a core consumer, Zevia is leaning into scale – and confronting what it takes to turn a purpose-driven brand into a durable CPG business. CEO Amy Taylor breaks down the executional shifts across product, pricing and packaging that are helping Zevia compete more effectively in mainstream retail and position the brand for sustainable, long-term growth.
BeatBox Parent Company to Lay Off 158 Employees
The Austin-based parent company of BeatBox Beverages plans to lay off 158 employees following Anheuser-Busch InBev’s (A-B) majority share acquisition of the party punch maker.