Protein is great, but how is that supposed to keep us awake in the afternoon? Luckily this past week has seen plenty of innovation in the caffeine world, with buzzy releases from coffee stalwarts Happy, La Colombe and Dunkin', along with energy-boosted launches from Sparkling Ice and Liquid I.V.
While protein was all over Natural Products Expo West 2026 last week, PRÉS, a startup protein coffee brand at the show, is seeking to build a business that can thrive far past the current protein hype.
Target is expanding its food and beverage footprint with new store concepts and larger grocery sections – potentially creating more space for emerging brands. The hosts discuss what it means for startups and also spotlight notable trends and brands from Expo West. The episode also features interviews from our Miami meetup, including one with angel investor Spencer Slaine.
From Gallo’s spiked lemonade getting a sweet tea makeover to Surfside taking on the spiked sports drink, this month’s ready-to-drink (RTD) releases lean hard into better-for-you credentials, nostalgia, and a whole lot of iced tea.
Protein -- you want it, we go it. Whether you're over it already or still maxxing out, there's no debate that protein is one of the most powerful beverage innovation trends of the moment, as seen at Natural Products Expo West last week.
At Natural Products Expo West 2026 last week, singer Demi Lovato joined co-founders and actors Oliver Trevena and Vanessa Hudgens at the brand’s booth. In this video from the show, the trio discussed their experience being involved in the business end of a CPG brand.
Cannabinoid infusion maker Vertosa has filed a motion to dismiss a trademark infringement lawsuit filed in January by CCT Sciences LLC.
Despite a dip in U.S. sales, Canadian energy drink maker GURU reported “record” quarterly net revenue of CAD$8.8 million, up 14.7% year-over-year, according to the company’s Q1 Fiscal Year 2026 earnings report today.
Despite a major loss with the Supreme Court last month, Donald Trump isn’t giving up on his tariff ambitions. The United States announced Wednesday two trade investigations; one into excess industrial capacity for 16 international trade partners and another looking at alleged forced labor.
Coefficient Capital is raising its ambitions to grow the next generation of consumer brands with the closing of its second fund at $290 million, including a previously unannounced vehicle called the Apex Fund with $240 in committed capital.
As new styles of spiked ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages continue to carve out a share of the spirits market, there’s one that has maintained its staying power: the margarita.
As adaptogenic mushroom beverages see rising mainstream interest, startup functional drink brand PolkaDot made a splash at Natural Products Expo West last week with new packaging and a psychedelic booth design intended to fully launch the brand into market.
Seeking to better capture its target audience of Gen Zers and increase repeat purchase rates, hydration beverage producer Leisure Hydration is gearing up to launch a flavor-forward packaging refresh in the first quarter of this year.
Beverage business M&A activity was down 18.3% year-over-year in 2025, as private equity transactions fell 30% between 2024 and 2025.
