NACS: KDP Ignites C4, Revamps Bai

Over the past half-decade since its merger, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has steadily assembled, either through acquisition or affiliation, a diverse portfolio of brands across categories. But as seen at NACS, strong performance from its core CSDs is helping provide cover as other portfolio brands seek a jumpstart.

NACS: Coca-Cola CSDs Gets Sleek & Spiced

Along with a more muscular coffee program, Coca-Cola's presence at NACS mainly showcased product and packaging innovations within its "loved" legacy brands.

Barcode Launches in New York with Rainforest Partnership

Sports drink maker Barcode has partnered with New York City DSD house Rainforest Distribution, the company announced today, setting the stage for the L.A.-based brand to build a presence on the East Coast.

Review: Alldae Superfruit Soda

Originally launched in 2021, Alldae is back with a brand new look and revised product lineup. While still cascara-based, Alldae now positions itself as a “superfruit soda” with eyes on a reaching a broader consumer base. 

NACS: Pepsi Revs Up Energy, Revamps Cold Brew

Pepsi is sprucing up its diverse mega-brand portfolio with new products, packaging and positioning, all of which were on display at the NACS trade show this week.

Taste Radio: The Best Ways To Generate Buzz? Innovate, Collaborate & Breathe Fire.

Can you pair tinned fish and beer… in the same can? Kids’ cereal flavors in protein drinks – does it work? Is chili crunch and ranch dressing the perfect duo? And, why are we losing it over a “Dragnum”? The hosts discussed how brands are attempting to grab our attention and generate sales via innovation, package design and unexpected collaborations.

Distribution: WithCo Sprouts More Company; Illicit Elixirs In Brick and Mortar

Seven months after hitting Target stores nationwide, WithCo Cocktails has found more company in the grocery channel. This week, WithCo announced it is rolling out nationwide at Sprouts Farmers Market stores. Read the full roundup for more distribution news from Illicit Elixirs, Fever-Tree, Oatly, Shroomi and Odyssey.

NACS: Celsius Steps (Back) Up to 16 oz. Format

Celsius' rise to the third-largest energy player has come as the brand has cultivated a more approachable, female-friendly positioning in which its 12 oz. can format played a key role in bringing new consumers into the category.

How Brands Are Addressing Non-Alc’s Biggest Barriers

Despite non-alc’s momentum, only 26% of the U.S. consumers moderating their alcohol, say they are drinking no-alcohol alternatives to their favorite full-strength drinks, citing barriers around taste and lack of availability, according to a recent report from bev-alc data firm IWSR.

Beekeeper Coffee Co-Founders Talk NBA Inspiration, Market Moves

Pressurized margins. Competition from all sides. A scary high failure rate. Breaking into RTD coffee is not for the faint of heart. But with the backing of a seasoned team of brand builders and well-connected operators, Beekeeper thinks it has a shot.