New Products: Non-Alc Alternatives Look To Fruit, Coffee Flavors
From Vita Coco's lemonade treat to canned sangria for Tost-ing, this week's new products include fruit flavors as brands anticipate the warmer spring weather.
Taste Radio: David Got Sued. Is This What Success Looks Like?
David Protein just got hit with a lawsuit claiming its macros don’t add up, raising familiar questions about labeling, ingredients, and what happens when a fast-growing brand lands in the legal spotlight. The team breaks down the claims, why brands become litigation magnets, and whether consumers will care. Plus: a readout from Seafood Expo North America and Stiller Soda’s attention-grabbing social push.
Mood Support Outpaces Protein, Gut Health in Functional Beverage Trends
While protein and digestive health may be some of the top functions driving overall beverage growth, mood support is now the fastest growing benefit in the sector outpacing the expansion of protein by nearly three-to-one, according to data firm SPINS’ 2026 State of Industries webinar this week.
Sazerac Acquires Dirty Shirley
Sazerac has acquired Dirty Shirley, the ready-to-drink (RTD) vodka-spiked take on the classic Shirley Temple, the company announced Thursday.
Carbliss Bets Big on the Tallboy with New Malt-Based Line
Carbliss, the Wisconsin-based ready-to-drink (RTD) vodka-based cocktail that has become one of the fastest-growing brands in its category, is rolling out a malt-based tallboy across seven Midwestern states.
Fun Times Soda Pop Scales DSD, Eyes Gap Between Legacy CSDs and Functional Sodas
Fun Times Soda Pop, a nostalgia-inspired soda brand co-founded by television personality Rutledge Wood, is expanding its footprint with new DSD partnerships in Chicago and New York.
Uncle Nearest Bankruptcy Case Dismissed; Receivership Continues
The legal battle over Uncle Nearest has taken another dramatic turn: Founder Fawn Weaver's attempt to use bankruptcy court to wrest control of the bourbon brand from a court-appointed receiver lasted less than 48 hours before a judge threw the petition out.
Jel Sert Teams With Dunkin’ As Powder Maker Looks Toward Functional Drinks
As it enters its 100th year in business, Chicago-based powder mix maker Jel Sert is carving out a decidedly forward-looking approach to the category, one that leans on budget-friendly functionality -- hydration, energy, immunity and protein, specifically -- as the springboard for further growth.
Reviews: The Coffee Soda You Need Now, Plus Nguyen’s New Coco Latte
Two new takes on coffee are under the spotlight this week, as we sip coffee sodas from Esspo and Nguyen Coffee Supply's new Cinnamon Coconut Latte.
Health-Ade Taps Lindsay Lohan to Broaden Kombucha’s Mainstream Appeal
Health-Ade has tapped actress Lindsay Lohan as the star of its latest ad campaign, as the kombucha maker seeks to make its flagship product more accessible and approachable to everyday consumers.
Distribution: Woodstock Goods Strikes Strategic Partnership with Craft & Art
Hemp THC beverage producer Woodstock Goods is teaming with Craft & Art Wine & Spirits, a sales and operation company helping to scale beverage brands.
Breakthru Beverage Enters Hemp Distribution
Breakthru Beverage Group, one of the largest beverage wholesalers in the U.S., is entering intoxicating hemp drink distribution.
Uncle Nearest Seeks Chapter 11 Amid Receivership Fight, Founder Sues Lender (UPDATED)
The founder of Uncle Nearest has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after the troubled bourbon company defaulted on more than $100 million in loans and went into receivership.
Lifeway Closes 2025 With Q4 Growth; +18% Sales in FY
Lifeway continues to enjoy revenue growth from increased volume, recording double-digit jumps in sales and net income after a year in which the company batted down a mooted acquisition by stakeholder Danone.