Barebells Launches Protein Soda As Category Expands
Bar brand Barebells showed off its move into beverages with Protein Soda at last week's NACS show, as other brands also joined the fast-growing category.
Innovation
Featured Innovation Content
Modern Iced Tea Brands Look To Flavor, Packaging To Enter C-Stores
Emerging iced tea brands showed off convenience-oriented flavors and packaging innovations as they expand and modernize the c-store set.
South Africa’s Pura Makes Play for U.S. with Soda, Kids Drink Launches
As the soda category reshapes itself under the influence of new better-for-you brands, South African soda and kids beverage producer Pura is seeking a slice of the pie in America.
Additional Content
Analysis: Why NACS Left Us Hyped on Energy+
As expected, this month's National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) trade show was a major showcase for the latest and greatest in the still-evolving "energy+" category, which has seen functional ingredients and fitness trends converge with product innovation (and some familiar candy flavors) to create a dynamic new force within the beverage market. BevNET contributor Joshua Schall tracked developments within the space at this year's show.
Zenso Labs Uses Alc RTDs to Showcase Upcycling Tech
After working for nearly seven years developing the technology to “craft a more sustainable sip,” Massachusetts-based Zenso Labs is toasting to its success. Last week, the company announced its entry into the beverage industry via two alcoholic RTDs – a Pear Ginger hard seltzer and a canned Moscow Mule.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“We Learned From Our Failures”; Inside 5-Hour Energy’s Growing Pains
Living Essentials has struggled to find its footing in the energy drink category after launching its full-sized, 16 oz. format in late 2021. Armed with more flavors and a distribution strategy focused on grocery, 5-Hour is starting to make gains.
Expo East: Elmhurst Reboots Coffee; ShineWater Meets ‘Trolls’
Our Expo East 2023 coverage continues with a look into Elmhurst's revamped line of plant-based cold brew lattes, as well as ShineWater's ongoing move into cans under new CEO Clare Verdery. Plus updates from 100 Coconuts and Gorgie, and trend insights from SPINS.
Expo East: GNGR Expands Outside Shots; Clear Cut’s ‘Hero’ Takes Flight; Remedy Embraces Ube
As the final-ever Natural Products Expo East trade show kicks off this morning, our first dispatch looks in at shot maker GNGR Labs' expansion into 12 oz drinks, a new chapter (and product) for growing platform brand Clear Cut, Remedy Organics' growing wellness set and the growing momentum behind American yapoun tea.
Aura Bora, Graza Olive Oil Claim ‘Dry Guys’ Title With Non-Alc Cocktail Collab
Aura Bora’s expansion into non-alcoholic RTD cocktails – in the guise of the Dry Guys Olive Oil Martini, launching today – was not spurred by the ever-growing beverage category trend, but rather Andrew Benin, founder and CEO of olive oil brand Graza.
Tech Startup Nets VC Funding To Build Dealcoholization Innovation
The sober curious movement has graduated from buzzy trend to industry mover with brands like Captain Morgan going zero-proof and investment flooding into new non-alcoholic brands. Now, technology companies are…
Paper For Plastic: PepsiCo Drops Plastic Ring Packaging
PepsiCo is moving on from plastic rings to recyclable paperboard for its 6-pack packages as it innovates its supply chain under its pep+ sustainability initiative.
Jove Launches New Formats, Brand Partnerships To Build Distribution
Functional alkaline water brand Jovē has been building retail partnerships in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic and is preparing for a national push on the back of new format innovation, a hybrid distribution model and brand sponsorships.
After “Forbidden,” Will More Female Bourbon Distillers Follow Marianne Eaves?
Master Distiller Marianne Eaves has carved out a career in the often male-dominated whiskey industry as not only a commodity for blending innovative spirits but as a tastemaker for craft distillers.