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
Molson Coors Launches Zero-Proof Cocktail
Molson Coors continues to grow its non-alcoholic portfolio with its latest release Roxie, a zero-proof canned cocktail launching today exclusively online.
RodeoCPG Sells R&D To JPG Resources, Seeks To Scale Sales
JPG Resources has acquired RodeoCPG’s Brooklyn-based R&D team allowing JPG to better serve brands in the Big Apple, while Rodeo pivots toward becoming a targeted, tech-forward sales management platform.
Hold the Bubbles: Canned ‘Hard Water’ Has Arrived
While the term “hard water” might make you think of whether you need to change your detergent brand, in the case of Bluebird Hardwater, it’s a little more literal. The ready-to-drink cocktail launched this week offering the first canned beverage combining premium spirits with pure non-sparkling mineral water.
Middle Eastern Plant Milk Maker Koita Sets Sights on U.S.
For the past decade, Dubai-based Koita Foods has sought to modernize the plant-based beverage aisle in the Middle East with its line of non-dairy milk alternatives. Now launching in the U.S., the brand is hoping to make its name known in the crowded dairy alternative category.
Darren Rovell’s Kickstand Cocktails Expands with New SKUs, Distribution
With his latest beverage alcohol play, sports business analyst and CPG investor Darren Rovell is feeling the heat – and he’s excited for it. Kickstand Cocktails launched earlier this year with a line of spicy ready-to-drink canned cocktails with 5.5% ABV per 12 oz. can.
Biodegradable Bottled Water Brand Cove Launches in Erewhon
After years of research and development, sustainable beverage company Cove is introducing its biodegradable bottled water next month in Erewhon stores in California. Since 2018, California-based Cove has been working to develop a truly revolutionary innovation with the potential to address systemic sustainability and recycling challenges: a plastic-free, biodegradable bottle.
Hard Juice Maker Pulp Culture Launches Protein-Rich, Functional BUILD
With the California-based hard juice brand’s latest flavor – the protein-rich BUILD – Pulp Culture is continuing to push forward its mission of creating a better-for-you alcoholic drink.
Sanzo Commemorates ‘Linsanity’ Anniversary with Jeremy Lin LTO Launch
Asian-inspired sparkling water brand Sanzo has partnered with former NBA star Jeremy Lin for a new LTO flavor launch – Asian Pear – which is rolling out in retail and online this month. The launch is timed to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of “Linsanity."
NACS 2022: PepsiCo Showcases Zero Sugar, Energy Innovations; Jason Derulo Invests in TREO
PepsiCo’s mission to become a “Faster, Stronger and Better” company has colored its innovation slate for 2023; Pop star Jason Derulo has taken an equity stake in birch water brand TREO; Innovations in energy drinks may have played the starring role at this year’s show, but iced tea was not far behind.
Scent-Based Bottled Water Maker SZENT Prepares Relaunch
The California-based scented bottled water brand is preparing to relaunch this fall after supply shortages forced it into a long hibernation last year, said CEO Shawn Griffis, and will debut an expanded product portfolio including new sparkling and kids lines.
Once Overlooked, Female Consumers Now Driving Growth in Energy Drinks
Most of the $17.5 billion in annual energy drink sales has, traditionally, come from young, male consumers. But that’s beginning to change. In recent years, brands like CELSIUS and Alani Nu have seen triple-digit sales gains with much of the growth being credited to women entering the energy category.
Perfect Day Helps Nestlé Build Animal-Free Dairy Beverage
Nestlé's U.S. R&D Accelerator has partnered with animal-free dairy company Perfect Day to launch an alternative dairy "novel product" that will pilot in the U.S. market later this year.
Spindrift Shakes Up Innovation Strategy with First Seasonal Flavor Launch
As competition within the category bubbles up, Spindrift is releasing its first-ever seasonal flavor in its ongoing mission to be the leading premium sparkling water brand on the market.
Upcycling May Solve Food Waste Tomorrow, But Is It Worth the Cost Today?
Upcycled CPG companies are innovating supply chains and scaling production in order to bring costs down so the niche sustainability trend can become more widely adopted and reach a larger market.