News & Analysis for the Beverage Industry
Celebrity-backed beverage brands are becoming an influential force, with stars lending their names and influence to everything from wine, spirits, beers to functional drinks or no and low products
Getting a share of the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) market is becoming harder and a famous name is no guarantee of success, the boss of a leading US brand agency has said.
AG Barr, the UK-based beverage business with brands including IRN-BRU, and Rubicon has appointed a new non-executive director and chair of its Board.
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast
As consumers look beyond generic energy and wellness claims, emerging brands are creating drinks tailored to specific needs, from focus and calm to protein and recovery
India’s food authority gives beverage giants PepsiCo, Red Bull, and Monster until 29 September to remove “energy drink” label and alleged misleading claims
Beverages are becoming one of the most innovative growth drivers for US restaurants, with consumers seeking new flavours, experiences and wellness, according to a new industry report.
Beyond, formerly known as Beyond Meat, is rolling out its drinks brand Beyond Immerse to locations across Southern California.
A patent and a lawsuit are drawing attention to allulose, so here’s what F&B needs to know
Reports of side-effects and deaths may complicate the success of the weight-loss drugs
Innovation is central for any drink brand looking to meet the evolving expectations of consumers
Olipop, the US gut health soda brand, has unveiled a leadership change as it prepares for its next stage of its growth.
Demand for drinks promising everything from gut health to better sleep is soaring, but brands face growing pressure to back up their claims with robust science and regulatory compliance
Nichols, the UK-based soft drinks manufacturer, is to strengthen its position within the growing health and wellness category with the purchase of functional drinks company VITHIT for a cash deal of £64m.
Beverage innovation in the GLP-1 space is moving faster than regulations, meaning drinks companies could be facing “significant complexity” new research has warned.
As oral GLP-1s sweep across Europe and the US, research suggests they may do far more than curb appetite
Stress-relief drinks are fast becoming one of the hottest categories in functional beverages, as consumers seek products that support relaxation, mood and emotional wellbeing
Functional ingredients are shaping product launches across food and beverage
It’s taking off in the US, but will European consumers be open to the idea?
IFT FIRST
After years of optimizing protein concentration, ingredient suppliers are shifting the focus toward solutions that deliver broader benefits ranging from satiety and metabolic health to sensory performance and formulation flexibility
Brands that embrace innovation are coming out on top in AI-generated recommendations, according to new research.
Beverage innovation is moving from ‘refreshment’ to ‘purposeful refreshment’ with weight loss medications and protein soda’s driving change, a leading R&D expert has claimed.
Pioneers
Milk already boasts an impressive nutritional profile, but can it compete with kefir, kombucha and protein shakes? Four Leaves Co’s award-winning functional milk offers one answer
High-protein has become dairy’s most powerful growth engine. But where are the biggest opportunities?
The US’s reclassification of cannabis under a “less dangerous” drug schedule is part of a broader trend towards legitimising cannabis production.
Protein sodas are set to drive the next wave of innovation in the US market, according to a new report from Mintel
As formulators race to stabilise creatine for RTD formats, the ingredient is moving beyond sports nutrition into mainstream wellness, yet evidence gaps and dosing challenges could shape its true potential
The retail giant is rethinking its grocery business and chasing consumer preference for healthier products
From flavour and functionality to fun: here are the five crucial areas every functional beverage must address
China’s WALOVI is seeking growth globally in markets from the Middle East to Africa for its traditional herbal teas
With so many choices, could consumers be put off the category entirely?
Coffee alternatives are rising not as replacements, but as functional upgrades
Co-founder and personal trainer James Smith talks innovation, growth and social media stardom... and his hands-on approach to customer service
Gut health, energy and relaxation are booming: but what else are consumers looking for in functional beverages and how can brands meet their needs?
UK-based CBD drinks brand TRIP has expanded its night-time offering with the launch of new Dream Gummies and Dream Powder, formulated without the brand’s flagship ingredient.
Functional drinks have traditionally concentrated on the body. The next frontier is exploring brain health, cognition, focus, stress-relief and mental wellbeing
New product development
From functional sodas and iced coffee formats to high-proof tequila and design-led whisky, brands are pushing to capture new consumption occasions
Aussie brand Savvy has released a ready-to-drink functional beverage targeted at reducing stress and anxiety while maintaining mental performance, which also responds to a growing need for menopause support among women.
Dirtea, the once-niche mushroom coffee pioneer, has been named the UK’s fastest-growing food and drink brand in Alantra’s Food & Beverage Fast 50 with functionality taking over the mainstream poll.
Energy is reaching new audiences and opening up new opportunities
An emerging functional frontier looks at a key consumer need
The category has taken US shelves by storm over the last couple of years: but what will it look like in 2026 and beyond?
Trust is key to building brand loyalty and reaching new audiences
Botanicals are the star of the show
It’s an exciting area of innovation - but are consumers ready?
Clöud Café has launched its coffee and matcha offerings at Ulta Beauty as alternative to leading collagen RTD products and marking the company’s first placement inside a US beauty specialty retailer.
Flavour innovation is top-of-mind for the gut health superstar as US consumers value taste above all
From gut health to energy, there’s a huge range of choice in the functional beverage category. What do consumers actually want?
From protein shakes to collagen coolers, brands are reinventing beverages for the GLP‑1 era and the race for dominance in this fast‑growing $3.5bn category is just beginning
Natural Products Expo West 2026
Pura Soda, Beyond Meat, Nixie, Malk, Tractor Beverage and more unveil their latest innovations in natural and organic drinks
The US gut health soda launches its first international market with its UK debut on March 5