New product development (NPD) in the beverage industry is essential for driving growth, staying competitive, and meeting evolving consumer demands. As tastes shift and health, sustainability, and lifestyle trends gain momentum, brands must innovate to remain relevant. Whether it’s launching functional drinks, low-sugar alternatives, or premium craft offerings, NPD allows companies to tap into emerging markets and differentiate themselves in a crowded landscape.
Innovation also enables brands to respond to seasonal opportunities, cultural moments, and changing regulations. Limited-edition releases, flavor extensions, and collaborations can generate buzz, attract media attention, and boost shelf appeal. In an era where consumers seek authenticity and experience, NPD helps brands tell compelling stories through ingredients, sourcing, and packaging.
In a fast-paced industry shaped by digital engagement and global influences, beverage NPD is not just about creating new drinks: it’s about anticipating needs, sparking curiosity, and delivering value. For manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike, it’s a vital engine of innovation and excitement.
Ka’Chava meal shake
Ka’Chava, a US meal shake brand, has launched its first new flavor in three years: Strawberry. Made with real freeze-dried organic strawberries, the new shake delivers 25 grams of plant-based protein, 6 grams of fiber, and 26 essential vitamins and minerals. It also includes over 85 superfoods and functional ingredients such as adaptogens, omega-3s, and probiotics to support energy, digestion, cognition, metabolism, and immunity.
Strawberry joins Ka’Chava’s existing lineup of Chocolate, Vanilla, Chai, Coconut Acai, and Matcha, and is 100% vegan, gluten-free, and free from soy, dairy, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. The flavor is designed to evoke the nostalgia of a childhood milkshake while delivering complete nutrition in a convenient format.
“Carefully crafted with real strawberries and no artificial flavors or sweeteners, it delivers head-to-toe nutrition in every creamy sip,” said Louise Todd, Chief Operating Officer. “With Strawberry joining our top-selling Chocolate and Vanilla, we’ve perfected the trio of classic flavors our customers love, offering a truly complete meal to help them feel their best.”
Ka’Chava is available direct-to-consumer at kachava.com, on Amazon, and at select retailers.
Danone’s Oikos Fusion
Danone has introduced Oikos Fusion, a first-of-its-kind cultured dairy drink designed to support the nutritional needs of consumers on a weight loss journey, including those using GLP-1 medications. The new product features Danone’s patented Advanced Fusion Blend, a combination of whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D, developed by nutrition scientists to help maintain muscle mass and digestive health during weight loss.
Each 7 fl oz bottle delivers 23 grams of complete protein, 5 grams of prebiotic fiber, and contains no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Available in Strawberry, Mixed Berry, and Vanilla, the drinks are formulated to be both nutrient-dense and easy to consume: ideal for those with smaller appetites.
Oikos Fusion is now available in the US in Walmart’s refrigerated section, with a broader national rollout planned for October.
Emmi Caffe Latte Creamy
Emmi Caffe Latte is expanding its iced coffee portfolio with the launch of Emmi Caffe Latte Creamy, a smooth and indulgent new option designed to tap into the UK’s growing appetite for permissible treats.
Responding to the rise of ‘little treat’ culture (where nearly one in five Brits indulge in feel-good purchases multiple times a week) the new variant offers a luxurious yet guilt-free coffee experience.
Crafted with just three natural ingredients (hand-roasted Arabica beans from Guatemala and Honduras, fresh Swiss milk enriched with cream, and a touch of sugar) Emmi Caffe Latte Creamy delivers a velvety texture and rich flavor without added sweeteners. With 37% of consumers seeking a creamy iced coffee, the product is positioned to meet demand for taste and simplicity.
“Consumers are increasingly looking for small moments to treat themselves that align with their health and lifestyle goals,” said Georgia Lightbody, Brand Manager.
Already a top seller in Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium, the new variant is expected to energize the UK iced coffee market, where 49% of office workers buy coffee daily and 21% choose iced formats to enhance their day. Emmi Cafe Latte Creamy is available now in a convenient, on-the-go format.
The new launch (230ml) will be available in Tesco from October, with an RRP of £1.85. It joins Emmi’s broader iced coffee range, currently available at Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, The Co-operative Group, and independent retailers across the UK.
Hendrick’s Gin dual pack
Hendrick’s Gin is unveiling a limited-edition dual pack featuring two of its most celebrated Cabinet of Curiosities expressions: Flora Adora and Grand Cabaret. Available exclusively in the US, the set offers a unique opportunity to explore the brand’s imaginative botanical blends in one convenient package, just in time for late summer entertaining and holiday gifting.
Flora Adora, first released in 2023, is a floral-forward gin inspired by pollinator-friendly blooms, while Grand Cabaret, launched in 2024, evokes the opulence of early 20th-century Paris with notes of stone fruit and sweet herbs. Both gins build on Hendrick’s signature infusion of cucumber and rose, delivering a distinctive twist for cocktail enthusiasts.
Priced at $49.99 MSRP, the dual pack is designed for collectors, hosts, and gin lovers seeking variety and value.
Scotch whiskies inspired by rare teas
Scotch whisky The Macallan has teamed up with Jing Tea to launch two new limited-edition single malt Scotch whiskies inspired by rare teas.
The new expressions (Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea and Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea) celebrate the shared values of terroir, tradition, and artistry between the two brands.
Crafted by The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team, Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea draws from the aromatic oolong grown in China’s Phoenix Mountain range, known for its dessert wine aromas and exotic fruit notes. Meanwhile, Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea, available exclusively through Global Travel Retail, reimagines the classic Lapsang Souchong with a delicate cherrywood smoke, reflecting Jing’s innovative approach to tea.
Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan, said, “This is a celebration of the parallels between whisky and tea: two crafts deeply rooted in nature, tradition and time.”
The release continues The Macallan’s tradition of partnering with world-class creatives, following previous Harmony collaborations with Cirque Du Soleil, the Roca Brothers, and Stella and Mary McCartney.
