Beverage new product development (NPD) is crucial for driving growth, staying competitive, and meeting evolving consumer demands. The beverage industry is highly dynamic, influenced by shifting health trends, sustainability concerns, and lifestyle changes. Consumers increasingly seek functional benefits - such as energy, hydration, or wellness - alongside taste and convenience. NPD enables brands to innovate with new flavors, formats, and ingredients that align with these expectations.
It also helps businesses differentiate in a crowded market. Moreover, NPD drives profitability by opening new revenue streams and tapping into emerging categories like ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, functional drinks, and sustainable packaging solutions. It also allows companies to respond to regulatory changes and environmental pressures, ensuring long-term viability.
In short, beverage NPD is not just about creating new products: it’s about anticipating consumer needs, leveraging technology, and building resilience in a fast-changing market.
Here’s some of the latest launches around the globe.
Naked Smoothies: Protein and Fiber focus
Naked Smoothies has released a refreshed line-up: with more functional benefits and a refreshed label design.
A new hyperfunctional line features Protein smoothies with less sugar; and all-new Fiber smoothies to support gut health. The Protein smoothies contain 20g of plant-based protein and 40% less sugar than the leading fruit smoothie, with flavors including Double Berry Protein, Tropical Protein and Protein Pineapple Orange Smoothie. Meanwhile, Strawberry Lemon Ginger Fiber and Tropical Greens Fiber contain 9g fiber to support gut health and have 45% less sugar than the leading fruit smoothie.
Fan-favorite drinks such as Green Machine and Mighty Mango Machine are now boosted with nutrients such as vitamins C, E, B6 and B12.
Naked Smoothies are hitting shelves with a vibrant new label inspired by the brand’s California roots: with the design reflecting the fruit within each bottle and the chalkboard menus of local smoothie shops. The new look is designed to bring ‘a modern flair while staying true to Naked’s most recognizable features, from the iconic blue flag to the blue cap to the square bottle.’
Edinburgh Gin: Strawberry & Pink Pepper Gin
Edinburgh Gin has launched its popular Strawberry & Pink Pepper Gin in Australia, now available nationwide at Dan Murphy’s stores and online. Previously exclusive to duty-free, this premium flavored gin has already earned global acclaim, winning Gold in the Gin category at the 2023 Spirits Business Travel Retail Masters Awards.
The Strawberry & Pink Pepper expression is part of Edinburgh Gin’s expanding Australian portfolio and reflects the brand’s reputation for innovation and craftsmanship. Distilled with fresh Scottish strawberries from Perthshire, known as the UK’s soft fruit capital, and balanced with the floral warmth and gentle spice of pink peppercorns, this gin delivers a full-bodied yet approachable flavor profile. It is designed to appeal to both traditional gin enthusiasts and newcomers exploring the category.
Versatile and award-winning, Edinburgh Gin Strawberry & Pink Pepper Gin shines in simple serves such as over ice with premium tonic and lime, as well as in cocktails like a modern Gin Sour. “One of our favorite and much-loved flavor combinations,” says Edinburgh Gin Distiller Calum Munro. “We have combined the trinity of The Classic gin botanicals and filled the still to the brim with strawberry and pink peppercorns.”
Available at 40% ABV, RRP $74.99.
Kazimo Mixers
Kazimo Mixers, a new range of canned cocktail mixers, is launching in the US with a mission to make cocktails easy, fun, and approachable.
Co-founded by bartender Marcis Dzelzainis of Idyll Drinks and Andy Sweerts, the brand introduces four bold, natural non-alcoholic sodas: Passion Fruit, Rhubarb, Spicy Watermelon, and Yuzu. Each 150ml mixer is designed to deliver bar-quality serves in seconds, offering convenience without compromising flavor.
Originally created to meet the demands of high-volume festival bars, Kazimo Mixers solves a common challenge: delivering consistent, high-quality cocktails quickly. Crafted with vibrant, natural ingredients, the range invites both professionals and home hosts to experiment with spirits and garnishes, removing the intimidation often associated with cocktail-making.
Passion Fruit offers tropical sweetness balanced with citrus and hops; Rhubarb delivers a sharp, refreshing twist; Spicy Watermelon combines freshness with a fiery kick; and Yuzu brings light, tangy citrus with floral undertones. Perfect for spritzes, margaritas, and creative serves, Kazimo Mixers provides a versatile base for any occasion.
“Our goal is to make creating cocktails easy: bartenders can focus on hosting, at-home hosts can focus on their friends, and anyone looking for a home-made cocktail after a long week does’t have to compromise,” said Dzelzainis.
Bloom: Glacier Crush
Bloom Nutrition has released its latest flavor in the Bloom Sparkling Energy Line: with Glacier Crush.
Glacier Crush marks Bloom’s first ‘concept flavor’, where the can imagery and name evoke a vibe rather than a specific taste: ‘capturing the cool, invigorating feeling of winter adventures’.
The drink features runner and creator Brett Chody as the face of its campaign for the new flavor.
Poppi: Lakers Grape
US gut health soda, poppi, is back as The Official Soda of the Lakers: bringing with it the re-introduction of limited-edition Lakers Grape flavor, available exclusively across Southern California.
The modern soda brand announced its first professional sports collaboration with the Los Angeles Lakers last October.
Meanwhile, poppi is rolling out the “Walk the Tunnel, Win the Night” sweepstakes, offering prizes from Lakers home-game tickets to a tunnel-walk experience and $1,000 for game-day style.