Beverage innovation is crucial because it drives growth, meets evolving consumer demands, and enhances brand differentiation in a competitive market.
As health, sustainability, and convenience trends rise, innovation allows companies to create products that align with these values: such as functional drinks, plant-based options, and eco-friendly packaging.
It also enables businesses to adapt to cultural shifts and technological advancements, ensuring relevance and resilience.
By introducing new flavors, formats, and experiences, beverage innovation fosters customer engagement and loyalty while opening new revenue streams. Ultimately, it’s a key strategy for staying ahead in a dynamic, fast-changing industry.
We take a look at some of the new products launching around the globe.
Celsius’ fruit forward flavor range
Functional energy drink brand, Celsius, is kicking off the new year with the debut of four new zero sugar, fruit-forward flavors in the UK and Ireland.
Sparkling Raspberry Peach, Sparkling Mango Lemonade, Sparkling Kiwi Guava, and Sparkling Strawberry Watermelon are part of the core line up in the US: and now reach consumers in the UK and Ireland as they set New Year’s resolutions with health and wellness goals.
Celsius is transitioning away from its existing ‘Vibe’ range and instead replacing it with a new ‘core’ fruit-forward line-up, mirroring the successful US model.
Garrett Quigley, president, Celsius International, said: “We believe the zero sugar, fruit-forward flavors that distinguish Celsius from traditional energy drinks align with consumers’ evolving needs for great taste without compromise.
“This innovation is designed to bring new consumers into the growing energy category, drive growth, and be a meaningful contributor to higher basket value for our retailers.”
The new launches are now available across major retailers, convenience stores, and gyms and supported by sampling, activations, and high-impact POS displays.
Slice Soda Apple
Slice Soda, the iconic 1980s brand revived by Suja Life, is bringing back its fan-favorite Apple flavor in 2026.
“You asked, and we listened! Since our relaunch, we’ve been thrilled with fan response to the return of our classics like Orange and Grape, but the number one flavor our fans have requested that we bring back is Apple,” said Nicole Portwood, Chief Marketing Officer at Suja Life. Apple Slice will hit Target and other retailers across the US.
Like all Slice sodas, Apple combines nostalgic fizz with a better-for-you twist: 5 grams of fiber, only 40 calories, and 4 grams of sugar per can. It features a gut-friendly blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics (making Slice the only soda brand to include all three).
Apple joins a lineup inspired by classic flavors, including Shirley Temple, Root Beer, Watermelon, and Cherry Cola, all boasting the highest carbonation level in the healthy soda category.
Unwell Energy
Alex Cooper’s Unwell Hydration has expanded with Unwell Energy: a new energy drink.
Launching with four new flavors – Cherry Lime, Passion Fruit Orange Guava, Watermelon, and Pineapple Coconut – the drink is crafted to deliver a refreshing taste with bold benefits.
Each can offers 150mg of natural caffeine from green coffee extract, 745g of electrolytes, and six essential B vitamins, including Biotin to help support healthy hair and skin.
Unwell Energy is free from artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, aspartame, erythritol and acesulfame potassium: instead, it’s made with real fruit juice, 3g of sugar, and stevia.
“Wellness culture constantly tells us to be perfect, but Unwell Beverages was created to meet women exactly where they are,” said Alex Cooper, Co-founder of Unwell. “Whether they’re thirsty, hungry, or exhausted, Unwell Beverages allows us to support our community with great tasting, better-for-you versions of their favorite drinks.”
Unwell Energy (MSRP $2.69 per bottle) is available at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com. Unwell Beverages’ portfolio now spans hydration, protein, stick packs and energy.
Sunshine Punch Orange Cream Liqueur
Sunshine Punch Orange Cream Liqueur is making its UK debut, aiming to shake up the cream liqueur category with a vibrant twist.
The 18% ABV drink blends rum, cream, and citrus flavors for a tangy, lighter alternative to traditional cream liqueurs. Versatile and designed for modern drinking occasions, Sunshine Punch can be served over ice, mixed into cocktails, or transformed into a Brunch Punch.
Created in North Carolina in 2023 by lifelong friends Matt Hemmings and Brian Thomason, Sunshine Punch has already established itself in 30 US states. Now, with Brand Harbour as its European partner and Red Star Brands as exclusive UK distributor, the brand is set to roll out across bars, retailers, and social occasions in time for Spring 2026. Its distinctive matte orange bottle with bold blue branding evokes sunny skies and positions Sunshine Punch as a premium, contemporary choice for 25- to 40-year-old consumers.
“We’re confident the trade will embrace Sunshine Punch, and that consumers will love its striking packaging and delicious, sessionable flavor – we very much expect it to be the summer drink you can enjoy all year round,” said Ryan McCann of Red Star Brands. “As well as neat serves over ice, we’d like venues to recognize the role it can play on brunch menus, in pitchers, cocktails, sharing jugs and slushies.”
Bernini’s new look
South Africa Spritzer brand, Bernini, has unveiled a new look and campaign celebrating a classic, timeless aesthetic.
Bernini is a spritzer blended from wine with flavors, available in four versions: Bernini Classic; Bernini Blush; Bernini Amber; and Bernini Mimosa.
Bernini positions itself at the heart of the sunset aperitivo occasion, evoking long lunches and golden-hour moments that encourage slowing down and savoring life, with its ‘Pop It, Swirl It, Breathe It In’ tag.
Bernini’s classic blue stripe design elevates premium cues; with a crown B and Bernini blue to distinguish the brand.
“There is a quiet but powerful shift happening in how South African women choose to live and experience their world,” said Paigon Prince, Senior Brand Manager. “After years of rushing and performing, many are seeking moments that feel softer, slower, and more intentional.”
