How to build a beverage brand: Plezi’s mission to transform food and drink with Michelle Obama and Stephen Curry
Plezi sets out to shift Americans’ drinking habits with Plezi Hydration: a lower sugar, electrolyte-boosted and vitamin-packed drink
Industry voices
How to build a beverage brand: C4 on carving out the performance energy category
Energy is buzzing: and there’s plenty of space for brands to find opportunities in segments of the category...
China Focus: Modernising baijiu, new rules on plant-based colours, dairy trade shifts, and more
In this edition of China Focus, we explore how traditional baijiu is being reimagined for Gen Z, new regulations mandating plant-based food colourings, China’s pivot to ANZ dairy amid US tensions, and more
Brewing direct connections with a new generation
A fresh wave is brewing in beverages and Millie Bobby Brown is leading it. Her DTC coffee brand is bypassing shelves to connect straight with fans
Multi-sensory cocktails shine at Diageo World Class Singapore
Diageo highlights mixology as key showcase for its premium spirits via World Class Singapore 2025 finals.
How to build a beverage brand: Zoa Energy on the value of ‘intrapreneurship’
Zoa Energy, the better-for-you energy drink co-founded by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and snapped up by Molson Coors last year, reveals its growth strategy
How to build a beverage brand: Just Ice Tea’s Seth Goldman on being an ‘activist entrepreneur’ in RTD tea
In 2022, Just Ice Tea emerged from the ashes of the axed brand Honest Tea. Industry veteran Seth Goldman tells us what he learned from Honest Tea and how Just Ice Tea can be even bigger and better
How to build a beverage brand: Celsius takes better-for-you energy to mass market success
Better-for-you energy drink Celsius is a premium lifestyle brand that’s continuing to gather serious momentum across the US and beyond. How has the brand transformed itself from a niche product to mass market success?
How to build a beverage brand: Bodyarmor on shaking up the sports drinks category
With huge momentum in the sports drinks category - and the might of The Coca-Cola Company behind it - the opportunity is huge for Bodyarmor. Innovation is in full flow - but how does the brand decide which concepts make it onto the market?
Nutri-score abandoned by European Commission
Following years of battling, the European Commission appears to have ditched plans to enforce its Nutri-score policy
How to build a beverage brand: Zevia on building up the Modern Soda category
Zevia is a ‘soda you can feel good about’. Dating back to 2007, the naturally sweetened, zero sugar drink was one of the pioneers revolutionizing the very concept of soda – a movement that’s now seeing some serious momentum.
Innovators in alcohol-free: Kin Euphorics
Rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, Kin Euphorics is exploring the world of functional ingredients to push the boundaries of the alcohol-free category. What’s coming up in 2025?
Innovators in alcohol-free: Lewis Hamilton’s Almave
Co-founded by Formula One champion and entrepreneur Lewis Hamilton, non-alcoholic agave spirit Almave wants to replicate trendy tequila’s success in the non-alc category. And the brand is in pole position…
Innovators in alcohol-free: Katy Perry’s De Soi
Functional sparkling alcohol-free aperitif De Soi was co-founded by Katy Perry in 2022: layering culinary botanical ingredients (like yuzu, rosemary and lemongrass) with adaptogens (such as reishi mushroom and l-theanine) for the ‘buzz without the booze’.
Innovators in alcohol-free: Smiling Wolf
Co-founded by former Diageo execs, Smiling Wolf turns to functional ingredients such as nootropics and vitamins to provide the ‘buzz’ associated with alcoholic drinks. How does the brand explain this concept to consumers?
Innovators in alcohol-free: CROSSIP
As a brand ‘born in a bar, not a boardroom’, CROSSIP has been carving out the alcohol-free category in the on-trade. What’s the secret to success?
Innovators in alcohol-free: TÖST
TÖST isn’t an alcohol-free wine, beer or spirit: rather, it’s an elevated drink with a unique blend of white tea and botanicals designed to sparkle on the table. Having attracted investment from Constellation Brands, it’s making waves across the US and...
How to build a beverage brand: FHIRST on the potential of the gut health market
Consumers are getting more and more interested in gut health - and it’s just the beginning, says Steven Van Middelem, founder of FHIRST. How is he building a brand in this space?
How to build a beverage brand: Campari America on creating global icons
Campari America Managing Director Melanie Batchelor's vision has been instrumental in building the strategy for some of the world's most iconic spirits brands, including SKYY Vodka, Campari, Aperol, Grand Marnier and Espolon Tequila. What are her top...
How to build a beverage brand: Recess on carving out the relaxation category
Ben Witte likes looking ahead: tracing out where the market is going and what consumers will turn to in the future. That's been his key to success in building Recess, a brand of relaxation drinks and powders.
How to build a beverage brand: Gut health superstar OLIPOP on creating the next wave of soda
When Ben Goodwin founded OLIPOP in 2018, his mission was to reshape the US’ soda addiction with a healthier alternative. This year, the brand is featured in Time100’s Most Influential Companies 2024. How has Goodwin built both a beverage brand – and a...
How to build a beverage brand: Liquid I.V.'s strategy to become a billion dollar brand
Liquid I.V.'s mission is all about enhanced hydration: and it's quadrupled in size since 2020 to become the #1 powdered hydration brand in the US. Mike Keech, CEO, tells us how it's got there - and how billion dollar brand status is in sight.
How to build a beverage brand: Suja Life on growing better-for-you brands
Suja Life’s brands harness the power of organic, non-GMO and plant-based ingredients to provide functional products loaded with nutrients. But how has a good product turned into a great brand? And how does the 2024 acquisition of ex-PepsiCo soda Slice...
How to build a beverage brand: Liquid Death on its marketing magic
Liquid Death has turned the bottled water category on its head: with its energy-drink-esque branding and novel approach to marketing ('Murder your thirst!' declares the brand's tagline). Mike Cessario, founder and CEO, sits down with BeverageDaily and...
Craftsmanship, collaboration and the ultimate non-alcoholic cocktail: Botivo on creating its aperitif-inspired drink
Sam Paget Steavenson created aperitif-inspired botanical drink Botivo with high-end occasions in mind (his background in events saw him create drinks for The Royal Wedding in 2018). Who better to ask what the secret to the ultimate non-alcoholic cocktail is?
Growing an alcohol-free brand: Days Brewing talks TikTok triumphs and pint bottle launch
Alcohol-free beer Days Brewing has grown the brand through witty advertising and cheeky TikTok videos. Co-founders Mike Gammell and Duncan Keith tell us about their 2024 plans to drive brand awareness, availability and the right formats for modern beer...
Profile series: Innovators in low/no alcohol
My Drynuary: ‘This year is a pivotal year for the non-alcoholic category in New Zealand’
After 25 years in the brewing industry – most recently as Heineken’s Global Director of Craft Beer in Amsterdam – Grant Caunter returned to his native New Zealand to start zero-alcohol brand State of Play Brewing. In our series profiling innovators in...
Profile series: Innovators in low/no alcohol
My Drynuary: ‘The beauty of the non-alcoholic space is that there are no rules! We're creating the category for the modern drinker'
Ryan Hanson co-founded non-alcoholic wine Surely in 2020, attracted to the opportunity to innovate in a very traditional category. In our series on entrepreneurs in the low/no alcohol industry, he takes us through what he’s focusing on as a leader of a...
Profile series: Innovators in low/no alcohol
My Drynuary: ‘‘Our calendar is packed with events, from mindful mixology classes to concerts, samplings and more!’
Los Angeles brand OPTIMIST makes botanical spirits that are completely free from alcohol, and this month debuts its first RTD canned cocktail. In our series on innovators in the low/no alcohol industry, co-founder Lisa Farr Johnstone tells us about the...
Profile series: Innovators in low/no alcohol
My Drynuary: ‘January presents the perfect opportunity for sober-curious consumers to explore the fantastic array of non-alc products out there’
In 2021, Canadian craft brewery Philips Brewing & Malting Co. made the move into the non-alcoholic category with the launch of iOTA. It sees January as the perfect month to help consumers explore the growing choice in the category.
My Drynuary: ‘Our customers are our main source of inspiration'
Canadian non-alcoholic beer Partake Brewing was launched in 2017: and now sells its brews across Canada and the US. Evan Cohen, President and Chief Commercial Officer, looks at the two markets in this series on innovators in the low/no alcohol industry.
Profile series: Innovators in the low/no alcohol industry
My Drynuary: ‘The no/low space shares many principles with its alcoholic counterpart: It’s fundamentally about bringing people together, allowing them to share moments and have a good time’
UK alcohol-free wine Wednesday’s Domaine is on a mission to become the midweek wine alternative of choice for food and drink lovers. In our series profiling innovators in the low/no alcohol industry, founder Luke Hemsley tells us why alcohol-free wine is...
Profile series: Innovators in the low/no alcohol industry
My Drynuary: ‘One of the most common questions we receive is ‘Are you sure this is alcohol-free?’ That's the best compliment we can get!’
ISH Spirits offers a range of alcohol-free sparkling wines, spirits and cocktails: using a proprietary technique so that drinks mimic their alcoholic counterparts as closely as possible. In our series profiling movers and shakers in the industry, founder...
Profile series: Innovators in the low/no alcohol industry
My Drynuary: ‘We’re thrilled there are now so many more options for people who are looking for interesting alternatives to alcohol'
Sharelle Klaus founded DRY Soda Co. in Seattle in 2005: it’s safe to say the alcohol-free market has changed a lot since then. In our series profiling movers and shakers in the industry, she tells us how she's seen the category evolve - and how she's...
Profile series: Innovators in the low/no alcohol industry
My Drynuary: 'My goal as a winemaker is to create wines that make consumers feel there is a product that was made just for them'
California’s lower alcohol Cupcake Lighthearted wines (8% ABV) were inspired by winemaker Jessica Tomei, who craved a lighter option to fit in with her active lifestyle. In this series profiling brands in the low/no alcohol industry, we talk to Tomei...
Profile series: Innovators in the low/no alcohol industry
My Drynuary: ‘Knowing there is a bigger purpose behind the role Wild Idol plays in people's lives is very inspiring’
Throughout January, this series will profile some of the movers and shakers in the booming low/no alcohol industry. Today: Paul Beavis, CEO of premium alcohol-free sparkling wine Wild Idol, tells us how the brand has built up listings in upmarket...
Navigating the EU packaging legislation: key insights for sports foods businesses
Over the last few years, as part of the EU Green Deal, policy makers have focused their efforts on introducing a series of highly ambitious regulations that mean to bring sustainability to every step of the food chain. Among others, a legislative file...
How brands can rethink the single use plastic water bottle
The challenges for plastic water bottles are clear: their environmental impact is leading to a consumer backlash and even potential regulatory restrictions. But the future isn’t about a few brands moving into alternative packaging formats: it’s about...
Guest article
Uncorking the dark side: How wine brands are embracing the allure of the macabre
We love Halloween and the 'spooky season'. And up-and-coming wine brands are using our obsession with all things spooky to stand out from the crowd with their compelling brand stories and sinister tales. Rowena Curlewis, CEO of drinks design specialist...
Guest article
What spirits brands can learn from coffee
You'd be forgiven for thinking they are two very different categories: but spirits brands can learn a lot from how coffee brands have built up rituals and experiences, writes Zander Corbin from creative and brand consultancy BLVR in this guest article.
Guest article
'It’s a bold new colorful world!' New beverage brands are leveraging colorful brand palettes
The soda aisle is made up of iconic brands with red, blue and green products. But new beverage brands have other ideas, explains Amy Kosnick, CBX Director of Design Strategy, in this guest article.
Guest article
How brands can capitalize on rum's renaissance
The rum industry is in the midst of a renaissance. But while these are exciting times for rum brands, many are missing out because they aren’t changing with the times, writes Graeme Offord, creative director (Sydney) of drinks design agency Denomination
Guest article
Brewing a better future: How beverage brands can strengthen their sustainability credentials
Push those Margaritas, Cosmopolitans and Daiquiris aside. In 2023, clean and green drinks are top of the menu. But how can beverage brands show their commitment to a sustainable future? Giles Fuchs, owner of Gunner Cocktails, takes a look.
Is Champagne still the top drink for celebrations?
Champagne has long been a symbol of luxury, celebration and indulgence. The industry has weathered significant challenges: from economic downturns to changing consumer habits and preferences. But Champagne's current availability issues and price rises...
The UK organic wine market is rapidly growing - and here’s what lies ahead
Against a backdrop of stagnating wine sales, organic wines are steadily growing in volume, value and variety. Alex Green, director and co-founder of UK-based wine distributor Beyond Wines, looks at how organic wine brands can increase their appeal to...
Better-for-you beverages at Positive Nutrition 2023: From collagen-infused water to prebiotic soda
From fortification to flavor, low-no alcohol and low-sugar, what are consumers looking for in better-for-you beverages? Join us at FoodNavigator’s Positive Nutrition Summit to find out.
How brand homes keep the spirits industry thriving in bourbon country
Bourbon distilleries are investing in visitor experiences - but what's the ROI? Gloria Chow, senior strategist at New York design agency Imagination, addresses the question.
Is zero the hero for today’s beer industry?
From the potential future irrelevance of ‘Dry Jan’, to 0% beers with an enhanced ‘relaxing feeling’, just how big can non-alcoholic beer really get, and where can it go next? Asks Jamie Williams, Managing Partner at independent creative agency, isobel.
profile series: innovators in low/no alcohol
My Drynuary: 'January used to be a massive spike for us - but now people are looking for alcohol-free options to fit their lifestyle all year round'
As January draws to a close, James Kindred, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer at Big Drop, highlights that demand for alcohol-free beers is now spread out across the whole year.
My Drynuary: 'The bar will look completely different in 10 years because of the work we're doing all together in alcohol-free right now'
David Fudge, co-founder and CEO of US non-alcoholic spirit brand Aplós, explains why he thinks functional ingredients are the key to reshaping the drinks category.