News & Analysis for the Beverage Industry
From Fanta’s Haunted Universe and Mountain Dew’s Trolli collaboration to Alani Nu and Reese’s, brands are borrowing scarcity, exclusivity and collectibles to turn seasonal beverages into coveted releases
Reese’s joins collaboration craze with cross-category coffee launch
A patent and a lawsuit are drawing attention to allulose, so here’s what F&B needs to know
New product development
Functional drinks, RTDs, premium spirits and alcohol-free innovation, brands are tapping into flavour experimentation, wellness and premiumisation to attract today’s consumers
A licencing agreement can give a certain level of control of a brand to the licensee
New product development
Functional RTDs, superfood powders, premium whisky and kombucha collaborations. It’s all here in the latest beverage launches
With interest in bone health rising, manufacturers can leverage key ingredients and nutrient combinations to meet demand
From GLP-1 to naturalness, the evolution of energy drinks worldwide is being driven by a variety of different trends
Functional alcohol, gut-health, premium no-alcohol wine and innovative RTDs are among the latest new beverage launches this week
Will sweetpotato milk fill a gap in the dairy alternatives space?
The SHS Drinks-owned brand has redesigned its packaging and aligned its range to 2.5% ABV as it looks to capitalise on growing demand for fruit beer and shandy, with new entrants including PepsiCo’s 7UP Pink Shandy.
The definition is under debate in the UK, as producers seek to align with other European countries
New product development
Functional drinks, flavoured waters and gut health beverages continue to drive innovation as brands unveil new launches aimed at health-conscious consumers
New product development
Protein-enhanced beverages, plant-based formats and nostalgia-led activations see brands tapping into some of the fastest-growing opportunities across the drinks sector
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
New product development
Functional soft drinks, craft cider and premium RTDs, drinks brands are accelerating innovation to capture evolving consumer demand for flavour, convenience and lower-ABV serves
Up the food chain
PepsiCo nutrition senior director, Dr Sue Gatenby, discusses reformulation, positive nutrition, GLP-1s, and the challenges facing the industry’s next generation
As consumer interest in indulgent, creamy sodas surges, major beverage brands are ditching the DIY approach for convenient, ready-to-drink formats
Beverages, snack, sauces and even ice cream are turning up the heat with ‘fricy’ offerings
New product development
Flavour innovation, format experimentation and premium convenience are driving the latest wave of beverage NPD across soft drinks, spirits and wine-based RTDs
Summer Fancy Food Show 2026
Bone broth’s versatility across beverage formats reveals there’s more to it than a functional, savory drink
The trend taps into adventurous palates and flavour science, making it a must-watch opportunity for F&B
New product development
Premiumisation, functionality and nostalgia are driving a fresh wave of innovation across alcohol and soft drinks, as brands look to capture evolving consumer preferences
Israel-based Brevel is seeking to bring its illuminated fermentation technology into the food sector, using its platform to accelerate the production of coffee cell cultures to commercial volumes
Flavoured beer and low-alcohol cider show how drinks brands are leaning into functionality, flavour and cultural tie-ins this summer
As concerns about artificial ingredients grow, enzymes are able to offer a unique solution
Chinese consumers are among the most discerning in the world, and guilt-free indulgence is leading local innovation trends. Here are four ways food firms can capitalise
New product development
Functional ingredients, premiumisation and cultural inspiration drive the latest wave of beverage innovation across alcohol, energy and alcohol-free categories
Up the food chain
They don’t front the brands, but this Nottingham duo is quietly shaping what the world eats next
How can brands embrace the sophisticated flavour profile of kombucha?
New product development
Premium spirits, functional soft drinks and reformulated juices lead this week’s new product development roundup
With pressure on conventional coffee production, coffee grown in a lab is one alternative that could ease demand
New product development
Protein-packed lattes, limited-edition sparkling wine and brand-led collaborations are leading brands into summer
New product development
From matcha energy, alcohol-free aperitifs and nostalgia, summer flavours are driving drinks brands forward this summer
Brands are reformulating everyday foods with more protein, fibre and functional ingredients as consumers look to support strength, digestion and long-term wellbeing through daily eating habits
Mid-strength spirits, functional hydration and heritage all play a role in this week’s beverage NPD round-up
New research from APC Microbiome Ireland suggests coffee-driven changes in the gut microbiome may relate to brain function and behaviour.
New product development
RTDs, non-alc beer, sleep supplements and lighter packaging, it’s all happening for drinks brands in this week’s NPD roundup
New product development
Non-alcoholic beer and mid-strength wine, fibre shots, hydration pouches and flavour-led spirits are top of the agenda for brands
Industry players, academics and researchers have cracked the code for better tasting alcohol-free drinks - in different ways
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
New product development
From English wine and sparkling innovations to high-ABV beer, RTDs and plant-based protein, producers are pushing into new formats, occasions and consumer needs
New product development
From functional soft drinks and alcohol-free fizz to culture-led RTDs and traditional mead, brands are responding to moderation, wellbeing and authenticity as they push innovation across the drinks landscape
Botanicals are the star of the show
New product development
Brands across beverages are leaning into functional benefits, nostalgia and bolder flavour profiles as companies expand portfolios to capture evolving drinking occasions and consumer expectations
New product development
Brands across alcohol, non‑alcohol and functional hydration are rolling out premium innovations, collaborations and reformulations that tap into fashion crossovers, natural ingredients and elevated at‑home drinking trends
Brewers spent yeast holds the potential to create cultivated meat that better matches the mouthfeel and texture of animal products
New product development
From matcha sodas and coconut water to luxury rum, RTD teas and circular spring water, the latest launches show how brands are rethinking flavour, functionality and sustainability across the global drinks market
Brands across spirits, wine, soft drinks and energy are pushing seasonal innovation, category expansion and premium cues