News & Analysis for the Beverage Industry
Iced coffee is gaining ground across Europe’s on-trade. As volumes rise in four markets, where could suppliers find their next opportunity – from flavour innovation to processing technology and functional ingredients
The move taps into growing demand for protein-enriched drinks, with the new iced matcha and latte containing up to 25g of protein per serving
Brands are tapping into indulgence, innovation, sustainability and changing consumer preferences with the release of coffee creamers, new plant-based milks and premium whiskies
Nestlé capitalises on demand for cold caffeinated drinks with Starbucks Refreshers Concentrates
Health and wellness trends have galvanised demand for nutrient-rich foods, supporting sales expansion across key dairy categories. US Greek yogurt major Chobani is taking note
Spanish brewer Mahou San Miguel is strengthening its coffee business with the acquisition of La Flor Del Café and Gran Café Royal.
JM Smucker will launch four instant-coffee varieties in November, as it pursues growth in functional beverages
Flavour nostalgia, alcohol moderation, premiumisation and workplace experiences… brands across beer, spirits, coffee and sports nutrition are launching innovations designed to capture evolving consumer habits
The weather features heavily in Q4 update and predictions for the financial year ahead
Abu Dhabi-based global investor Mubadala has taken a US$1 billion stake in Luckin Coffee, to capitalise on the growing coffee market in China.
Coffee, Petcare and emerging markets at centre of Nestlé’s new strategy as the food giant moves away from growth through scale
Could coffee face the same turmoil as cocoa? Nestlé shares its strategy to secure supply, boost sustainability and avoid sharp price hikes in major brands like Nescafe
Brits might be a nation of tea drinkers but the beverage has still some way from having its own ‘coffee moment’, YouGov research commissioned by Birchall Tea has suggested.
Reese’s joins collaboration craze with cross-category coffee launch
As matcha’s popularity grows, Chuh, Shinzo and other emerging brands are using convenience, flavor innovation and new formats to turn a café favorite into a packaged beverage category
Tea is evolving into a “versatile flavour platform” that bridges the alcohol and non-alcoholic divide, with hard teas and RTDs driving innovation.
Coffee sustainability worldwide is at a crossroads, as prices fluctuate and concerns grow over climate change, farmer incomes and long-term supply resilience
The border closure between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has raised concerns over potential disruption to coffee trade - but is there a risk to global coffee prices?
Confectionery trends: Balancing better-for-you trends and indulgence
Candy-inspired nostalgia could give RTD tea a much-needed spark, as brands like Ryl Tea use confectionery flavors to attract younger, health-conscious consumers into the category
With pressure on conventional coffee production, coffee grown in a lab is one alternative that could ease demand
To appeal to coffee aficionados, alt dairy brands must prove barista-level functionality, compete on taste and flavour innovation, and look beyond sustainability
The regulatory burden has been significantly reduced
The Philippine government sets aside PHP2.5bn (US$40.6m) for farm-to-market roads that open access to 29,000 hectares to boost coffee production as it shifts towards high-value crop exports.
New product development
From matcha energy, alcohol-free aperitifs and nostalgia, summer flavours are driving drinks brands forward this summer
Extreme climate events are now a huge challenge for the coffee industry.
Space sakura tea and decaffeinated teas are part of Japan GreenTea’s export push, combining novelty, aesthetics and healthier beverage options
And a ‘no-risk’ benchmarking category is off the table
Coffee alternatives are rising not as replacements, but as functional upgrades
New research from APC Microbiome Ireland suggests coffee-driven changes in the gut microbiome may relate to brain function and behaviour.
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
Nestlé overcomes infant formula recall to deliver solid Q1 growth, powered by Coffee and Confectionery
As the deadline for the regulation approaches, the commodity continues to grapple with barriers to compliance
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
Nestlé predicts filtered coffee will see a surge that reflects rising consumer demand for cleaner flavours and innovative brews, especially in APAC
It is getting harder and harder to predict what the market will do next
A surprising ingredient could help plant-based meat tackle one of its biggest problems: taste
The announcement comes as Keurig Dr Pepper completes the acquisition of JDE Peet’s
From packaging breakthroughs and GLP-1-friendly formulations to regenerative claims and sensory-driven products, brands are balancing health, sustainability and indulgence in a rapidly evolving market
Climate pressures and production costs will force the sector to adapt, but the threat is not existential
Coffee prices had finally started declining: but what’s next?
Nestlé is doubling down on cold, convenient and customizable coffee solutions as Gen Z drives the rise of fourth‑wave, at‑home café culture
Insiders say instant coffee will be added to Europe’s deforestation regulation, impacting some of the biggest names in the business
By pouring its cow‑free milk into America’s favourite beverage, Strive Freemilk is normalising a new kind of dairy
Despite consumer coffee prices slipping, Vietnam’s brewing supply‑chain crisis threatens a painful whiplash for manufacturers as climate chaos, shrinking yields and land pressures trigger a new wave of cost volatility
For once, weather may not be the deciding factor
The rise of the US coffee creamer category has been largely fuelled by flavour innovation and brand collabs. But functional creamers represents a rapidly growing area.
The ongoing tensions in Iran could disrupt supply routes and drive volatility across key food commodities such as rice and meat
KDP will ultimately split into a coffee business and a refreshment beverage business
Arla Foods’ record-breaking 2025 was forged by carefully-executed long-term strategy. Here’s how the dairy co-op has gone from strength to strength
Nestlé’s new coffee pillar brings together global power brands Nescafé, Nespresso and Starbucks. And RTD coffee will be a feature for all three...