News & Analysis for the Beverage Industry
2026 Trendspotting
From matcha and sober-curious sips to gut-friendly tonics, protein power and tropical spritzes, functional beverages are defining the next wave of refreshment
Matcha’s vibrant green color means it’s booming on social media. And yet, the tea itself is something of an acquired taste. So how are brands translating likes into sales?
The beer category is in decline: but brewers who embrace creativity and are prepared to innovate outside the box can find new opportunities
August 26 is the unofficial start of fall: it’s the day Starbucks brings its famous Pumpkin Spice Latte back into stores. But what’s next for the superstar flavor?
Most of what we ‘taste’ actually comes from smell. So can a beverage be based on that alone? Yes, says Lena Jüngst: a product designer turned beverage entrepreneur who took this simple idea into a bottle that’s built a fan following among kids and young...
Matcha is having a moment: nowhere more so than in trendy, Instagram-friendly matcha lattes. But that’s opened up the market up to cheaper, lower quality alternatives. Good & Proper’s latest launch heralds a return to ‘matcha, as it should be’
Founder Chris LaCorata shares how Graasí evolved from a community revitalization effort into an organic barley-based wellness drink built for today’s health-conscious consumer
From vodka seltzer to energy drinks, we take a look at some of the new beverages launching around the globe
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
Ready for the new world of GLP-1 food and drink? Want to keep up to speed with the latest in functional and plant-based ingredients, alternative proteins, sugar reduction tech and much more? Here are some of the innovations set to star at the global food...
This summer sees new twists on classic cocktails while flavor innovations bring excitement to the category
It all depends how juniper berries – the key botanical which is responsible for gin’s distinctive taste – are affected by changing weather conditions
From tapping into the CoffeeTok culture to elevating plant-based creamers, how is one of the major coffee creamer producers moving the needle on innovation?
Savory serves, protein cocktails and ‘brothtails’… what are some of the coolest and craziest trends emerging in beverage alcohol?
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...
What shapes consumers’ decisions when it comes to buying canned cocktails? Flavor is by far the biggest factor - but what else drives purchases?
It’s not just about margaritas. National Tequila Day (July 24) puts the spotlight on the huge variety of cocktails now embracing the trending spirit.
News
Between 2018-2022, flavour beer launches grew by a CAGR of 28%, according to an assessment of the market by Synergy Flavours.
What's hot this summer? We take a look at the top beverage trends.
Tea brand Heytea has landed in Paris, France with the aim to entice the cheese-loving nation with its Cheese Tea in the build-up to the Summer Olympics.
Jalapeno, pepperoncini, chili and more: spicy and 'swicy' flavors are trending across the beverage universe in 2024.
Sweets & Snacks Expo
As consumers seek layered flavors that enhance their snacking experience, the sweet and tart notes of pink lemonade served as a popular confectionery trend during the Sweets & Snacks Expo.
Heineken Netherlands has acquired a minority stake in hard seltzer STËLZ, as the brewing giant increases its focus on the ‘beyond beer’ category.
The world’s top orange production regions are struggling: putting pressure on the global supply of oranges for the juice industry. Beverage brands are finding innovative ways to deal with high costs and shortages.
Cacao fruit, or cocoa fruit, is drawn from the same pod as cocoa beans. Normally thrown away, the juice, pulp and peel of the pod can be used as a sweetener in a range of products. Across Europe and beyond, cacao fruit has appeared recently in a range of...
Collaborations with Snickers, Twix and Milky Way have helped Keurig Dr Pepper find a winning strategy for flavored coffee: combining its expertise in coffee with imaginative flavors and the brand equity of some of America's best-loved indulgent brands.
Having unveiled a new logo and visual identity system in the US last year, Pepsi is now rolling out its new look globally in a bid to appeal to younger consumers and help ‘shake up the cola category’.
New Zealand-founded hard seltzer brand Everyday Weekend is aiming to seize growth opportunities in the ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages category across Asia through affordable pricing and community marketing strategies.
It’s expected to be a year of blush – with dsm-firmenich declaring Peach+ as its 12th annual Flavour of the Year, inspired by Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Peach Fuzz.
Hard seltzer pioneer White Claw is launching White Claw 0% Alcohol in the US in January: ‘a radically new beverage’ that is designed to combine White Claw flavors with hydrating electrolytes while replicating the complexity of alcohol.
What drinks trends can we expect for the upcoming festive season? Experts share what they’re looking out for in the UK.
Drawing on a love for spicy cocktails, Kristen Knapp founded Heartbeat to ‘add unexpected spice into the wine category’. Can the hot rosé succeed in attracting younger drinkers to the category?
Juice company Yuzuco is on a mission to spread the refreshing and aromatic attributes of yuzu in the US as it shores up its supply chain and release new products, company co-founder and CEO Basil Beshkov told FoodNavigator-USA.
Spindrift is growing by tapping into the increased occasions for sparkling water and innovating around flavor, including seasonal varieties, the brand’s VP of marketing Sue Kim told FoodNavigator-USA.
The launch of Y3000 Zero Sugar represents the ‘first futuristic flavor co-created with human and artificial intelligence from Coca-Cola'.
As adaptogens and mushrooms continue piquing the interest of health conscious and sober-curious consumers, the sparkling, functional mushroom beverage brand expanded its convenience and grocery retail presence so “more people are able to experience the...
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte returns to stores today: marking the 20th anniversary of the seasonal favorite. What can we learn from the ongoing success of the flavor?
From convenience to hydration and satiation, consumer preferences for beverages offer manufacturers an opportunity to hone in on value, attributes and nutrition with taste and simple ingredients as a common driver, according to Hartman Group’s Modern...
Guest article
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.
BrewDog Distilling Co is ‘on a mission to create a world-renowned Scottish spirits brand’: having announced a new portfolio, new distillery, and new CEO. The brand tells us how it intends to create ‘some serious tidal waves’ in the craft spirits industry.
What’s trending in the US spirits scene this summer? Sean Eckhardt, Senior Vice President of US Sales at Bacardi, tells us how the company is tracking continued growth in tequila, RTDs and rum.
Functional beverage brands could be forgiven for focusing on functionality over flavor – but they do so at their peril. Flavor has an important role to play in attracting consumers to the category and keeping them interested in the long term.
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.
As consumers look for both refreshing tastes and gut health claims, more are turning to prebiotic sodas in a range of classic flavors — including lemon-lime — Howard Telford, head of soft drinks at Euromonitor International, told FoodNavigator-USA.
After nearly two decades of first appearing in fast-food restaurants across the US and becoming a go-to favorite for spicy aficionados, sriracha today is not only an established flavor that many consumers love, but according to Kerry’s Taste & Nutrition...
System launched its hard seltzers to create ‘the drinking experience we wanted but didn’t exist yet’: a 9 pack with 3 cans at 0% ABV, 3 cans at 5% ABV and 3 cans at 8% ABV. In our series celebrating innovators in the low/no alcohol industry, co-founders...
Gen Z consumers are more likely to drink RTD coffee than hot coffee – and as brands respond, the category is expanding and developing. We explore what’s trending in RTD coffee – and where the category could go next.
To kick start 2023, PepsiCo this week freshened up its beverage line-up, unveiling a new formulation for Pepsi Zero Sugar and releasing STARRY, a lemon lime-flavored soda that is replacing Sierra Mist.
What flavors can we expect to see trending in 2023? Soft drink and mixers company Fentimans puts the spotlight on three flavor trends it’s watching.
After five days of showcasing food and beverage products from around the world, SIAL 2022 in Paris has come to a close. FoodNavigator was on the ground, meeting with newcomers and category leaders alike to discuss trends, new product development, and...