All articles tagged with #beverage industry
Coca-Cola will introduce new flavors across its portfolio in 2027, including Cherry Lime and Strawberry Float for its core brand, as well as prebiotic versions of Zero Sugar sodas. The company also plans to expand Powerade, Mr. Pibb, and Topo Chico lines with new varieties, while Core Power shakes will debut new flavors for the first time in nearly a decade.
Coca-Cola has appointed Rob Gehring, currently head of Monster Beverage’s Americas business, to lead its North American operations starting December 1. The move aims to bolster growth amid tightening U.S. consumer spending, leveraging Gehring’s experience in driving innovation and commercial modernization. While Coca-Cola reported 7% net sales growth in the second quarter, Monster Beverage saw a 20% increase, highlighting the energy drink sector’s momentum. Gehring, 59, previously served as CEO of Swire Coca-Cola USA and will transition from his role at Monster, where he has been chief growth officer since 2024.
Gen Z shoppers in the US and abroad are shifting from hot coffee to iced, customizable beverages, a trend that’s lifting demand for cold drinks at chains like Starbucks (where most beverages are cold) and prompting rivals such as Dunkin and McDonald’s to expand cold options; social media buzz and the appeal of personalized drinks make cold beverages a form of self-expression that can carry a premium, while price sensitivity remains a factor and the trend appears year‑round.
Non-carbonated drinks are gaining ground as seltzer fatigue hits, driven by Gen Z’s preference for fizz-free options in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories. Brands like Surfside, Liquid Death, Celsius and BeatBox are expanding fizz-free lines, while traditional seltzers underperform, signaling a broader shift in the beverage landscape toward still drinks packaged in cans.
McDonald’s will launch bright, fruit-flavored refreshers and dirty sodas in May, adding fuel to a beverage trend that already has Dunkin’, Starbucks and rivals like Taco Bell and Sonic expanding cold-drink menus in a bid to win more traffic and sales.
Coca-Cola is discontinuing Minute Maid’s frozen canned juice line after 80 years, ending a long-running product in its beverage portfolio. The company has not announced replacement products at this time.
Coca-Cola will discontinue Minute Maid frozen juice concentrates in the U.S. and Canada, with sales ending by April 2026 and inventory while supplies last, in a shift to prioritize fresh juices amid changing consumer tastes. The move ends a long history dating to 1946, as frozen concentrate demand wanes, prices rise, and frozen-beverage sales decline (about 8% over the past year, with a December 12-ounce can averaging around $4.82). Coke has also nudged consumers toward Zero Sugar fresh options.
Coca-Cola's plan to reintroduce cane sugar in the US has faced challenges due to limited availability, making the rollout a gradual process, despite earlier announcements and political pressure.
Japan is on the verge of running out of Asahi Super Dry beer due to a cyber attack that disrupted supply chains, highlighting vulnerabilities in the beverage industry.
Molson Coors has appointed an insider as its new CEO, signaling a leadership change within the company.
Keurig Dr Pepper plans to acquire European coffee company JDE Peet’s for $18 billion, aiming to split into two focused beverage companies—one on coffee and the other on soft drinks—effectively undoing its 2018 merger with Dr Pepper. The deal reflects shifts in consumer demand and challenges in the coffee industry, with the new focus on coffee innovation and growth, pending regulatory approval expected in 2026.
President Trump announced that Coca-Cola will start using real cane sugar in its US products, moving away from high fructose corn syrup, possibly in response to consumer demand and health considerations, though details on recipe changes are yet to be clarified.
Taco Bell is testing a new concept called Live Más Café in San Diego, focusing on a beverage-centric menu that includes milkshakes, coffees, and fruity iced drinks. This move aims to tap into the growing beverage market dominated by chains like Starbucks and Dunkin'. The café is part of Taco Bell's strategy to diversify its audience and disrupt the beverage industry, leveraging its strong performance within Yum Brands. The concept was developed with Diversified Restaurant Group, a major Taco Bell franchisee.
Todd O'Gara, founder of Austin-based Wanu Water, is facing charges of wire fraud for allegedly defrauding investors out of millions by misrepresenting the company's value and doctoring purchase orders. Despite Wanu Water's financial struggles since 2019, O'Gara reportedly exaggerated investor commitments and misused funds, leading to a projected loss of nearly $4 million. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. O'Gara denies the charges and awaits trial.
Alex Cooper, host of "Call Her Daddy," is launching Unwell Hydration, an electrolyte drink in partnership with Nestlé, set to debut on January 1. The drink, aimed primarily at women, will be low in sugar, contain B vitamins, and be available in flavors like strawberry and mango citrus. This move aligns with a trend of celebrities entering the beverage market, following successful ventures like Prime Hydration by Logan Paul and KSI. Cooper's company has also filed a trademark for "Popular Vodka by Unwell," indicating potential expansion into alcoholic beverages.