PepsiCo’s SodaStream unit has launched Pepsi syrup mixes in California that can be used with carbonated water produced by the do-it-yourself soda appliance. Syrups also are available for Pepsi Zero Sugar, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist Zero Sugar, and Sierra Mist.

On Feb. 24, Keurig Dr Pepper reported fourth-quarter net sales growth of +8.5% (excluding the impact of currency fluctuation). On the same organic basis, packaged beverage sales grew +17%, while beverage concentrates grew +8.9%. Latin America Beverages jumped +12.5%, while coffee systems growth rose +0.5%.

Also on Feb. 24, Monster Beverage reported a +19.1% increase in net sales during the fourth quarter, with Monster Energy (including Reign and True North seltzer) growing +20.7%. International sales grew +32%.

LaCroix maker National Beverage disclosed year-over-year pricing growth of +10.1% during the company’s third quarter ending Jan. 29. Pricing grew +6.1% on a trailing 12-month basis, the company said in an earnings release.

Notable Product Launches

Molson Coors will add a Margarita variant to its lineup of Topo Chico Hard Seltzers, created under license from Coca-Cola. Topo Chico Margarita Hard Seltzer flavors will be Signature Margarita, Tropical Pineapple, Strawberry Hibiscus, and Prickly Pear. Molson Coors also has redesigned the brand’s glass bottle.

Rising star fitness energy brand Celsius has more competition. Zoa Energy has launched a Zoa+ extension being billed as a zero sugar “pre- workout supplement” with 200mg of caffeine and ginko biloba, among other ingredients. The brand was co-founded by actor Dwayne Johnson and is distributed by Molson Coors Beverage. Initial availability is at Amazon and in GNC stores. ZOA+ is available in Mandarin Orange Grapefruit, Pineapple Passion Fruit, and Blackberry Acai flavors. The drink, packaged in 12-oz slim cans, retails for at $39.99 for a 12-pack.

Meanwhile, a former Anheuser-Busch InBev executive announced a Machu Picchu Energy drink at the Natural Products Expo West show in California last week. Bernardo Paiva was global head of sales for AB InBev before becoming CEO of AmBev from 2015 to 2019.

Hoplark, the maker of non-alcoholic teas and sparkling waters, has launched a non-alcoholic craft beer called Hoplark 0.0 Citra at retailers in Colorado, Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and New York.

Waterloo Sparkling Water has launched new Cherry Limeade and Blackberry Lemonade flavors.

Adaptogenic Energy Drink Goat Fuel has added distribution at Target stores in California, Florida, Texas, and Mississippi. The product, whose ingredient list includes mushrooms, was founded by Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and his daughter Jaqui Rice. “Goat” is an acronym for “Greatest of All Time.”

AB InBev showcased the beer brewer’s new EverGrain barley-based protein ingredient last week at Natural Products Expo West. The ingredient is used in the company’s new EverPro Protein Shake, as well as in plant-based beverage brands Take Two Barley Milk and Airship Coffee barley latte. EverGrain is made from “upcycled” spent barley grain from the beer brewing process. Meanwhile, Molson Coors debuted a barley milk called Golden Wing, which includes mushrooms on its ingredient list.

Probiotic beverage brand GoodBelly has introduced a child-targeted version called GoodBelly Kids with zero added sugar and “optimized for smaller bellies” with a specific probiotic strain, the company said.

Uncle’s Organic has launched an Uncle Matt’s 50 Orange Juice Beverage sweetened with Reb M stevia to cut the drink’s calorie count by half, compared to regular orange juice.

Jones Soda has announced a line of cannabis-infused soft drinks, gummies and other products in classic Jones Soda flavors. The products will be marketing under a new brand called Mary Jones.

The Miami Beach City Commission has signed what it says is the “first plastic-free pouring rights deal.” PepsiCo is paying about $2.3 million in cash and in-kind value in return for a decade of pouring rights that require the use of aluminum packaging for water and carbonated soft drinks. Sports drinks in plastic are allowed because package options are limited, according to the city. The deal covers various city buildings, a convention center, and beach concessions.