Hard Seltzer https://www.beverage-digest.com/rss en-us Noteworthy Launches: Gatorade. Powerade. Costco Energy. Primo Saratoga. Path Sports. Elmhurst Protein. Dunkin'. Bubly Wine. Simply Spiked. Crooked Pop. Super Lyte. GATORADE INNOVATION. NEW PRODUCT TEASED. At the Expo West show earlier this month, PepsiCo teased a new product called ... GATORADE INNOVATION. NEW PRODUCT TEASED. At the Expo West show earlier this month, PepsiCo teased a new product called ...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/1398 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:00:55 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/1398-noteworthy-launches-gatorade-powerade-costco-energy-primo-saratoga-path-sports-elmhurst-protein-dunkin-bubly-wine-simply-spiked-crooked-pop-super-lyte Noteworthy Launches: Gut Soda Entries; Protein Sodas; Sprite Chill; Ghost Hydration; Electrolit; Red Bull; Ohy Hydrogen Water; SanPellegrino; Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers; Vita Coco, Pez KXR As Coca-Cola begins the national rollout of its Simply Pop prebiotic soda, a flood of other brands are announcing gut pops of their own. They include Popwell by Talking Rain, Bloom Pop by Keurig Dr Pepper partner brand Bloom Nutrition, and Daytrip Prebiotic Soda by the maker of CBD sodas. Meanwhile, Halfday prebiotic tea has rebranded. And, on an adjacent front, Spindrift has launched a ... As Coca-Cola begins the national rollout of its Simply Pop prebiotic soda, a flood of other brands are announcing gut pops of their own. They include Popwell by Talking Rain, Bloom Pop by Keurig Dr Pepper partner brand Bloom Nutrition, and Daytrip Prebiotic Soda by the maker of CBD sodas. Meanwhile, Halfday prebiotic tea has rebranded. And, on an adjacent front, Spindrift has launched a ...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/1219 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 08:00:27 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/1219-noteworthy-launches-march-11-2025 Beer, Soda Distribution Consolidation Increasingly Likely, Former Coke Exec Says Conditions are ripe for accelerated consolidation of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage distribution businesses in the US market, predicts Matt Hughes, a former Coca-Cola Venturing and Emerging Brands executive. That could mean even Coca-Cola and Pepsi franchise bottlers one day look to combine with beer distributors to add efficiency and boost... Conditions are ripe for accelerated consolidation of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage distribution businesses in the US market, predicts Matt Hughes, a former Coca-Cola Venturing and Emerging Brands executive. That could mean even Coca-Cola and Pepsi franchise bottlers one day look to combine with beer distributors to add efficiency and boost...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/1127 Thu, 05 Sep 2024 09:59:42 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/1127-beer-soda-distribution-consolidation-increasingly-likely-former-coke-exec-says Coke, Bottlers Discuss Revised Compensation Agreement For Alcohol Coca-Cola and the company’s US bottlers are negotiating a possible new compensation agreement for alcohol beverage extensions as the company pushes further into the sector with its Red Tree Beverages subsidiary, according to BD sources. The revised... Coca-Cola and the company’s US bottlers are negotiating a possible new compensation agreement for alcohol beverage extensions as the company pushes further into the sector with its Red Tree Beverages subsidiary, according to BD sources. The revised...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/1020 Wed, 31 Jan 2024 09:30:39 -0500 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/1020-coke-bottlers-discuss-revised-compensation-agreement-for-alcohol Opening Thoughts: November 30, 2023 We just announced the finalists for our 2023 Beverage Digest Awards. Winners in 13 drink categories will be named at Future Smarts in New York on Dec. 11. There are a few trends worth noting from this year’s roster of finalists: — A range of teas came to the forefront. Vying for Best Premium Drink is a Blue Tea Jasmine variant from Rishi’s line of Sparkling Botanicals, as well as a Cold Brew Tea from... We just announced the finalists for our 2023 Beverage Digest Awards. Winners in 13 drink categories will be named at Future Smarts in New York on Dec. 11.

There are a few trends worth noting from this year’s roster of finalists:

— A range of teas came to the forefront. Vying for Best Premium Drink is a Blue Tea Jasmine variant from Rishi’s line of Sparkling Botanicals, as well as a Cold Brew Tea from...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/991 Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:30:44 -0500 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/991-opening-thoughts-november-30-2023 People: October 12, 2023 The latest industry executive moves to keep you in the know... The latest industry executive moves to keep you in the know...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/967 Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:21:37 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/967-people-october-12-2023 Briefs: September 14, 2023 A collection of recent developments from around the industry to keep you up to speed... http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/949 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 08:53:43 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/949-briefs-september-14-2023 Coke Agrees to Share Profit From Alcohol Extensions With U.S. Bottlers Deal Provides Compensation Levels Based on Extent of Bottler Brand Building.Comes as Jack and Coke Launches in Mexico, Heads to U.S. Next Year. Coca-Cola has agreed to compensate US bottlers for the extension of the company’s brands into the alcoholic beverage sector, BD has learned. The bottlers began signing agreements... Deal Provides Compensation Levels Based on Extent of Bottler Brand Building.

Comes as Jack and Coke Launches in Mexico, Heads to U.S. Next Year.

 

Coca-Cola has agreed to compensate US bottlers for the extension of the company’s brands into the alcoholic beverage sector, BD has learned. The bottlers began signing agreements...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/792 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 10:52:00 -0500 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/792-coke-agrees-to-share-profit-from-alcohol-extensions-with-us-bottlers lead-2022-11-22.jpg Blue Cloud Distribution GM Says, ‘We’re in This for the Long Haul.’ BD spoke with Blue Cloud General Manager Emiliano Di Vincenzo to seek additional clarity and to update progress with both Hard Mtn Dew and Blue Cloud. Hard Mtn Dew distributor Blue Cloud Distribution, set up last year by PepsiCo, is currently delivering products in nine states, according to the company. Blue Cloud Distribution also has secured federal alcohol wholesale permits in... BD spoke with Blue Cloud General Manager Emiliano Di Vincenzo to seek additional clarity and to update progress with both Hard Mtn Dew and Blue Cloud. Hard Mtn Dew distributor Blue Cloud Distribution, set up last year by PepsiCo, is currently delivering products in nine states, according to the company. Blue Cloud Distribution also has secured federal alcohol wholesale permits in...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/746 Thu, 22 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/746-pepsicos-blue-cloud-distribution-gm-says-were-in-this-for-the-long-haul Briefs: September 7, 2022 A collection of recent developments from around the industry to keep you up to speed... A collection of recent developments from around the industry to keep you up to speed...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/734 Wed, 07 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/734-briefs-september-7-2022 Opening Thoughts: August 18, 2022 The liquor store sure has changed. I popped into one last week to grab some Finnish Long Drink for our dog sitter. I left having seen the very embodiment of a trend. A massive display of Svedka vodka sodas and teas greeted me at the door. Other floor displays throughout the store pitched bright-colored cans of premixed cocktails, like a gin and tonic from Bombay Sapphire. Newer canned spirits brands such as High Noon and Cutwater stacked the cases high and sold them – at a premium. An entire section of shelves was permanently labeled “Ready-to-Drink.” An endcap display, big enough to incorporate a full-sized bicycle, marketed a product from craft beer trailblazer Dogfish Head (eventually acquired by Boston Beer). The display wasn’t for beer, however. It was for canned cocktails by Dogfish’s distilling unit. Even Dos Equis offered a blanco tequila ready-to-drink margarita. I asked an alcohol distributor stocking a display about the transformation (spurred in part by consumers’ boredom with beer)...

The liquor store sure has changed. I popped into one last week to grab some Finnish Long Drink for our dog sitter. I left having seen the very embodiment of a trend.

A massive display of Svedka vodka sodas and teas greeted me at the door. Other floor displays throughout the store pitched bright-colored cans of premixed cocktails, like a gin and tonic from Bombay Sapphire. Newer canned spirits brands such as High Noon and Cutwater stacked the cases high and sold them – at a premium.

An entire section of shelves was permanently labeled “Ready-to-Drink.” An endcap display, big enough to incorporate a full-sized bicycle, marketed a product from craft beer trailblazer Dogfish Head (eventually acquired by Boston Beer). The display wasn’t for beer, however. It was for canned cocktails by Dogfish’s distilling unit. Even Dos Equis offered a blanco tequila ready-to-drink margarita.

I asked an alcohol distributor stocking a display about the transformation (spurred in part by consumers’ boredom with beer)...

    

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/722 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 12:01:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/722-opening-thoughts-august-18-2022 Boston Beer Sees Dew Alcohol Extension as Growth Rising Star Hard Mtn Dew was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging second quarter for Boston Beer. Founder and Chairman Jim Koch said the flavored malt beverage (FMB) product, produced under a license from... Hard Mtn Dew was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging second quarter for Boston Beer. Founder and Chairman Jim Koch said the flavored malt beverage (FMB) product, produced under a license from...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/703 Tue, 02 Aug 2022 08:44:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/703-boston-beer-sees-dew-alcohol-extension-as-growth-rising-star Coca-Cola Considers Bottler Payments as Jack & Coke Joins Canned Cocktail Trend Coca-Cola is considering compensating its franchise bottlers in the US for company- sanctioned ready-to-drink alcohol beverages sold in bottlers’ exclusive territories, BD has learned from bottling executives. Just last week, Jack Daniel’s whiskey maker Brown-Forman and Coca-Cola announced a “global relationship” for a Jack & Coke canned cocktail to be launched in Mexico later this year. While other... Coca-Cola is considering compensating its franchise bottlers in the US for company- sanctioned ready-to-drink alcohol beverages sold in bottlers’ exclusive territories, BD has learned from bottling executives. Just last week, Jack Daniel’s whiskey maker Brown-Forman and Coca-Cola announced a “global relationship” for a Jack & Coke canned cocktail to be launched in Mexico later this year. While other...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/687 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 09:34:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/687-coca-cola-considers-bottler-payments-as-jack-coke-joins-canned-cocktail-trend Briefs: May 9, 2022 A collection of recent developments from around the industry to keep you up to speed... A collection of recent developments from around the industry to keep you up to speed...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/672 Mon, 09 May 2022 08:35:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/672-briefs-may-9-2022 Briefs: March 17, 2022 A collection of recent developments from around the industry to keep you up to speed... A collection of recent developments from around the industry to keep you up to speed...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/645 Thu, 17 Mar 2022 08:39:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/645-briefs-march-17-2022 U.S. Coke Bottlers Grapple With Alcohol Question and What it Means for Them Coca-Cola’s foray into the US alcohol beverage market has spurred mixed feelings from Coke bottlers without alcohol operations as they evaluate what the development means for their businesses. Coke and Molson Coors have steadily expanded distribution and added line extensions for Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, first introduced early last year. Coca-Cola has since licensed... Coca-Cola’s foray into the US alcohol beverage market has spurred mixed feelings from Coke bottlers without alcohol operations as they evaluate what the development means for their businesses. Coke and Molson Coors have steadily expanded distribution and added line extensions for Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, first introduced early last year. Coca-Cola has since licensed...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/631 Wed, 23 Feb 2022 09:40:00 -0500 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/631-us-coke-bottlers-grapple-with-alcohol-question-and-what-it-means-for-them 5-lead.jpg Coca-Cola Accelerates Crossover of Key Brands to U.S. Alcohol Market Constellation Brands, under a new agreement with Coca-Cola, will launch a Fresca-branded canned alcoholic cocktail in the U.S. this year. Called Fresca Mixed, the ready-to-drink beverage will be spirit based, according ... Constellation Brands, under a new agreement with Coca-Cola, will launch a Fresca-branded canned alcoholic cocktail in the U.S. this year. Called Fresca Mixed, the ready-to-drink beverage will be spirit based, according ...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/613 Tue, 25 Jan 2022 12:27:00 -0500 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/613-coca-cola-accelerates-crossover-of-key-brands-to-us-alcohol-market Monster Beverage Intent on Developing its Own Natural Hard Seltzer Monster beverage executives are intent on entering the hard seltzer market after all. While company leaders have talked since mid-2019 about a possible entry into the category, they have also repeatedly expressed concern since that the category was saturated. To enter the category, executives have said ... Monster beverage executives are intent on entering the hard seltzer market after all. While company leaders have talked since mid-2019 about a possible entry into the category, they have also repeatedly expressed concern since that the category was saturated. To enter the category, executives have said ...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/612 Tue, 25 Jan 2022 12:25:00 -0500 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/612-monster-beverage-intent-on-developing-its-own-natural-hard-seltzer canarchy-monster.jpg Reyes Holdings to Combine West Coast and Midwest Coke Bottling Operations Reyes Holdings will merge Illinois-based Great Lakes Coca-Cola Bottling and California-based Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling into a single operating unit starting Jan. 1, BD has learned from multiple sources. Reyes Coca-Cola CEO Bill O’Brien will helm the combined unit as CEO and the entity will ... Reyes Holdings will merge Illinois-based Great Lakes Coca-Cola Bottling and California-based Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling into a single operating unit starting Jan. 1, BD has learned from multiple sources. Reyes Coca-Cola CEO Bill O’Brien will helm the combined unit as CEO and the entity will ...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/580 Sat, 30 Oct 2021 15:16:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/580-reyes-holdings-to-combine-west-coast-and-midwest-coke-bottling-operations reyes-large Briefs: October 12, 2021 A collection of recent developments from around the industry to keep you up to speed... A collection of recent developments from around the industry to keep you up to speed...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/578 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 09:37:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/578-briefs-october-12-2021 Opening Thoughts: October 12, 2021 One couldn’t help noting the array of hard seltzer introductions shown last week at the National Beer Wholesalers Association meeting. Sonic Hard Seltzer takes cues from the fast-food chain’s non-alcoholic limeade fountain of- ferings. Reality TV chef Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Seltzer, with flavors like Berry Inferno and Knicker Twist, touts the drink as ... One couldn’t help noting the array of hard seltzer introductions shown last week at the National Beer Wholesalers Association meeting.

Sonic Hard Seltzer takes cues from the fast-food chain’s non-alcoholic limeade fountain of- ferings. Reality TV chef Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Seltzer, with flavors like Berry Inferno and Knicker Twist, touts the drink as ...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/579 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 09:12:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/579-opening-thoughts-october-12-2021 PepsiCo Executives Discuss Rationale for Alcohol Self-Distribution Unit During a third-quarter earnings conference call on Oct. 5, analysts naturally wanted to know more about the strategy behind PepsiCo’s decision to form an... During a third-quarter earnings conference call on Oct. 5, analysts naturally wanted to know more about the strategy behind PepsiCo’s decision to form an...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/571 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 09:09:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/571-pepsico-executives-discuss-rationale-for-alcohol-self-distribution-unit PepsiCo Joins Truly-Maker Boston Beer To Launch Hard Mtn Dew In 2022 PepsiCo has collaborated with Boston Beer to develop an alcoholic product called Hard Mtn Dew to be launched in the US early next year, the companies announced Tuesday. It’s believed to be the company’s first foray into alcohol. The flavored malt beverage (FMB) will contain... Company to Create Licensed Sales and Distribution Entity to Enter US 3-Tier System PepsiCo has collaborated with Boston Beer to develop an alcoholic product called Hard Mtn Dew to be launched in the US early next year, the companies announced Tuesday. It’s believed to be the company’s first foray into alcohol. The flavored malt beverage (FMB) will contain...

Company to Create Licensed Sales and Distribution Entity to Enter US 3-Tier System

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/505 Wed, 11 Aug 2021 08:49:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/505-pepsico-joins-truly-maker-boston-beer-to-launch-hard-mtn-dew-in-2022 Mtn Dew Hard PepsiCo, Boston Beer to Launch Hard Mtn Dew in 2022 PepsiCo has collaborated with Boston Beer to develop an alcoholic product called... PepsiCo has collaborated with Boston Beer to develop an alcoholic product called...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/502 Tue, 10 Aug 2021 09:04:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/502-pepsico-boston-beer-to-launch-hard-mtn-dew-in-2022 Mtn Dew Hard Sparkling Ice Tests Stevia Talking Rain, maker of sucralose-sweetened Sparkling Ice, is testing an extension of its flagship brand sweetened with stevia. The new Sparkling Ice Superfruit, which the company describes as “full flavored” with “sweetness from nature,” contains... Talking Rain, maker of sucralose-sweetened Sparkling Ice, is testing an extension of its flagship brand sweetened with stevia. The new Sparkling Ice Superfruit, which the company describes as “full flavored” with “sweetness from nature,” contains...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/494 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 01:48:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/494-sparkling-ice-tests-stevia Blurred Lines: Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Off to Promising U.S. Start Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, produced and marketed by Molson Coors under an agreement with Coca-Cola, continues to gain traction in the US despite a highly competitive market and signs of... Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, produced and marketed by Molson Coors under an agreement with Coca-Cola, continues to gain traction in the US despite a highly competitive market and signs of...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/477 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 10:50:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/477-cokes-topo-chico-hard-seltzer-off-to-promising-start lead-blurred-compressed Briefs: May 25, 2021 A collection of key industry developments to keep you up to speed. A collection of key industry developments to keep you up to speed.

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/469 Tue, 25 May 2021 09:12:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/469-briefs-may-25-2021 Iris Nova CEO Looks To Expand ‘Conversational Commerce’ to Alcohol Sector Iris Nova made a name for itself selling ready-to-drink functional lemon water by text message in a process founder Zak Normandin called “conversational commerce.” The company attracted the attention of Coca-Cola, which made a minority investment two and a half years ago. Normandin later added other owned and outside non-alcoholic brands to Iris Nova’s direct-to-consumer platform, which had begun with Dirty Lemon. Now he has his sights set on the alcohol beverage business, Normandin told BD in a recent interview. Iris Nova made a name for itself selling ready-to-drink functional lemon water by text message in a process founder Zak Normandin called “conversational commerce.” The company attracted the attention of Coca-Cola, which made a minority investment two and a half years ago. Normandin later added other owned and outside non-alcoholic brands to Iris Nova’s direct-to-consumer platform, which had begun with Dirty Lemon. Now he has his sights set on the alcohol beverage business, Normandin told BD in a recent interview.

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/463 Tue, 25 May 2021 09:01:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/463-iris-nova-ceo-looks-to-expand-conversational-commerce-to-alcohol-sector 1-header.jpg Briefs: April 20, 2021 A collection news items to keep you up to speed and connecting the dots. A collection news items to keep you up to speed and connecting the dots.

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/454 Tue, 20 Apr 2021 09:10:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/454-briefs-april-20-2021 Briefs: April 1, 2021 This Spring, LaCroix will launch three new flavors – Beach Plum, Black Razzberry, and Guava Sao Paolo.PepsiCo launched a number of products in March, including Pepsi Mango. The variant is... This Spring, LaCroix will launch three new flavors – Beach Plum, Black Razzberry, and Guava Sao Paolo.

PepsiCo launched a number of products in March, including Pepsi Mango. The variant is...

]]> http://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/447 Thu, 01 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.beverage-digest.com/articles/447-briefs-april-1-2021