New Beverage Launches: Gallo Cabana, Bruichladdich RTDs and More…
Premiumisation continues to dominate new beverage launches as established alcohol brands move into higher‑value formats. Bruichladdich partnered with Whitebox to release limited‑edition, full‑strength RTD cocktails with ABVs up to 33.9%, while Vybey introduced a collagen‑infused energy drink that bundles protein, caffeine and focus ingredients. Gallo expanded its UK‑only Cabana California Rosé at roughly $10.80 a 75 cl bottle, and Austria Juice unveiled a fermentation process that reduces fruit‑juice sugar by at least 30% ahead of EU regulations. Together, these moves illustrate a shift toward quality, functionality and regulatory‑driven innovation.
Does Cultivated Coffee Have a Future?
Climate change is squeezing traditional coffee yields, prompting interest in cell‑cultured coffee. Although still pre‑regulatory and at pilot scale, startups like Stem, Pluri Biotech and Finland’s VTT are developing bioreactor processes. Market research projects a 21.22% compound annual growth rate...
The Functional Beverage Checklist
Functional beverages are reshaping the global drinks market as consumers demand both health benefits and great taste. A new checklist highlights five critical pillars—flavour, proven function, fun branding, clean formulation, and price—that determine a product’s success. The article cites data...
Sweet Proteins Gain Global Momentum with Latest Regulatory Win
Israeli food‑tech firm Amai Proteins has secured Singapore Food Agency approval for its precision‑fermented sweet protein, sweelin, following earlier GRAS clearance in the United States. The dual regulatory wins enable the company to launch sweelin across a broad range of...
Microplastics and Plastic Bottles: How Worried Should We Be?
A recent Earth Action study estimates that 1,000 tonnes of micro‑ and nanoplastics migrate from food packaging into consumables each year, roughly a gram per high‑use individual. PET beverage bottles are highlighted as major contributors, especially when subjected to handling, heat,...
Why Wine Can’t Keep Leaning on Tradition Alone
Wine industry’s digital push is limited to sensors, says Timofey Golovin, co‑founder of Winno. While traditional segments like Burgundy cling to heritage, climate‑driven losses force even legacy producers to consider new tech. Small family estates face steep capex, with a...
Protein: Beating the Formulation Challenges
Protein is becoming a cross‑category buzzword, now appearing in carbonated drinks such as the newly launched Proda soda. Formulating protein in a low‑pH, carbonated matrix is technically difficult, often causing chalkiness, bitterness or cloudiness. Proda solved the issue with whey...
Beyond Chatbots: How Agentic AI Can Boost Productivity and Decision-Making in Food
Agentic AI—autonomous systems that set their own goals—is moving beyond chatbots in the food and beverage sector. Nestlé has integrated the technology across HR, sales and finance, with more than 10,000 employees regularly leveraging AI tools. Danone is piloting agentic...
How to Build a Beverage Brand: Neutonic on Reaching Its $60m Valuation From Nootropic Drink Growth
Neutronic, the UK‑based nootropic drink and supplement brand, announced a $6 million financing round led by investors such as Alan Barrett and Dan Martell. Since its 2023 launch the company has sold more than 7.5 million cans and holds the #1 spot...
From Ambient to Plant-Based: Where Danone Is Taking Protein Next
Danone is broadening its protein portfolio beyond refrigerated dairy by launching Oikos ambient protein shakes, introducing Silk high‑protein plant‑based milk, and acquiring meal‑replacement brand Huel. The Oikos shake entered the $7 bn+ ambient market and helped the brand exceed €1 bn (≈$1.1 bn)...
Packaging Under Pressure: European Investment Bank’s Deputy Ops Chief on War Shocks and Alt Plastics
European Investment Bank deputy director Elina Roine highlighted the fragility of Europe’s packaging supply chain, noting that while recycling rates have risen to about 42%, high energy costs and geopolitical tensions undermine competitiveness. She emphasized the bank’s role in financing sustainable...
How Big a Problem Are Microplastics?
A new Earth Action and rePurpose Global study estimates that packaging releases roughly 1,000 tons of micro‑ and nanoplastics into food and drinks each year, translating to about 130 mg per person annually and over 1 g for heavy users. PET bottles alone...
New Beverage Launches: Fibre Shots, Capri Sun, Captain Morgan and More…
A wave of new beverage launches is reshaping the market, from Sparkling Ice’s limited‑edition Life Savers‑themed sparkling water to Capri Sun’s Hydrate functional pouch with electrolytes and half the sugar of typical sports drinks. Wednesday’s Domaine entered the mid‑strength wine...
Heineken Enjoys Premium Boost in Q1 Sales: But Warns of Iran Impact
Heineken reported a modest rebound in Q1 2026, with total volume rising 1.2% and net revenue up 2.8%. Premium brands led the recovery, posting a 5.8% volume increase and the flagship Heineken label gaining 6.9%. The company reaffirmed its full‑year...
Lidl to Open Its First Ever Pub, as Private Label Readies to Shake up Alcohol
Lidl is constructing its first‑ever pub in County Down, Northern Ireland, an 84 sqm venue that will serve 60 patrons and sell the retailer’s private‑label wines, beers, spirits and off‑trade alcohol. The project circumvents the region’s strict licensing rules after a High...