In the technology world, one of the first things that might come to people’s minds when they hear the word “innovation” is Apple. In fact, the company topped The Boston Consulting Group’s list of the 50 most innovative companies in the world for the ninth consecutive year this year. Just as Apple has revolutionized the technology world, beverage companies aim to do the same in their respective categories. For instance, Kraft Foods changed the game for the drink mix category when it introduced Mio liquid water enhancers in 2011. This innovation kick-started a whole new segment of liquid concentrates, which today spans multiple brands, flavors and beverage categories, including energy drinks, sports drinks and tea. 

This year, more than 3,600 new beverages launched in the United States, according to Mintel’s Global New Products Database. After analyzing the market, the editors of Beverage Industry magazine took note of five brands in five different categories that have pushed industry trends to the next level to help the brands gain market share and meet consumer needs. As a result, Beverage Industry has named them its inaugural Innovations of the Year.