NACS Show breaks Chicago record
Beverage-makers debut new, upcoming releases for c-stores

The NACS Show once again set an attendance record for its respective host city, following record crowds in Atlanta (2023) and Las Vegas (2024). Overall, 25,136 attendees from 73 countries experienced four days of education, networking and a look at what’s hot and new in the global convenience and fuel retailing industry at the 2025 NACS Show, which took place Oct. 14-17 in Chicago.
Organized around five broad categories (in-store merchandise, technology, facility operations, fuel equipment and services and foodservice), the 440,000-square-foot expo featured 1,204 exhibitors. This included 184 exhibitors in the New Exhibitor Area and 36 new companies in the Convenience Catalyst section of the Cool New Products Preview Room, which provided retailers with a unique look at products and services that are relatively new to the convenience channel.
Among those exhibiting on the expo floor were a plethora of beverage manufacturers. The following are highlights from those exhibitors:
AriZona Beverages announced the official launch of Rizzler Berry, a sparkling juice cocktail that blends sweet and juicy berries like strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, with snappy apple for a fruity, bubbly drink, the company says. The company also promoted the recent launch of the new Chocolate Egg Cream Soda, which was created in collaboration with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. A portion of proceeds from every can sold will directly support the foundation in providing mortgage-free homes to the families of America's fallen first responders and Gold Star families, as well as aiding wounded veterans. Originally named after the frothy top that looked like cream, AriZona's reimagination features no eggs or cream, instead a swirl of milk, it says.
Image courtesy of BeatBox BeveragesBeatBox offered samples of its newest limited-time flavor offering: Sweet Heat Cinnamon. Just in time for the holidays and timed around National Cinnamon Day (Nov. 1), this launch taps into rising demand for flavored RTD’s and seasonal offerings that bring the heat while temperatures drop, the company states.
Black Rifle Coffee Co. highlighted innovations for 2026. For its Black Rifle Energy Zero Sugar it will add Grape X and Tiger Strike. It also will launch in 2026 Cold Brew in Just Black and Vanilla varieties.
The Boston Beer Co. announced the 2026 release of Twisted Tea Extreme Long Island Iced Tea.
Celsius Holding Corp. promoted the seasonal releases of Winter Wonderland from Alani Nu and Celsius Spritz Vibe Snowball Frost, both releasing in November 2025.
Image courtesy of Celsius Holdings Inc.The Coca-Cola Co. promoted a variety of beverages as well as promoted upcoming launches. It promoted the BodyArmor Flash IV Stickpack range, Powerade Xtra Sour, Powerade Power Water, CorePower, Simply, Minute Maid as well as the limited time offering Sprite + Tea. It also announced the relaunch of Mr Pibb in late 2025 and January 2026 limited release of Simple Limeade with Cherry, and the 2026 release of Diet Coke Cherry, Coca-Cola Cherry Float, Coca-Cola Cherry Float Zero.
Constellation Brands highlighted a variety of innovations slated for the end of 2025 and into 2026. A limited-time offering of Modelo Noche Especial will release in the November-December 2025 time range. Also currently available in market is Corona NA, Corona Sunbrew Citrus and Modelo Agua Fresca. In January, the company will launch Modelo Chelada NA Limon y Sal. In February, the company will see the regional release of Cerveza Barrilito. In March, the company will release Modelo Chelada Supreme Mango Nada and Tropical, and the regional releases of Modelo Chelada Limon y Sal, Good Peals Spiked Apple Refresher and Vicky Mango.
Eternal Water announced the launch of its new 800-ml (27-ounce) bottle at this year’s show. This new size offers consumers a convenient, on-the-go option, meeting the rising demand for versatile premium hydration options, the company says. Tailored for the convenience channel, the 800-ml bottle fits easily in bags, gym gear or car cupholders, making it perfect for gym-goers, commuters and active, health-conscious consumers, it adds.
J.M. Smucker Co. promoted its Café Bustelo Iced Coffees in con Leche, con Dulce de Leche and con Vanilla.
Keurig Dr Pepper showcased a host of innovations to come. Within carbonated soft drinks, Dr Pepper’s limited-time-offer Creamy Coconut will return in 2026 nationwide and on fountain. Also within fountain, it shared that Sunkist Grape frozen and Dr Pepper Blackberry frozen flavors will join fountain lineups. Within energy, its GHOST portfolio will debut in 2026 Sour Strips and Welch’s Grape-Cran, as well as new, smaller 8.4-ounce cans. From partner brand C4, it highlighted Mango Fuego and Jolly Rancher Peach 2026 releases. From partner brand Bloom, it promoted Strawberry Watermelon, Raspberry Lemon and Peach Mango flavors. Within hydration, it shared that partner brand Electrolit will introduce Cherry Ice in 2026. KDP also will expanding the availability and presence of the brand’s Zero Sugar portfolio in the year through its DSD system. Lastly, it announced that Mott’s 12-ounce juice is launching into the convenience channel in Q1 2026.
La Colombe of Chobani LLC promoted its rotating 2025 seasonal lineup, including Peppermint Mocha, which will be available in November. Earlier releases this year were Strawberry Mocha, S’mores Latte and Pumpkin Spice. Chobani additionally promoted its high protein drinks available in 15G Protein and 20G Protein.
Living Essentials LLC’s flagship brand 5-hour ENERGY announced that Cotton Candy, Fruity Rainbow and Confetti Craze are official additions to the brand’s 17 flavor lineup. In addition, the brand introduced an all-new flavor, Firework Freeze, a blend of bold, juicy cherry, citrusy lime and candy-like blue raspberry inspired by the favorite freezer pop, that will launch nationwide next year. These three flavors will be available for purchase on 5hourEnergy.com and Amazon before the end of 2025, with nationwide retail availability coming in early 2026. Firework Freeze will be available in May 2026 for a summer-ready rollout.
Molson Coors Beverage Co. announced the March 2026 releases of Wicked Apple Bites and Simply Spiked Bolder, a 12% ABV in a 7.5-ounce can, and the February 2026 release of Topo Chico Margarita Max Strawberry Hibiscus.
Monster Beverage Co. highlighted a range of innovations slated for late 2025 and 2026. Among the innovations are two new full-sugar Monster Energy flavors, Orange Dreamsicle and Electric Blue; Monster Ultra Wild Passion, releasing in November; Juice Monster Bad Apple, which released in October; Monster Energy Lando Norris Zero Sugar, which released in Las Vegas in October and will be available nationally in February; Bang Lime, which is releasing in February 2026; Reign Watermelon Sour Gummy, releasing in the spring 2026; Monster Ultra Punk Punch releasing in March 2026; and a liberty-themed Ultra Red, White and Blue, releasing as a summer 2026 limited-timed offering.
Nutrabolt, parent company to C4 Energy, highlighted its launch of C4 Ultimate Energy x Godzilla, which was developed in partnership with Toho International. The limited-edition release launched Nov. 3 on Godzilla Day. C4 Ultimate Energy Sour Blue Razzilla delivers tangy blue raspberry flavor with 300 mg of caffeine, zero sugar, and the brand’s proprietary Tri-Stim Experience (caffeine, TeaCrine, Dynamine) for sustained energy and focus. The Godzilla release will be supported by a full-scale campaign spanning social, influencer, PR, digital, and retail activations, including an immersive booth experience at the NACS Show. Additionally, C4 Performance Energy showcased Cereal Killer, a fruity cereal flavor that launched in late October. It also previewed C4 Performance Energy Mango Fuego, a tropical-spicy fusion delivering 200 mg of caffeine and CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine for sustained performance. Mango Fuego will be shoppable Jan. 1 in stores and on Amazon and also made its industry debut at the 2025 NACS Show.
Pabst Brewing Co. announced the May 2026 launch of Pickle Pabst Blue Ribbon.
PepsiCo unveiled a host of top brand innovations and news for 2026. From Pepsi, it introduced Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, featuring the classic iconic taste of Pepsi, with just 5 grams of cane sugar, 30 calories, no artificial sweeteners, and 3 grams of prebiotic fiber. Available in Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla, in 12-ounce single cans for trial and eight-packs of 12-ounce cans, the new offering will be available through digital retail starting Black Friday and Cyber Monday and in retail stores in early 2026. Pepsi will debut 12-ounce glass bottles as an expansion of the existing portfolio in 2026 at retail and foodservice locations. Hitting shelves in early 2026, Gatorade is launching Gatorade Lower Sugar, the brand’s first ever sports drink to feature 75% less sugar than Gatorade Thirst Quencher and contain no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors from artificial sources. Muscle Milk is completely reformulating its ready-to-drink shakes with ultrafiltered milk and no artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners or added colors. The reformulated Muscle Milk products will launch in new packaging with gradient tones and a bigger emphasis on both protein content and flavors. Mountain Dew is expanding into dirty sodas with Dirty Mountain Dew Cream Soda Dew, a new flavor that fuses the brand’s citrus kick with a smooth cream soda twist. First previewed at NACS 2025, it will roll out nationally in early 2026. Also from Mountain Dew is Baja Cabo Citrus is a tropical citrus punch flavor. Hitting shelves January 2026, Mountain Dew Baja Cabo Citrus will be available nationwide all year long. Starbucks Coffee & Protein is a blend of premium Starbucks coffee with 22 grams of complete protein. Available in grocery and convenience stores in the U.S., the new RTD beverage will be available nationally in two flavors and is being developed through the North American Coffee Partnership (NACP), a longstanding joint venture between Starbucks and PepsiCo. New to the PepsiCo family, Poppi will bring Cran Fizz back for the holidays. Available in 12-ounce singles and four-packs, Poppi Cran Fizz boasts 25 calories, 5 grams of sugar, and prebiotics from cassava root fiber + agave inulin. Also returning this holiday season is Poppi Ginger Fizz containing 5 grams of sugar, 30 calories, and prebiotics from cassava root fiber + agave inulin.
Primo Brands showcased its June 2026 release of Pure Life Marvel Pack, featuring licensed characters from the Marvel Universe. The company also promoted its limited-edition Deer Park Spring Water that celebrated the city of Atlanta in line with the 95th MLB All-Star Game. The bottle was designed by local artist George F. Baker III. It shared the 96th MLB All-Star Game, taking place in Philadelphia, also is a Deer Park market and will again turn to a local artist to design the limited-edition bottle.
Ready promoted its Clear Protein Water, which contains 20 grams of whey isolate protein and 5 key electrolytes, with zero sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and no unnecessary fillers. Attendees could sample the new Mixed Berry flavor.
Tropicana Brands offered a range of samples to attendees, including Izze Sparkling in Mango, Strawberry and Blackberry; KeVita Kombucha Pineapple Peach; Naked Coconut Water; Naked Protein Smoothies in Double Berry and Coco Gauff’s Pineapple Orange; and Tropicana Refreshers in Pineapple Mango, Fruit Punch Zero Sugar, Classic Lemonade and Strawberry.
The 2026 NACS Show will take place Oct. 6-9 in Las Vegas.
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!



