WTRMLN WTR, a brand of World Waters LLC, launched its first brand extension: BLNDS. 

Hydrive Energy Water, a brand of Big Red Inc., announced the launch of its reformulated enhanced water, which comes along with new packaging and branding, the company says. 

Comprising 46 percent of the retail share, traditional supermarkets remain the largest channel in the retail food industry; however, Jon Hauptman, senior director of retail at Long Grove, Ill.-based Willard Bishop Co., an Inmar analytics company, notes that dollar sales in the channel have been flat as more consumers shop at supercenters, fresh-format stores, dollar stores and online.

To keep pace with consumers thirsting for new, better-for-you products, beverage-makers consistently are formulating and releasing new products into the market. Although it can be difficult to stand out from the rest on store shelves, some brands innovated to create their own buzz this year. 

+Red Elixir LLC now offers its self-titled functional beverage, which is designed to recharge, extend and defend the physical body’s response, while increasing the body’s natural performance, the company says. 

GNT Group, Mierlo, the Netherlands, is investing more than 3 million euros in its research and development capabilities. By constructing new laboratory facilities at its headquarters, the company will almost double its capacity for quality control and product development, it says.

As the saying goes, “a cold is nothing to sneeze at.” However, that might not be the case based on a national Career Builder survey conducted by Harris Poll. According to the survey, 54 percent of employees stated they went into work when sick because they felt the work wouldn’t get done otherwise.

Summer is in full swing and consumers are looking to cool off with some refreshing beverages. However, they still need that morning pick-me-up. To satisfy both need states, iced coffee releases continue to light up the shelves, and the readers of Beverage Industry agree.

As the energy drink market reaches saturation, relaxation, stress-relief and mental focus beverages are the next logical place for innovation in the functional beverage market, experts note.

Thomas Jefferson was quoted as saying, “Coffee — the favorite drink of the civilized world.” Today, coffee remains a favorite beverage and flavor in the United States. As such, beverage-makers are using the flavor within a plethora of categories, including ready-to-drink (RTD) coffees, spirits and craft beers.