The beverage market is going through a metamorphosis as brand owners are entering new categories and are turning to contract manufacturers to support these new endeavors.

The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated consumer interest in vitamins and minerals. Experts note that more of today’s consumers are awakening  to “better-for-you” (BFY) beverage trends as they continue to seek drinks that provide fortification

New beverages today are turning more and more to natural colors as clean label and holistic views of health connect with an increasing consumer base.

As consumers seek their personalized idea of functional and fortified solutions, a growing focus is being placed on balancing beauty with digestive support, as well as immunity with sports performance, experts note.

We believe premium energy drinks deserve better than cheap, synthetic caffeine. With a cutting-edge portfolio of clinically researched ingredients and over two decades of experience, AFS helps functional beverages stay on top.

While other retailers are seeing inflation impact spending, it has not had the same effect on specialty retailers, experts note.

With the functional beverage space growing dramatically, experts note that consumer interest in botanicals and adaptogens is on the rise.

Hangobi announced the launch of its new line of functional beverages designed for active lifestyles and dehydration recovery. The new Hangobi drinks come in three mood-focused blends — WAKE for energy, ESSENTIAL for balance, and CALM for stress relief — all crafted to help enhance performance, the company says.

Despite the challenges of recent years, it's important to keep an eye on what's next. With a cutting-edge portfolio of functional, botanical ingredients and over two decades of experience, AFS helps brands stay up-to-date.

Ready-to-drink is expected to boom in North America in the coming years, with a projected $43.6 billion for the global RTD beverage market by 2027, according to a Data Bridge Market Research study.