2026 November

This month’s issue of Beverage Industry explores functional beverage trends, the growing impact of artificial intelligence, and the latest developments in plant-based beverages, color concepts, operations, packaging, and technology.

Joyburst embraces functional beverage trends

Further brand expansion in the works

Lauren Sabetta

November 9, 2026

Brad Woodgate, founder of Joyburst, says that the blurring of lines within beverages has presented opportunities to meet consumers at different occasions.

a quality control worker inspecting bottled beverages on an automated production conveyor line in a food and beverage manufacturing plant

Female engagement leads to stronger beverage operations

Engagement starts with removing barriers, providing equal access

Lauren Sabetta

October 20, 2026

With more women succeeding in operational leadership roles, experts highlight that representation matters because it shows what is possible.

GHOST® Yoo-Hoo® Protein Ready to Drink cans chilling in ice

Protein’s usage in beverage extending beyond sports nutrition

Beverage manufacturers pairing protein additional functions, attributes

Jessica Jacobsen

October 22, 2026

Once highly associated with athletics and sports nutrition, research shows that protein is playing a bigger role in consumers’ overall wellness needs.

Beverage-makers have increasing options in terms of color concepts

Flavor, functionality among attributes communicated by color

Chloe Alverson

October 30, 2026

Color concepts have shifted in a variety of way recently within the beverage segment, experts share.

Transforming solutions

Plastic bottle manufacturing equipment evolves with the times

Sustainability, SKU proliferation leads to flexible, efficient solutions

Lauren Sabetta

October 29, 2026

Beverage producers are under increasing pressure to reduce material consumption and carbon emissions. Experts highlight how plastic bottle manufacturing solutions can support these goals.

Mass merchandisers appeal to the masses

Consumers frequent mass merchandisers to consolidate trips, save money

Chloe Alverson

October 28, 2026

Inflation has presented opportunities and pressure on the mass merchandiser channel.

Bear 'n Beaver Ginger Beer is a Canadian premium craft soda

GRIZZLY Energy, Bear ‘n Beaver offer consumers nostalgic flavors

Energy drink, craft soda brands expanding distribution and consumer awareness

Jessica Jacobsen

October 19, 2026

DD Beverage & Nutrition is looking to expand distribution and drive awareness of its GRIZZLY Energy and Bear ‘n Beaver Premium Craft Soda brands.

a refreshing red drink—such as a cherry soda water, cherry gin and tonic, or cherry mojito—filled with ice cubes, fresh cherries, and mint leaves against a dark background

2026 sees cherry-inspired innovation peppered throughout beverage categories

Dark cherry gains traction for its color, nostalgia and versatility

Lauren Sabetta

October 14, 2026

Last year, T. Hasegawa tapped Dark Sweet Cherry as its 2026 Flavor of the Year, meanwhile beverage brands have taken full advantage of the flavor trend with cherry-inspired flavor innovations.

digital and mobile banking, showing a person using a smartphone surrounded by floating icons that represent online financial services

AI assists beverage brands in array of areas

Beverage-makers use AI in formulation, marketing and beyond

Chloe Alverson

October 21, 2026

Beverage-makers are finding uses for artificial intelligence (AI) beyond consumer insights.

Electric vehicle sales slow in North America, while China surges

End of federal tax credit has impact US EV sales

Jeff Cioletti

November 2, 2026

U.S. electric truck sales seemed to have slowed considerably in the first half of 2026, nearly flat when compared with the same time period in 2025.

Califia Farms seasonal flavors

Staff Beverage Industry

September 25, 2026

Califia Farms unveiled its 2026 seasonal lineup, all made with simple ingredients.

Campari Sarti

Staff Beverage Industry

September 30, 2026

Campari Group announced the official launch of Sarti, bringing one of Europe’s fastest-growing aperitifs stateside.

Popsicle Hard Firecracker

Staff Beverage Industry

September 22, 2026

Tilray Brands in partnership with The Magnum Ice Cream Co., announced that Popsicle Hard Firecracker will transition to a permanent, year-round flavor in the Popsicle Hard portfolio.

Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Harvest Collection

Staff Beverage Industry

September 23, 2026

Jordan’s Skinny Mixes, a leading innovator in zero-sugar, zero-calorie beverage enhancers, announced the launch of its 2026 Harvest Collection.

Blue Chair Bay Rum Pumpkin Spiced Rum Cream

Staff Beverage Industry

September 24, 2026

Blue Chair Bay Rum, a collection of premium rums founded and created by award-winning singer-songwriter Kenny Chesney, announced the launch of a new, limited-edition Pumpkin Spiced Rum Cream.

Planet Oat Humble Edition Oatmilk

Staff Beverage Industry

October 7, 2026

Planet Oat announced the launch of Planet Oat Humble Edition Oatmilk, the brand’s latest innovation in the refrigerated plant-based milk category.

PLAYA DIA Tequila Blanco

Staff Beverage Industry

October 6, 2026

PLAYA DIA, a new premium tequila and lifestyle brand, unveiled its signature Tequila Blanco, crafted from 100% blue weber agave in Jalisco, Mexico, and bottled at 40% ABV.

RYZE Pumpkin Spice Latte Mushroom Coffee

Staff Beverage Industry

October 13, 2026

RYZE announced the launch of its all-new Pumpkin Spice Latte, bringing the flavors of the season’s iconic drink into a functional morning ritual, it says.