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Beverage Innovation

Tracking The Drinks Marketplace

Coca-Cola

Minute Maid Zero Sugar Recall Due To Labeling Error

Coca-Cola initiated a recall of over 13,000 cases of Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade after full-sugar lemonade was mistakenly placed in the zero-sugar cans. The mislabeled cans, shipped to retailers in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, pose a concern due to the significant calorie and sugar content difference. Full-sugar cans contain 150 calories and 40 grams of added sugar, exceeding the daily recommended sugar intake for many consumers.

Coca-Cola's Innovations For The Convenience Channel

At the 2024 NACS Show, Coca-Cola unveiled new beverage innovations, sustainability efforts and strategic partnerships aimed at helping convenience retailers drive in-store traffic. Highlighted products include Coca-Cola Orange Cream, Sprite + Tea and POWERADE Xtra Sour, all launching in 2025. Coca-Cola is advancing sustainability through 100% recycled plastic bottles and partnerships with companies like r.World and Oscar Sort. The company also empowers retailers with actionable insights via its Coca-Cola Lens platform and boosts sales with innovative food-and-beverage bundles, such as a Sprite and Takis pairing.

Keurig Dr Pepper

7UP Launches Nostalgic Shirley Temple Drink

7UP is launching a limited edition ready-to-drink version of its classic beverage. Shirley Temple blends the signature lemon-lime soda with pomegranate and cherry flavors, available through the end of the year. Targeting millennial and Gen Z consumers, the beverage taps into the rising trend of nostalgic flavors and retro brand activations. The limited-time drink will be offered in two-liter bottles and 12-packs of 12-ounce cans, including a Zero Sugar version. Keurig Dr Pepper aims to evoke childhood memories while offering a modern twist on the classic mocktail. 7UP Shirley Temple is available until the end of the year at grocery and mass stores across the US. 

Other Companies

Emerging Trends In Functional Beverages

Atlanta is home to emerging beverage brands like Monarch Beverage Co. and The Lemon Perfect Company, focusing on nonalcoholic and functional drinks. With younger consumers (ages 18-34) increasingly avoiding alcohol, brands are pivoting towards prebiotic sodas, fortified juices and CBD-infused options. This shift suggests a market potential of $340 billion for functional beverages by 2030, as health-conscious Millennials and Gen Z seek natural ingredients over traditional sodas. However, concerns arise over high sugar content and the health impacts of novel ingredients. The FDA warns about potential risks, emphasizing the need for clearer labeling and consumer education. As young people enjoy these drinks for their taste and perceived health benefits, moderation remains crucial, highlighting that functional beverages should complement a balanced diet, not replace it.

Bloom Expands Into Energy Drinks Market

Bloom Nutrition, known for its viral Greens & Superfoods powder, launched Bloom Sparkling Energy Drinks, targeting health-conscious consumers in the energy drink market. Featuring better-for-you ingredients, including natural caffeine, prebiotic fiber and functional elements like lychee extract and B vitamins, they are designed to appeal to a wellness-focused audience. Each 12-ounce can contains 180mg of natural caffeine, 10 calories and zero sugar. Available in four flavors—Raspberry Lemon, Cherry Lime, Peach Mango and Strawberry Watermelon—Bloom Sparkling Energy Drinks retail exclusively at Target for $2.59 per can. 

Jones Soda Launches Fiesta Jones For Convenience Stores

Jones Soda introduces Fiesta Jones, a new soda line targeting convenience stores, featuring four Latin-inspired flavors: Watermelon Strawberry, Mango Passion Fruit, Coconut Lime and Guava Berry. Each 16-ounce resealable aluminum bottle contains 80 calories and 19g of sugar, with no caffeine or artificial colors. The launch responds to consumer demand for flavorful, lower-calorie options and aims to strengthen Jones Soda's presence in the c-store market. This initiative aligns with the company's broader strategy to diversify its portfolio, including new product launches like its first cola and a lower-sugar prebiotic drink, Pop Jones. Additionally, Jones Soda is expanding its offerings with cannabis-infused beverages through its Mary Jones brand, capitalizing on market growth in legal cannabis spaces.
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