The performance of the convenience store channel is ever-changing, thanks to consumer trends and economic factors.

Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council unveiled their Top 10 anticipated food and beverage trends for 2025 in the retailer’s 10th annual Trends predictions report. 

With consumers’ brains in overdrive, many are turning to beverages that support their mental well-being.

With more consumers seeking reduced-sugar or sugar-free drinks, experts note that beverage-makers are turning to sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, monk fruit and allulose to deliver products without sacrificing on taste.

As physical fitness remains top of mind for those seeking healthier lifestyles, experts note that today’s consumers not only are turning to sports drinks to deliver on recovery, but also seek such drinks to help meet overall wellness goals.

As more and more consumers learn about the gut microbiome and its role in overall health and wellness, experts highlight how incorporating fiber and biotic solutions can help beverage-makers meet consumers’ various need states.

In today’s beverage development, formulators are layering flavors to elevate the next generation of drinks.

With growing awareness of the connections between individual health and that of nature or the environment, such interests are prompting more consumers to seek out clean label and non-GMO beverages.

As consumers become increasingly aware of their sugar intake, beverage-makers must deliver drinks that are sweet with natural sweeteners.

As wellness trends have taken hold in the beverage space, experts highlight how natural and organic trends are impacting color choices used in the market.

Experts note that shifts in consumer behavior have caused beverage brands to find new ways to deliver on fortification and personalization.

With consumers’ wellness approach toward weight management, experts highlight how demand for nutritious drinks that support overall well-being is transforming the industry. 

Although on-the-go lifestyles are prompting interest in beverages with an energy and cognitive focus, experts highlight that purity and effectiveness are leading new product development.

Natural sweeteners are looking to deliver sweet solutions while accommodating consumer demands for less sugar content.

Experts share insights on why consumers are drawn to clean label and non-GMO beverages, as well as what beverage-makers can do to appeal to such preferences.

With its complex formulas helping consumers further their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, the functional beverage market has thrived. Detox drinks have benefited from this interest, but is not without its challenges.

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) returned to McCormick Place for the IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo where exhibitors were presented an array of ingredient literature as well as prototypes featuring these solutions.

When it comes to trends influencing the beverage market, consumers’ preferences for various sweeteners is being expressed through their drink purchases.

Breckenridge Brewery, a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, unveiled its Oktoberfest Lager.

Uncle Nearest Inc., the makers of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, announced the arrival of Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey. 

Through its new global brand platform and U.S. ad campaign, White Claw is inspiring even more people to seek out genuine, real-world connections — and “Grab Life By The Claw.” 

Fireball, a brand of Sazerac Co., Louisville, Ky., is set to gallop into this year's classic horse racing events with bespoke, fiery hats dubbed “Hot Lids,” bringing a dash of cinnamon spice to the typical race day experience.

From offering consumer insights, enhancing product development to supply chain optimization, experts weigh in on how AI solutions are transforming the beverage industry. 

Malibu, a brand of Pernod Ricard, New York, unveiled its new summer campaign in partnership with TV personality Paige DeSorbo to bring the vacation anytime, anywhere. 

As brands look to employ creator-generated content as part of their advertising campaigns, understanding how consumers engage and receive this influencer content can be vital to support their brands.

With all the current buzz around brand collaborations, experts highlight some of the opportunities, challenges, and factors to consider when embarking on a licensing partnership.

SONIC Drive-In, Atlanta, is casting a spell on taste buds nationwide this Halloween season with the launch of its Witch’s Brew Slush Float. 

With its complex formulas helping consumers further their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, the functional beverage market has thrived. Detox drinks have benefited from this interest, but is not without its challenges.

Launched in 2020, Chlorophyll Water provides more than just hydration. The water is loaded with chlorophyll and vitamins, supplying plenty of potential health benefits while valuing sustainability.

Athletic Brewing Co., Milford, Conn. and San Diego, is teaming up with Arsenal, becoming the club’s first Official Non-Alcoholic Beer Partner. Starting this August, the partnership will see cans of Athletic’s award-winning Run Wild IPA available at Emirates Stadium, London, for all men’s and women’s matches.

Mooala, a leading organic plant-based milk brand, announced the launch of its Organic Barista Blend Oatmilk. 

In beverage warehouses, the rise of automation has prompted conveyor manufacturers to continue to make advancements to ensure that the speed and pace are in sync and processes are running efficiently.

The demands of today’s global markets are rigorous.

Whether its addressing labor shortages, increasing productivity or accommodating a growing SKU portfolio the incorporation of palletizing and depalletizing systems has become vital for beverage warehouses.

As operational complexity increases in today’s beverage warehouses, experts highlight how voice picking and guided work solutions are helping to achieve goals in fast-paced environments.

As the Federal Reserve enacted its first interest rate cuts since the pandemic, an industry expert highlights how leasing enables operations to optimize costs and boost operational efficiency.

Hennessy announced new designs for the packaging for Hennessy Very Special (V.S). The updates, which represent the greatest evolution to the V.S packaging in a decade, the company says.

19 Crimes partners with Universal Products & Experiences to release a limited-edition collection of highly sought after Halloween wines, featuring the classic Universal Monsters. 

With Halloween lurking, Bacardí has reimagined its limited-edition bottle. Bacardí’s newest limited-edition mummified Halloween bottle features a mysterious glow-in-the-dark design.

The Kraken Rum has partnered with Black Moon Cosmetics for a new lip combo. Available now, The Emperor Kraken Duo features a uniquely dark, liquid to matte metallic lipstick in a blackened olive gold shade, accompanied by a bottle of The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum.

Now, after five years on the market, Tip Top’s portfolio has grown, now with 16 offerings. Its most recent offering is the Whiskey Sour, which launched earlier this month.

Setting out to create a canned cocktail suited for his personal lifestyle, Gen Zer Will Blum, CEO and co-founder of Bluebird Hardwater, highlights how the brand differentiates itself in a saturated market.

The increasing interest in functional beverages often focuses on the attributes these ingredients can provide consumers. However, as these beverages and ingredients proliferate, the colors market is playing a vital role in supporting this trend.

ADM unveils global consumer trends outlook report while NutriLeads announced a new clinical research paper regarding its BeniCaros ingredient.

BENEO, a functional ingredient manufacturer, has increased global capacity for its prebiotic chicory root fibers by 30%, while also reducing specific energy consumption by 35%.

Ingredient suppliers release innovations to support immune health, plant-based food and beverages.

Ingredient companies continue to advance operations with new product launches, facility expansions, as well as a diversified workforces. 

Ingredient suppliers are making moves to aid today’s beverage-makers. Monin Americas released a Spicy Agave Sweetener, while Kyowa Hakko USA announced the launch of CENTR Enhanced sparkling water.  

The company notes that these functional beverages provide both energy and the “added benefit of mental focus.” The 12-ounce servings contain 100 mg of natural caffeine, as well as 100 mg of natural L-theanine.

The regulatory approval marks a milestone in Sweegen opening new markets in countries where brands seek new generation stevia ingredients, the company says.