The Slurpee drink is “an exciting spin on the fan-favorite Coca-Cola Slurpee, combining the classic taste of a crisp and fizzy Coca-Cola with flavorful, OREO sandwich cookie-inspired hints,” the company notes.

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

As consumers today work to pay their bills and buy groceries, data shows that mass merchandisers are serving as a go-to channel to stretch their dollars. 

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. 

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.

Consumers are more knowledgeable nowadays; therefore, they hold their food and beverage choices to higher standards, experts note.

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.

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

As more consumers are recognizing the link between immune-health and overall health, experts note that the demand for functional beverages that support immunity has never been higher.

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) returned to McCormick Place for the IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo where exhibitors were presented with an array of ingredient samples, interactive demos and product tastings.

Experts note that convenience, drinkability and protein content are key drivers of the performance beverage market.

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.

Experts note how more and more consumers — not just athletes — are striving to live healthier lives and making conscious decisions about their health.

As beverage-makers look to align taste profiles with the growing demands on health-and-wellness products, suppliers are crafting solutions that support those goals.

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.

Today’s performance beverages have evolved beyond providing energy, but also are supporting broader health and wellness goals.

Espolòn Tequila introduced Flor de Oro, a limited-edition Reposado tequila infused with natural extract from the marigold flower.

Bruichladdich Distillery announced the release of its next Octomore series: Octomore 15. 

Wynk, an award-winning cannabis seltzer, announced the launch of its newest limited-edition flavor: Cran-Blood Orange.

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.” 

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. 

The highly anticipated Season 3 of FX’s “The Bear” is just days away, and Stella Artois is returning for its starring role at the dining table.

Consumers have hit the road and air this summer, creating more eyeballs on out-of-home ad campaigns. Clear Channel Outdoor offers insights on how beverage brands can create campaigns to help support their summer sales goals.

Chicago-based Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. is partnering with actor Lamorne Morris to host an interactive pop-up event: Mike’s Jobstacle Course. This immersive experience will prove that every job has its hard days. And a hard day deserves a refreshing-tasting Mike’s Hard Lemonade, the company says.

Piper-Heidsieck, Reims, France, announces the launch of its Twist the Script campaign, a tribute to the brand’s creativity and history, it says.

Califia Farms unveiled its Organic Almond Creamers, made with simple ingredients and no gums or oils. 

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.

Chobani LLC, New Berlin, N.Y., launched its first-ever shelf-stable low-fat dairy milk: Chobani Super Milk. This latest product innovation is nutrient rich and is made specifically to be donated to support people impacted by disasters as well as help some of the most vulnerable in Chobani’s hometowns, the company says.

Health-Ade announced two new kombucha flavors joining its lineup of gut-healthy offerings: Orange Creamsicle and Pomegranate Blueberry.

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

Lifeway Foods Inc., a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, announced the release of 10 new innovative flavors to its on-the-go 8-ounce line of organic kefir. 

Global technology and engineering company Emerson recently launched a compact valve position indicator.

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.

Manufacturer of both pre-engineered standard and custom-designed conveyor solutions Multi-Conveyor recently built a new series of conveyor technologies.

The demands of today’s global markets are rigorous.

Pioneer in conveyor technology Dorner recently revealed DualMove, a new pallet system conveyor. 

Global technology and software company Emerson unveiled the new PACSystems IPC 2010 Compact Industrial PC (IPC).

For beverage manufacturers looking to tackle the challenge of building a new facility, experts highlight the ins and outs of planning to get the job done, as well as current trends that are shaping the need to build or revamp a facility.

From SKU proliferation to employee safety and retention, experts highlight how lift truck solutions are working to transform beverage warehousing.

When it comes to beverage operations, the incorporation of automation is laying the ground work to make a case for implementation of robotics.

The NFL season is in full swing, and 1800 Tequila continues its support for the NFL by launching a new commemorative limited edition LTO 1800 Blanco bottle for the Miami Dolphins.

Johnnie Walker is unveiling a limited-edition bottle design of Black Label with numbers ranging from 001-456, the number of players featured in the series “Squid Game,” which returns to Netflix on Dec. 26