Plus, Just Ice Tea Raises $9M, exclusive Nombase data, Coaqua snags ex-Liquid Death social lead͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 
 
 
BevnetFebruary 19, 2026
DAILY BRIEFING: LITE EDITION
A preview of today's news & insights for the beverage industry.
Banner Ad Hold

You’re reading the Lite Edition, a snapshot of BevNET’s full Daily Briefing for Insider members.

 

Free Download: Winning the Repeat Purchase Game on Amazon

Sponsored message from Straight Up Growth

Learn how leading beverage, supplement, and functional food brands turn first-time Amazon buyers into loyal subscribers. This free ebook in collaboration with Straight Up Growth breaks down the tools, tactics, and retention systems driving long-term growth. Learn more

📰 Big Today In Beverage

NIQ: Spirits, Wine Cocktails Buck C-Store Declines

NIQ: Spirits, Wine Cocktails Buck C-Store Declines
Ferron Salniker's profile picture

Ferron Salniker

Editor, Spirits

The convenience channel is shrinking – but not for spirit and wine-based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, according to a new report from market research firm NIQ. 

Last year, the convenience channel posted its third consecutive year of declining CPG sales as inflation-weary consumers pulled back on discretionary purchases and reduced trip frequency. 

While dollars per trip rose, the trips per buyer and units per trip fell – suggesting shoppers are visiting less often and buying more selectively when they do. 

What products are still crossing the checkout line?

Unlock the full story with BevNET & Nosh Insider

 

📊 Nombase Data Drop

Exclusive: 2026 Functional Food & Beverage Predictions

Exclusive: 2026 Functional Food & Beverage Predictions

In 2026 Functional Food & Beverage Predictions, Spate maps the trends set to shape the year ahead using billions of search signals and social data, revealing where wellness demand is accelerating fastest and which formats are evolving from niche to mainstream.

From high-impact functional shots to the rapid rise of THC drinks, electrolyte powders, and protein-forward indulgences, the report shows how consumers are turning everyday snacks and beverages into targeted tools for energy, immunity, gut health, and stress support.

Access the full report with BevNET and Nosh Insider

 

🚨 What You're Missing Inside 🚨

Upgrade to BevNET & Nosh Insider, our all-in-one membership for exclusive insights, data reports, and on-demand CPG video courses, to get the full Daily Briefing and unlock Insider-only content such as:

Explore Insider Member Benefits

Insiders also gain access to the Newsletter Archive, including all previous Insider-only editions.

 

👉🏼 The News You Need 👈🏼

🍵 Just Ice Tea Raises $9M with Polar, Big Geyser Involvement

Just Ice Tea closed a $9 million funding round this month, with investors including Total Wine & More co-founder Robert Trone, Taste Tomorrow Ventures, Polar Strategic Ventures and individuals from Big Geyser backing the better-for-you, organic brand.

Read the full analysis with Insider access

 

❌ Breakthru Beverage Cuts 500 Jobs

Breakthru Beverage Group is restructuring its operations and cutting jobs following a strategic review, CEO Tom Bené announced in a message to employees on Tuesday.

Continue reading the full breakdown with Insider access

 

⭐ Review: Flying Ostrich

⭐ Review: Flying Ostrich

This week, we solo sipped on Flying Ostrich’s bubbly hydration brew, making note of standout attributes and areas for improvement.

📝 Check out all of our tasting notes here

 

Upgrade to Insider: Built for Food & Beverage Operators

What you get with Insider: 

  • In-depth reporting on BevNET.com and Nosh.com, not just the highlights
  • Curated daily newsletters that cut through the noise 
  • Data reports that allow you to benchmark, strategize and lead 
  • Insider-only discounts on BevNET Live, Nosh Live, and job board postings

You don’t have access to these perks yet, but you could. Become a BevNET & Nosh Insider.

 

📰 Trending Headlines

Here’s a look at leading headlines from around the beverage industry. Go beyond the headlines with Insiders access.

  1. Flow Founder Acquires, Relaunches Formosa Springs Mineral Water
  2. Post CosMc’s, McDonald’s Expands Energy Drink Offerings Under McCafé Brand
  3. Dirty Soda, New Branding Showcased As KDP Unveils 2026 Innovation
  4. Throne Sport Coffee Nets $10M Raise, Launches DSD with Big Geyser
  5. After Record 2025, Vita Coco Doubles Down on Active Hydration
 

🎙️ CPG Week: A Corporate Curveball And Combat-Ready Protein Bars

This week on the podcast, Monica and Brad discuss the latest development in Kraft Heinz’s breakup plans, new funding and partnership for Patrick Mahomes-backed Throne Sport Coffee, a protein bar developed for mixed martial arts athletes, and what’s next for Lance Collins’ Accelerator Active Energy.

Click here to listen to this week’s episode. Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Like what you are listening to? Please don’t hesitate to rate our show and leave a review on your podcast platform of choice.

 
That's all for today's Daily Briefing: Lite Edition. We'll be back in your inbox tomorrow.

Stay in the know across food, beverage, beer and spirits. Explore BevNET’s full lineup of newsletters and never miss the latest news, insights and trends. 
  • Nosh delivers daily food industry insights 
  • Brewbound sends daily beer and beyond updates
  • Spirits is a free, bi-weekly digest of spirits sector news
Still not satisfied? Check out the Nombase data hub, CPG directory, jobs board, podcast and newswire. Sign up for the Nombase newsletter here.


Have a tip to share? Reach out to Adrianne (Assistant Managing Editor, Newsletters) at adeluca@bevnet.com.

📥 Did a friend forward you this newsletter? Sign up here.

BevNET.com, Inc. 65 Chapel Street, Newton, MA 02458
hello@bevnet.com

Become an Insider Submit News Advertise

Update Preferences Unsubscribe

facebooktwittertwittertwitteryoutube

©1996 - 2026 BevNET.com®
*|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*