Making the switch from synthetics? Consider gum acacia, the all-natural, clean-label carrier solution. With 90% natural dietary fiber, low viscosity, and conventional and organic versions, it's ideal for a wide range of food applications, including vegan and vegetarian products. Learn more

The market is thirsty for hydration drinks, and startup brand Hy.Q is looking to quench it.

Distribution Dealings: The year-old canned hydration beverage brand is partnering with Los Angeles Distributing Company (LAD) to begin a “big push” into retail this year, primarily targeting its own backyard in Southern California.

Unlock the full story with BevNET & Nosh Insider

💪 Starbucks is continuing to push protein, now in RTD format with a new Coffee & Protein line launching next month. Read about the innovation

🥤 Nixie is broadening its soda offerings with better-for-you, zero sugar takes on classic flavors: Cherry Cola and Strawberry Cream. Click here for the full story

✨ UPDATE has relaunched its flagship line of paraxanthine-powered drinks with help from new co-founder Kim Kardashian. Get the scoop on BevNET

🍒 Mr. Pibb got a big refresh last fall, now it’s launching Punchin’ Peach and Thrillin’ Vanilla flavors in select markets as part of a larger retail expansion for the brand. Read about it here

🆓 That’s Not All… Check out the full gallery of new products on BevNET.

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:

• Details on a better-for-you, on-trend, private label line overhaul

• Inside the latest social media wellness trend splashing into the hydration set

• A breakdown of Monster’s latest gains

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

This new step-by-step guide from Vibrant Ingredients breaks down how to move from concept to commercialization, covering extraction, labeling considerations, concentrate formats, and packaging strategy. Download the full guide and build your next cold brew RTD with confidence. Learn more

What do a bunch of media types know about the beverage industry? 

Check this out: Esspo, a new three-SKU espresso soda (get it?) was created by three of the co-founders behind pioneering web platform Refinery29. 

🆓 Read the full analysis on BevNET

Starbucks is doubling down on protein coffee with new bottled beverages roughly five months after adding protein-forward handcrafted beverages to in-store menus.

Continue reading the full breakdown with Insider access

Launching something new for upcoming trade shows? This is the moment to nominate.

The BevNET Best of and Spirits Awards spotlight the most impactful beverage and spirits brands of the year, giving winners visibility across BevNET CPG Media’s industry-leading platforms, reaching decision-makers across retail, distribution, and investment.

If you’re investing in innovation and exposure this season, don’t leave recognition off the table. Awards build credibility, strengthen buyer conversations, and extend your launch momentum well beyond the show floor.

▶️ Submit nominations here

Looking to make more data-based decisions for your business? The Nombase Data Hub is your centralized resource for food, beverage, and beer industry reports, available exclusively to Insiders.

📊 Gain access to reports built from consumer insights, social listening, scan data, and on-premise surveys.

Unlock the full archive here.

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

1. Health-Ade Gains Fueling Generous Brands Portfolio Growth

2. As Private Label Spirits Come For Shelf Space, Some Distillers Get On Board

3. Tractor Beverage Names New CRO; Retail Expansion In Sight

4. Young Americans Trade Drinking At Home For Socializing, Fitness

5. Topo Chico Is Now ‘Unavailable,’ Possibly Until Q3

Is Big Food finally catching up to emerging brands on speed to market? 

As legacy CPG giants roll out protein- and fiber-forward innovations faster than ever, the team debates whether startups still hold the advantage. 

Plus, we give a heartfelt sendoff to Jacqui Brugliera as she departs BevNET after 12 years.

Tune into the episode here. Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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

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

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