You can't say KDP isn't listening. 

The beverage giant has mostly grabbed headlines for its corporate dealings over recent months, as the mechanics of separating its refreshment beverage and coffee businesses (essentially undoing the 2018 merger that created it) have dominated the conversation. 

But as the full divorce approaches completion later this year, the prospects for growth in a “fast-moving, soft drink-centric, DSD-centric organization" are starting to come into view. And product innovation appears to be the fuel.

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Consumers want convenient wellness drinks, but formulating ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages with functional ingredients presents challenges. This guide explores science-backed, soluble ingredients for creating beverages that offer non-stimulant energy plus added cognitive or performance benefits. Learn more

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• Another major distributor making significant staffing cuts

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Patrick Mahomes-backed functional beverage maker Throne Sport Coffee is making a big play this year, closing a $10 million funding round and partnering with Big Geyser in New York ahead of a bigger push into DSD distribution this spring.

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Following a “record-breaking” 2025, coconut water producer Vita Coco is doubling down on its active hydration positioning to continue gaining momentum and improving its margins, in part by expanding its partnerships with professional athletes. 

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Tired of chasing food, beverage, and beer reports across sites? The Nombase Data Hub, powered by BevNET, brings together consumer trends, category shifts, retail data, all in one searchable archive, powered by top research partners.

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

1. A Trendy Health App Is Backing Erehwon’s “World’s Healthiest Smoothie”

2. Bad Bunny Effect? Spirits Surge at Total Wine During Super Bowl Weekend

3. Dutch Bros. Coffee Teases Walk-Through Windows After Record Q4

4. Bardstown Bourbon Hit With Whistleblower Discrimination Lawsuit

5. Post CosMc’s, McDonald’s Expands Energy Drink Offerings Under McCafé Brand

Ultra-processed foods are facing growing pressure from policymakers, retailers, and consumers who are rethinking what belongs on shelf and in their carts.

In this episode, Bill Creelman, founder of Spindrift, and Megan Westgate, founder of the Non-UPF Verified program and the Non GMO Project, discuss a new certification designed to evaluate both ingredient integrity and how products are actually made. 

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