BevNET.com

From stevia startup to 10,000 U.S. stores, Good Good’s growth story offers a revealing look at what it takes to scale a no-added-sugar brand 🍓📈

In a new Taste Radio episode, Good Good founder and CEO Gardar Stefansson explains how the Icelandic company pivoted from sweeteners to spreads and built a premium platform now sold in 30 countries worldwide. He shares lessons on expanding through Whole Foods, Costco, Walmart and Amazon, while navigating pricing, promotions and innovation in an increasingly crowded category. Stefansson also argues that packaging is a brand’s most powerful marketing tool — and that driving consumer trial remains the key to repeat purchases and long-term growth.

Hear more from Stefansson at the link in the first comment below 👇



https://www.tasteradio.com/episodes/how-good-good-found-its-sweet-spot--and-thousands-of-retail-doors?utm_social=fb_bevnet

RTDs are becoming a key growth engine for spirits — and Brown-Forman and Sazerac are taking very different swings at the category. 🍹

Brown-Forman is expanding el Jimador into sessionable canned spritzes, while Sazerac is rolling out a broader slate of new RTD plays across hard cream soda, whiskey lemonade and more. The launches come as spirits-based RTD dollar sales rose 27.9% in the latest four-week period, according to NIQ, even as major spirits players navigate slowing demand, portfolio pressure and shifting consumer preferences. 📈

See how the two Kentucky spirits giants are positioning for the next phase of RTD growth at the link in the first comment below 👇



https://www.bevnet.com/spirits/2026/brown-forman-sazerac-bet-on-new-rtds-as-category-buoys-spirits-growth?utm_social=fb_bevnet

A major FTC price discrimination case against Southern Glazer’s may be nearing resolution. ⚖️

The FTC and the nation’s largest wine and spirits distributor filed a joint motion saying they reached an “agreement in principle” in the lawsuit, which alleged independent retailers were charged up to 67% more than large chains for the same products. SGWS has denied the allegations, and a federal judge has paused proceedings for 45 days as the parties work toward settlement. 🍷📄

Link to the full story in the first comment below 👇



https://www.bevnet.com/spirits/2026/tentative-settlement-reached-in-ftcs-price-discrimination-lawsuit-against-southern-glazers?utm_social=fb_bevnet

Neutonic is taking a sharper shot at the productivity drink set. 🧠⚡

In BevNET’s latest review, the zero-sugar dietary supplement line stands out for its fruit-forward flavors, smoother energy drink cues and bold shelf presence across Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Orange Sunrise and Tropical Ice. The review also notes room to simplify the front-panel messaging as the brand balances cognition-focused ingredients with a crowded set of functional callouts.

Read the full review at the link in the first comment below 👇



https://www.bevnet.com/news/2026/review-neutonic-packs-powerful-productivity?utm_social=fb_bevnet

Protein is getting a lighter, clearer look as beverage innovators push beyond the traditional shake. 🧊💪

Clear protein drinks are gaining attention for delivering functional benefits with a more refreshing profile, tapping into consumer demand for hydration-style formats, cleaner taste and anytime consumption. BevNET takes a closer look at the product and formulation innovations helping drive protein’s next wave. 🥤

Link to the full story in the first comment below 👇



https://www.bevnet.com/news/2026/clear-mission-the-innovations-behind-proteins-refreshing-surge?utm_social=fb_bevnet

The Vitamin Shoppe can make or break a functional beverage startup. 🛒⚡

In a new BevNET Live New York City 2026 video, senior director of merchandising Nicolletta Payne explains what it takes to earn space in the specialty retailer’s beverage set — and stay there. Payne discusses why sales data is critical to a successful pitch, how brands must perform long term, and why fiber, creatine and multi-stack products are gaining momentum as protein faces oversaturation. 📊🥤

Watch the full conversation at the link in the first comment below 👇



https://www.bevnet.com/news/2026/retailer-profile-vitamin-shoppe?utm_social=fb_bevnet

Hard soda may be getting a “smart alcohol” reset. 🍻

At BevNET Live 2026, Bai founder Ben Weiss outlined how shifting LDA consumer expectations around transparency, low/no sugar and cleaner ingredients helped bring him back to beverage with Crooked Pop. The new hard soda is built on Osava, an “organic super dry alcohol” made from quinoa, amaranth, millet and cassava, and aims to bridge beer-category placement with the modern soda cues of brands like Poppi and Olipop. 🥤

Hear Weiss’ take on the future of hard soda at the full story in the first comment below 👇



https://www.bevnet.com/news/2026/ben-weiss-on-the-future-of-hard-soda?utm_social=fb_bevnet

BRĒZ is navigating a high-stakes reset as regulatory uncertainty and scaling costs pressure the functional beverage brand. 🌿📉

After reporting $90 million in revenue and distribution in over 10,000 retail doors, the hemp-derived THC and functional drinks maker is restructuring operations, separating its infused and uninfused lines, and pursuing a $15 million to $20 million fundraising round. CEO Travis Duncan says the company is preparing for multiple post-November regulatory outcomes while expanding THC-free products in mainstream retailers like Walmart, Target and Stop & Shop. 🛒

Link to the full story in the first comment below 👇



https://www.bevnet.com/news/2026/brez-battles-for-balance-amidst-swirling-regulatory-financial-crosswinds?utm_social=fb_bevnet

Ocean Spray is putting health-and-wellness experience at the top of its executive ranks. 🫐

The cranberry cooperative has named a former Nestlé Health Science executive as its new CEO, signaling a leadership shift as legacy beverage and food brands navigate changing consumer demand, functional positioning and portfolio growth. The move places an executive with global nutrition and wellness experience at the helm of one of the category’s most recognizable names. 📈

Read the full story at the link in the first comment below 👇



https://www.bevnet.com/news/2026/ocean-spray-taps-former-nestle-health-science-exec-as-ceo?utm_social=fb_bevnet

Dragon fruit is heating up the beverage aisle as brands lean into summer flavors and celebrity-backed launches. 🐉🥤

Caliwater is adding a Benson Boone-approved Dragon Fruit SKU, while Yesly is bringing the flavor to its vitamin- and electrolyte-infused water line. Elsewhere, Alani Nu is rolling out a Becky G-backed Purple Cotton Candy LTO, and protein innovation continues with new launches from Garden of Life, Silk, Fizzen and Pure Genius. 💪

See the full roundup of the latest beverage launches at the link in the first comment below 👇



https://www.bevnet.com/news/2026/new-products-benson-boone-brings-dragon-fruit-to-caliwater-alani-adds-purple-cotton-candy?utm_social=fb_bevnet