Refreshment focuses on the water dispenser/cooler, office coffee service and vending sectors, while also taking an in-depth look into products for vending from bottled water and drinks, to snacks and confectionery. It also focuses on hydration, health and wellness, new technologies and environmental and social responsibility issues.
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McDonald's is preparing to expand into energy drinks and flavoured sodas as part of a broader overhaul of its cold beverage offering in the US, according to a report by the The Wall Street Journal.
The company is expected to introduce a Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer alongside new drinks such as a Dirty Dr Pepper and a Mango Pineapple Refresher, with a rollout beginning next month. Energy drinks are reportedly set to follow from August.
The move builds on several years of beverage development, including trials conducted through McDonald’s now-closed CosMc’s concept, where drinks such as Sour Cherry Energy Burst and Blackberry Mint Green Tea were tested.
According to the WSJ, McDonald’s plans to price the new drinks below competitors including Starbucks, Dutch Bros and Sonic. The beverages are also expected to deliver strong margins for franchisees, who have invested in equipment to support preparation without disrupting service.
The expansion comes as demand grows for energy drinks and flavoured sodas, with consumers seeking alternatives to traditional coffee and tea.
Following the closure of CosMc’s in May last year, the company began testing new drinks in around 500 US restaurants in late 2025.
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