PepsiCo-owned soda brand Poppi will launch in the UK next month, marking its first international rollout since PepsiCo's $1.95 billion acquisition in 2025 and testing whether the fast-growing US 'modern soda' segment can translate to British consumers. The brand will be produced and distributed locally by bottler Carlsberg Britvic, with a nationwide debut on 5 March across Tesco stores and Pret A Manger outlets, before a broader rollout later in the year. Poppi’s entry underscores PepsiCo’s strategy to premiumise and diversify its carbonated soft drinks portfolio amid slowing growth in traditional colas. PepsiCo completed its acquisition of the functional soda brand Poppi  for $1.95 billion, including $300 million in anticipated tax benefits, back in May last year. Positioned as a low-sugar, low-calorie soda made with real fruit juice and high fibre, the brand sits at the intersection of functionality and indulgence – a space increasingly shaped by demand for 'better-for-you' refreshment. The five-flavour range – Strawberry Lemon, Orange, Raspberry Rose, Lemon Lime and Wild Berry – will be sold in 330ml cans, both singly and in multipacks. While fibre-enhanced sodas remain niche in the UK, PepsiCo is betting that strong branding and social-led marketing, which helped Poppi scale rapidly in the US, can recruit younger consumers and unlock new occasions. For retailers, the proposition is as much about trade-up and fixture disruption as health positioning. Carlsberg Britvic said the brand’s bold design and flavour credentials offer a high-impact addition to chillers, targeting shoppers seeking flavour-led soft drinks with a modern identity. The UK launch will serve as an early indicator of whether functional soda can move beyond the US and carve out a meaningful share in Europe’s competitive carbonates market, where reformulation, sugar reduction and premiumisation remain central battlegrounds.

Aqua Theon has secured a $13 million seed funding round, including $5 million directly invested into its marine plant-based drink brand, OoMee. The company aims to redefine functional beverages through marine plant innovation. OoMee combines a “function-first” approach with satiety support and Seabiotics, making seaweed more approachable for consumers. The brand has already established a presence in over 700 retail locations and maintains a 70% repeat purchase rate online. This milestone reflects growing consumer demand for wellness products built on real ingredients with tangible results. The funding round was supported by investors, partners, and the wider community, underscoring confidence in Aqua Theon’s mission to bring marine nutrition to the mainstream functional beverage market. Top image: © Oomee

Capri Sun is introducing a new limited-edition product, Blood Moon Punch, to the US market this month, building on last year’s Moon Punch launch with a reformulated, newly branded variant designed to capitalise on retailer demand and cultural buzz around upcoming lunar events. The brand says Blood Moon Punch offers a distinct, limited-time product featuring a bold red hue and eight new glow-in-the-dark pouch designs themed around phases of the moon. The new product follows the strong performance of 2025’s Moon Punch, which the company notes quickly rose to compete with core flavours such as Fruit Punch and Pacific Cooler. Retailers had pushed for a return, according to Capri Sun, prompting development of a new iteration tied to a rare 'Blood Moon' lunar eclipse and heightened interest surrounding NASA’s Artemis II mission. For buyers, the key point is that Blood Moon Punch is a newly developed, time-bound SKU, not a permanent line extension. The product will roll out nationwide in the US for a limited period, supported by a digital campaign offering 10,000 free pouches to consumers. Limited-time launches remain a core growth lever in the ambient juice drinks category, where innovation cycles are increasingly driven by packaging, experiential design and cultural tie-ins rather than base recipe changes. By introducing a new, event-linked flavour with collectable packaging, Capri Sun is aiming to generate incremental velocity, secure secondary displays and reinforce brand visibility in a competitive aisle facing private-label and price pressure. For The Kraft Heinz Company, Capri Sun’s parent, which generated around $25 billion in net sales in 2025, the launch underscores a strategy of driving growth through targeted brand activations and new product introductions within established franchises. Blood Moon Punch will be available nationwide from late February, with marketing activity concentrated around the March lunar eclipse, underscoring Capri Sun’s use of culturally timed new product launches to stimulate short-term sales and retailer engagement.

Internorga has always been one of the most authoritative stages for exploring the future of the Horeca industry. It is where operators, brands and innovators come together to redefine the concepts of quality, efficiency and sustainability in the world of restaurants, bars and hospitality. In a context where water management is becoming a strategic element – enhancing customer experience, protecting equipment and optimising operating costs – Think:Water and Profine present fully 'Made in Italy' solutions that raise the standards of professional water treatment. Among the highlights of this edition are three solutions designed to meet the real needs of chefs, baristas, venue managers, hotel chains and catering services: SyncRO, the compact professional reverse osmosis system; the Profine Filter range, dedicated to coffee equipment, ovens and ice machines; and Frizziko, the still and sparkling water dispenser ideal for front-of-house service. All products are developed in Italy with a focus on precision, quality and ease of use. SyncRO: The new generation of professional reverse osmosis One of the most anticipated solutions, SyncRO   embodies a new vision for reverse osmosis in the Horeca sector: high performance, minimal maintenance and a compact design that fits seamlessly even into the tightest kitchen and back-bar spaces. Designed for professional dishwashers, glass washers and bar glasswashers, SyncRO ensures impeccable shine on glassware, plates and cutlery, drastically reducing spots, streaks and the need for manual polishing. This translates into savings on detergents, reduced equipment wear and improved staff efficiency – key factors in a market increasingly focused on optimizing operational costs. SyncRO comes standard with the Profine Cobalt 5-micron filter, designed to improve incoming water quality by retaining particles, sediments and impurities. This preliminary step protects the membrane and enhances the final washing result. At the heart of the machine is the encapsulated RO membrane, engineered for quick, hygienic, tool-free replacement. This makes maintenance extremely simple, reduces the risk of contamination and ensures maximum service continuity at all times. SyncRO is not just advanced technology: it is a reliable work companion, designed for professionals who manage high volumes and cannot risk downtime or inconsistent performance. Profine Filters: Perfect water for every Horeca application Water quality is a fundamental ingredient in many preparations and pieces of equipment used in modern foodservice. From espresso served at the bar to steam ovens used in gastronomy, to the production of crystal-clear ice: every application requires water with specific characteristics. The Profine Filter  range, entirely designed and manufactured in Italy, meets this need with modular, reliable and easy-to-install solutions. The different technologies – ranging from microfiltration to carbonate reduction, up to high-quality activated carbon – ensure: Optimal coffee extraction, with aromatic stability and a denser, longer-lasting crema. Ovens protected from limescale, thanks to controlled reduction of dissolved minerals that prevents scaling, improves energy efficiency and reduces maintenance costs. Crystal-clear ice, free from odors and off-flavours, ideal for cocktail bars, hotels and high‑volume venues. The Profine philosophy is clear: to offer a professional, reliable and sustainable range that helps operators get the best out of their equipment and deliver a consistently better experience to the end customer, day after day. Frizziko: The smart dispenser for modern Horeca In recent years, treated and microfiltered water has taken on a central role in the Horeca world, driven by growing attention to sustainability and the desire to reduce bottled water consumption. In this context, Frizziko emerges as a compact and intelligent still and sparkling water dispenser, designed to be integrated directly into table service or bar counters. Frizziko combines essential design, ergonomics and high performance. It is ideal for venues looking to offer: An elegant, immediate service without clutter or storage needs; Fresh, balanced‑taste water filtered through Profine technology; Significant reduction in environmental impact through the elimination of single-use plastics and decreased logistics related to bottle transport. With Frizziko, water becomes an integral part of the customer experience – a distinctive element that enhances service and reinforces the perception of quality. The strength of Made in Italy The Think:Water osmosis systems and Profine filters  are not simply products – they are the result of a long-standing Italian tradition in water treatment. From design to production, from engineering to quality control, every stage is carried out entirely in Italy, at the heart of a technological district that has been a benchmark in the European landscape for years. Made in Italy is not just a mark of origin, but a commitment to: Continuous research for more efficient and sustainable technologies; High-quality materials and controlled manufacturing processes; Functional design that combines aesthetics and performance.

Suntory Beverage & Food Great Britain & Ireland will invest £25 million in a new high-speed production line at its Coleford factory, consolidating Lucozade and Ribena manufacturing in a move aimed at boosting efficiency, flexibility and sustainability at one of Britain’s longest-running soft drinks sites. The new line, known internally as 'Apollo 5,' will replace two older Ribena lines that separately handle concentrate and ready-to-drink formats. Once operational in early 2027, it will be capable of producing up to 55,000 bottles per hour, with rapid changeovers between Lucozade and Ribena on a single line. The investment forms part of a broader £57 million supply chain upgrade programme at the Coleford site, which this year marks 80 years since it was built. For retailers and contract manufacturing partners, the main significance lies in consolidation and throughput. By bringing multiple SKUs and formats onto one aseptic line, SBF GB&I reduces operational complexity and gains greater flexibility to switch between brands in response to demand shifts. The company says the line will use aseptic bottle-cleaning technology based on heat and pressurised air, reducing energy and water use compared with traditional systems. The upgrade comes as UK soft drinks manufacturers face continued cost pressure from energy, labour and packaging, alongside evolving demand for functional and low-sugar beverages. Lucozade, which celebrates its centenary in 2027, remains a key player in the sports and energy drinks segment, while Ribena is a long-established brand in concentrates and ready-to-drink fruit beverages. Coleford is one of the largest employers in the Forest of Dean area and a central production hub for the company’s UK portfolio. Around £2.1 million will be spent with local suppliers during the construction phase. The new line also follows a previously announced project to electrify the site and reduce reliance on a gas turbine, part of the group’s wider sustainability strategy. The company says the additional capability would support future packaging initiatives across its brands. Elise Seibold, chief operating officer at SBF GB&I, said: “This next chapter is about investing in our factory to strengthen the future of two iconic British brands, Lucozade and Ribena. We’re dedicating £25 million to this new line to set us up for long-term success, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support from our Suntory owners in Japan". Work on the Apollo 5 line begins this year, with first production runs scheduled for early 2027.

Ovio, a South Korean water purification technology manufacturer, is expanding into ice and functional water systems as it seeks to strengthen its position as a global manufacturing partner for next-generation water appliances. Headquartered in Hwaseong and led by CEO EunChun Lee, the company has broadened its portfolio beyond traditional water purifiers to include ice making water purifiers, under-sink systems and functional water products such as carbonated, hydrogen and alkaline water units. The expansion is aimed at enabling customised product development based on regional water conditions and shifting consumer demand. Ovio provides end-to-end ODM/OEM services, covering product planning and research and development through to certification support, mass production and global supply. The company said this integrated approach is designed to shorten development timelines and reduce certification risks for clients entering international markets. OVIO holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications and complies with international environmental and safety standards, including CE marking and RoHS requirements. It also supports partners in obtaining hygiene and performance certifications for water purifiers, including NSF and WQA approvals. In response to growing global demand for ice-related appliances, the company plans to open a dedicated ice production line in March 2026. The new line is expected to increase production efficiency and stabilise supply for ice water purifiers and ice dispensers, particularly for large-scale international projects. Ovio said its manufacturing capabilities have been validated in Japan, where it holds around 20% market share in its core segment, positioning the company as a long-term partner for global appliance brands.

Keurig Dr Pepper has announced updated financing plans and transaction timelines for its acquisition of JDE Peet’s and its separation into two independent companies. The company revealed its plans to acquire coffee giant JDE Peet’s in August last year , with the deal set to see the separation of the merged entity’s coffee operations from its other beverage businesses. Two independent companies will be created as a result (Beverage Co and Global Coffee Co, pending announcement of official corporate names). Part of the updated financing plan is an agreement to upsize the previously announced Beverage Co convertible preferred equity investment, co-led by Apollo and KKR, to $4.5 billion from $3 billion. This updated figure includes additional participation from ‘long-term oriented’ investors, KDP said. As a result of this, the company said it is no longer considering a partial IPO of Beverage Co. KDP now plans to finance the upcoming acquisition through a combination of approximately $9 billion of long-term debt, $8.5 billion of equity capital and the assumption of approximately $5 billion of existing JDE Peet’s bonds. Closure of the JDE Peet’s acquisition is targeted for early 2026, with separation timing dependent on the achievement of key milestones, including appropriate leverage levels at each company and supportive market conditions. Though exact timing of the tax-free spin of Global Coffee Co is yet to be confirmed, KDP said that ‘key transformation workstreams’ continue to target operational readiness to separate by the end of next year. Anthony DiSilvestro, Keurig Dr Pepper’s chief financial officer, said: “Today's update demonstrates our commitment to ensuring strong and resilient capital structures at each stage of this transaction by introducing an additional $1.5 billion of cost-efficient equity capital into the financing and bringing on board a high-quality mix of shareholders who recognise the value creation opportunity ahead”. He added: “Our comprehensive financing solution, combined with strong cash generation, will drive rapid deleveraging, reinforce KDP's balance sheet and help to establish Beverage Co and Global Coffee Co as successful, investment-grade companies.”

Bubly Sparkling Water has launched limited-edition flavours and themed packaging tied to the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie from Illumination and Nintendo, which arrives in cinemas on 1 April 2026. The promotion introduces three new flavours: Meteor Melon (watermelon lime), Cosmic Swirl (vanilla and berry, and Dragonfruit Stardust (pineapple dragonfruit). The drinks are sold in cans featuring colour-changing Luma characters when chilled. Core Bubly flavours will also appear in special-edition packs featuring characters from the film, including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach, Toad and Bowser Jr. The themed packs cover Lime, Blackberry, Cherry, Grapefruit and Strawberry varieties and are available nationwide in the US. Michael Smith, VP of marketing for Bubly Sparkling Water, said: “Super Mario is one of the most timeless and beloved franchises in entertainment, inspiring a sense of adventure and exploration for fans of every generation". "With our new colour-changing cans, limited edition flavors, film-themed packs, Star Bits collection, and hidden Bubly Galaxy Cans featuring Rosalina, we’re thrilled to bring the magic of this universe into the grocery aisle and be part of fans’ excitement leading up to the film.” The limited-edition products are available in stores across the US and via TikTok Shop while supplies last. Promotions run through early May 2026.

Sanpellegrino is entering the fast-growing functional soda segment with a new line positioned around low calories, zero added sugar and added micronutrients, as established premium brands look to defend share against insurgent better-for-you players. The Italian sparkling drinks brand, owned by Nestlé, has launched Sanpellegrino Crafted Soda Italiana in the US, adding vitamin B6 and magnesium to flavoured sparkling sodas containing 7% real fruit juice and 20 calories or fewer per can. The move places the heritage brand squarely in the 'soda with benefits' space, a sub-category that has gained momentum as consumers shift away from traditional carbonated soft drinks towards products marketed around functionality, digestive health and energy support. Sanpellegrino’s new range debuts in two flavours – Cherry Sorbetto and Strawberry Crema – and will retail at $7.49 per six-pack. The products are available via Amazon and will soon be rolling out across nationwide retailers. For beverage manufacturers and retailers, the significance lies less in the flavour innovation and more in the strategic repositioning. Premium carbonated brands have faced mounting competition from functional soda start-ups that combine low sugar claims with added ingredients such as fibre, probiotics and vitamins. By incorporating vitamin B6 and magnesium, Sanpellegrino is leveraging micronutrient fortification – a familiar strategy in energy drinks and enhanced waters – to refresh its relevance in a crowded CSD aisle. The formulation also aligns with broader industry reformulation efforts, with zero grams of added sugar and a low-calorie profile designed to appeal to consumers moderating sugar intake without fully abandoning indulgent flavours. For ingredient suppliers, particularly those in fortification and flavour systems, the expansion of mainstream brands into functional carbonates signals further convergence between classic soft drinks and the better-for-you beverage segment.

Primo Brands has energised a 13-megawatt DC on-site solar project at its Poland Spring bottling facility in Hollis, Maine, in partnership with Onyx Renewables and PowerFlex. The ground-mounted solar array, located adjacent to the Hollis facility, is expected to generate approximately 18 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The system is designed as a non-export, fully behind-the-metre installation, meaning the electricity produced will be consumed directly at the site. The output is projected to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint and provide long-term energy cost predictability. The project was developed, engineered and constructed by PowerFlex. Onyx financed the system and will own and operate it under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), through which Primo Brands will purchase the electricity generated at a predetermined rate. Charles Fogg, chief sustainability officer at Primo Brands, said: “... water is our business, and being good stewards of natural resources is core to who we are. That means thinking carefully about how we use resources like energy and how we operate for the long-term within communities. Powering our facility in Hollis, Maine, with renewable energy reduces our reliance on traditional energy sources and helps us reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” The 13 MW DC system is considered large by commercial onsite solar standards. It reflects growing demand for distributed generation projects that allow businesses to manage long-term energy costs and address rising electricity prices. Patty Rollin, chief commercial officer of Onyx Renewables, added: "Projects like this represent the shift to a new power paradigm where businesses can take control of their energy future. By adopting on-site solar, Primo Brands gains cost predictability and reliable clean power." "At Onyx, we make sure these solutions fit seamlessly into our partners’ operations, and we’re proud to work alongside PowerFlex to deliver a system that supports Primo Brands’ sustainability goals while strengthening energy resilience." Under the PPA structure, Onyx will provide long-term asset management and maintenance services. PowerFlex managed the multi-year development process, including interconnection and permitting, system engineering, procurement and construction, as well as PPA negotiations. Nate McMurry, chief commercial officer at PowerFlex, commented: “Projects like Hollis succeed when each partner brings deep specialisation. PowerFlex develops and builds high-performance onsite solar, and Onyx provides the underwriting and long-term commitment that makes a project like this possible – together delivering clean, cost-predictable power for Primo Brands." "At 13 megawatts DC, Hollis is a large onsite solar system by commercial standards. We’re seeing growing demand for projects at this scale as companies look to reduce emissions, manage energy costs and invest in resilient, distributed energy solutions.” In addition to benefits for Primo Brands, the project contributes to Maine’s clean energy targets of 80% clean electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2040.

Community Coffee Company, a US-based retail coffee brand, has named Caesar Pereira as its new chief financial officer, effective 23 February 2026. Caesar Pereira Pereira succeeds Annette Vaccaro, who is retiring. Vaccaro will work with Pereira in the coming months to ensure continuity in financial operations and strategic initiatives. Pereira brings over 26 years of global finance experience, having held leadership roles across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Most recently, he was VP of finance and accounting for Nestlé’s US Coffee & Beverage division, overseeing financial strategy for brands including Starbucks, Nescafé and Coffee Mate. He previously served as CFO for Nestlé Purina Petcare in Asia, Oceania, and Africa, and held several senior global and regional roles during his career at Nestlé. Tom Corley, president and CEO of Community Coffee Company, said: “Caesar brings exceptional financial leadership experience and a deep understanding of complex, global consumer businesses. His strategic perspective, operational discipline, and collaborative leadership style will help support our long-term growth while honoring the strong financial foundation Annette helped build.” Pereira added: “Community Coffee Company has built a remarkable legacy rooted in quality, community, and strong values. I am honoured to join the team and look forward to partnering with leadership and employees across the organization to help support the company’s continued growth and long-term success.” Top image: © Community Coffee Company

As GLP-1 therapies gain traction, their influence is extending beyond clinical outcomes into everyday consumption patterns, prompting consumers to reassess routine choices such as their daily coffee. Rather than signalling a decline in coffee drinking, the shift points to a more deliberate approach shaped by appetite regulation, glycaemic awareness and satiety. Stephanie Hoffman, VP of operations at Bulletproof, suggests this evolving mindset is elevating expectations around composition, timing and functional value, positioning coffee less as a habitual stimulant and more as a purposeful part of a structured intake. GLP-1 medications are reshaping how many consumers think about food and drink. As adoption increases, these medications are beginning to influence everyday habits, including coffee consumption. From a beverage perspective, the shift isn’t about people abandoning coffee, but about how and why they’re choosing to drink it. GLP-1’s affect appetite, digestion and blood sugar response. For many users, this translates to smaller meals, fewer snacks and greater intention around their daily intake. Coffee plays a greater role than just being a source of energy or comfort; it is increasingly evaluated through a metabolic lens. What’s emerging is a more selective approach to coffee. Fewer cups, more structure and more inspection around ingredients and nutritional impact. Less volume, higher standards One of the clearest behavioural changes tied to GLP-1 adoption is that people are simply eating less. Many consumers are not giving up coffee, but they are consolidating it. Rather than multiple cups throughout the day, coffee is increasingly consumed once or twice, often alongside food instead of on an empty stomach. This shift is changing which products resonate. Highly sweetened beverages, flavoured syrups and calorie-dense creamers can feel misaligned for consumers focused on appetite regulation or glucose management. In contrast, coffees with simpler formulations and steadier energy profiles are gaining relevance. For the category, this reinforces a broader move away from excess. Coffee no longer needs to be larger, sweeter or more indulgent to earn its place. It needs to be clean, balanced and metabolically considerate. Coffee as a functional anchor Alongside reduced volume, GLP-1 use is accelerating interest in protein-forward coffee. As consumers prioritise satiety, muscle maintenance and structured eating windows, coffee is increasingly positioned as a functional anchor within the day. It can serve as a bridge between meals or support a more intentional morning routine. From a formulation standpoint, protein coffee presents real technical challenges. Protein can suppress aroma, mute acidity and introduce texture issues if not carefully selected and integrated. The strongest examples treat protein as a structural element rather than an add-on, with roast profile, solubility and mouthfeel engineered together. It’s important to select both a protein and a coffee that work well together and bring forward the right balance of sensory notes. The protein needs to be high quality and clean tasting, while adding something to the experience, such as mouthfeel. For example, whey protein works well as it contributes to mouthfeel; however the source matters as well. Whey proteins can yield different flavours. Collagen is another great protein that mixes well with coffee and has a fairly neutral taste. However, collagen isn’t a complete protein which can impact a consumer’s decision depending on their goals. Last, but not least, the coffee needs to remain high quality on its own, but capable of cutting through the protein and delivering a great flavour. This evolution signals a broader shift. Protein coffee is no longer confined to performance or fitness niches. Its move into mainstream formats reflects growing acceptance of coffee as a delivery system for nutrition, not just stimulation. This is why the quality of the ingredients and the taste become so critical. It’s no longer just about delivering a quick hit of protein, but about making it a complete experience that’s enjoyable and easily adaptable. What this signals for coffee heading into 2026 More broadly, consumers are starting to expect more from their daily essentials, including staples like coffee and water. These everyday products are no longer just about routine or stimulation; they’re increasingly expected to support broader health goals. This shift does not diminish the importance of origin, roast, or craft. If anything, it raises the bar. As consumers drink less coffee overall, each cup carries more significance. Flavour quality, formulation precision and functional relevance matter more than ever. Looking ahead to 2026, the most successful coffee brands will move away from indulgence for indulgence’s sake and toward intentional design. Clean formulations, clear functional purpose and flavor integrity will define the next phase of the category. Coffee is not disappearing. It is becoming more considered, and brands that recognise this shift early will be best positioned to lead.