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.

Keurig Dr Pepper has introduced more than 35 beverage varieties for 2026 across its carbonated soft drinks, teas, waters, energy and juice drink portfolios, alongside several returning and seasonal offerings. Among the new flavour launches, Canada Dry is expanding its Fruit Splash line with Strawberry, combining ginger ale with strawberry flavour and a splash of real juice in a national rollout from February. Meanwhile, Bai is introducing Bai Barù Blood Orange nationwide the same month, offering a tangy blood orange flavour in its antioxidant-infused water beverage range. 7Up Endless Summer Mandarin Orange, exclusive to Kroger, blends mandarin with classic lemon-lime for a seasonal citrus profile. Mott’s is entering the zero-sugar segment for the first time with a new Zero Sugar Juice Drinks line launching nationwide in March alongside refreshed packaging. Energy drink innovation features prominently. Ghost Energy is launching new 8.4oz cans in OG, OG Colada, Strawberry Watermelon and Welch’s Grape, and expanding its 16oz range with Blue Raspberry, Iced Tea Lemonade (Walmart and Circle K exclusive), Strawbango, Bubblicious Strawberry Splash (Kroger exclusive) and Welch’s Grape-Cran. C4 Energy is introducing Mango Fuego, Hawaiian Punch Berry Blue Typhoon (Circle K exclusive), Pink Lemonade as a limited-time offer and Cherry Cola exclusive to Casey’s. Bloom Sparkling Energy is adding Summer Splash, a strawberry lemonade flavour, while Black Rifle Energy is releasing GrapeX and Tiger Strike, a limited-time citrus-tropical blend. Across partner brands, Electrolit is expanding its hydration range with Cherry Ice and Strawberry Kiwi multipacks, with an additional 7-Eleven exclusive flavour planned. In ready-to-drink coffee, La Colombe Draft Latte is adding Strawberry Mocha and S’mores to its seasonal line-up, followed later in the year by Pumpkin Spice and Peppermint Mocha. Additional flavour innovation includes Bloom Pop, developed with Nutrabolt, which will launch Root Beer Float, Peach Pineapple and Rocket Blast varieties this summer. Fan favourites make a comeback Returning limited-time and seasonal flavours include Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut, which comes back in April, and Snapple Two Hundred Fif-Tea Party, a summer blend of raspberry tea and lemonade. 7Up Shirley Temple will return for the holiday season with pomegranate and lemon-lime flavours, while A&W Root Beer Float arrives for a limited time beginning in July. Polar Seltzer is also bringing back fan favourites Strawberry Créme and Toasted Coconut nationwide, offering lightly sweet, dessert-inspired sparkling options for consumers. Separately, Snapple will introduce a refreshed visual identity beginning in March, featuring updated graphics and logo elements. All 2026 CSD innovations will be offered in both regular and zero-sugar options.

White Castle has installed a new automated kiosk at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), expanding its on-the-go offering for travellers in the Fort Myers area. Located in the airport’s renovated terminal food court, the unit serves freshly heated, ready-to-eat beef and chicken Sliders on demand. The site is part of RSW’s transition to a vending-focused dining model designed to serve high-traffic passenger flows efficiently. The kiosk launch is part of a partnership with Just Baked and Evolvending. Through Evolvending’s airport industry relationships, the partners are expanding to additional locations. The fully automated unit offers a menu of White Castle retail Sliders, including the Original Slider, Classic Cheese Sliders, Cheddar Bacon Cheese Slider and Chicken & Cheese Slider. Orders are prepared hot and ready with minimal wait. Sarah Paulson, director of retail marketing, innovation and licensing at White Castle, said: “Airports are all about speed, convenience and reliability, and this automated kiosk at RSW lets us deliver the White Castle experience in a world-class facility in a way that fits how people travel today". "By combining automation with our iconic Sliders thanks to our partnership with Just Baked and Evolvending, we’re meeting travelers where they are and rethinking what airport dining can look like.” Valentina Ellison, CEO of Evolvending, added: “We’re excited to launch our exclusive partnership with White Castle at Southwest Florida International Airport. This location showcases the future of airport dining through its unique design and restaurant-quality food delivered through automation.” The RSW installation adds to White Castle’s presence in airports. The company operates an automated kiosk at Boston Logan International Airport and plans to expand to additional US airports. White Castle’s retail Sliders are sold in grocery and club stores locally and across all 50 states, made with the same ingredients as its restaurant Sliders, including a 100% beef patty steamed on a bed of onions.

Just Ice Tea has raised $9 million in Series B financing to accelerate national retail growth and product innovation, including the launch of Watermelon Lime White Tea and Peach White Tea. Investors in the round include Robert Trone, co-founder of Total Wine & More, Taste Tomorrow Ventures, and senior leadership from Big Geyser of NYC, Polar Strategic Ventures and several other distributors. Founded in 2022 by Seth Goldman, Barry Nalebuff and Spike Mendelsohn, the brand produces ready-to-drink organic, Fair Trade teas made with recognizable ingredients and no artificial additives. The company plans to expand from 12,000 to 17,000 retail stores nationwide in 2026, a 40% year-over-year increase. Its bottled and canned teas will be stocked at retailers including Kroger, Publix and Albertsons. To support the expansion, the brand has added more than 100 regional distributors, including Reyes Beverage Group, Hand Family Companies and Odom Corporation. In 2025, the brand doubled its store presence with rollouts into Target, CVS Pharmacy, Wegmans and Harris Teeter. Goldman said: “We are grateful for this strong support as we dramatically expand our retail footprint. It’s wonderful to build a foundation with accomplished entrepreneurs in the beverage retail sector whose support will further propel Just Ice Tea’s next phase of hypergrowth.” Trone added: “Seth and his team have already built a great brand that is gaining significant traction with customers and consumers alike. I look forward to joining the board and supporting Just Ice Tea as it realises its vision and mission.” Alongside the funding, the new flavours include: Watermelon Lime White Tea:   made with organic watermelon, cucumber and lime, available beginning this month. Peach White Tea: made with organic white tea and oolong blended with peach and sweetened with organic cane sugar, at 50 calories per can, planned for a summer launch. The brand will showcase Watermelon Lime White Tea at Natural Products Expo West (4-6 March) in Anaheim, California. American chef Spike Mendelsohn said: “This new flavour was inspired by the quality of the organic watermelon puree we have sourced from California. Blended with our delicate white tea and a touch of lime, it brings the juicy summer vibes we’re all looking for.” Just Ice Tea is operated by Goldman and Mendelsohn. The company sources Organic and Fair Trade Certified ingredients globally, and its more than 17 flavours are formulated with “Just Sweet Enough” sweeteners or no sweetener.

Jurahas launched the C3, a fully automatic coffee machine for espresso and black coffee. The new unit features a full-size brewing unit, Professional Aroma Grinder (PAG), and Pulse Extraction Process (PEP) for dense crema. A dual-cup function brews two servings in two cycles. Measuring 10.2 x 12.8 x 17.2 inches, the C3 has wave-inspired design elements on the front panel, water tank and cup grille. The machine uses a four-button Easy Control Panel. An optional Wi-Fi Connect accessory pairs with the Jura Operating Experience (JOE) app for remote control, customisation and instructional content. The C3 comes in Piano White and exclusive Piano Black at privately held retail company Sur La Table. Jura machines retail from $1,199 to $5,999.

Glacier Fresh, a home water filtration brand, has launched Coolon, a countertop cold water dispenser that provides instant filtered drinking water without plumbing or professional installation. Designed for modern households, Coolon offers a plug-and-play solution that fits in kitchens, home offices, apartments and shared living spaces. The dispenser uses advanced nano-filtration technology to reduce contaminants while retaining essential minerals for improved taste. It features intuitive controls, preset dispensing options, a compact footprint and smart maintenance indicators, including a filter replacement alert. Glacier Fresh developed Coolon to address common barriers to at-home hydration, such as space constraints and the need for installation. The product aims to make clean, cold water more accessible, supporting healthier and more sustainable daily habits. Allen, product manager at Glacier Fresh, said: “With the launch of Coolon water dispenser, we focused on removing everyday barriers that often make drinking better water more complicated than it needs to be. Coolon reflects our belief that clean, cold water should be easy to access and adaptable to how people actually live today.” Coolon expands Glacier Fresh’s home hydration portfolio, which includes refrigerator filters, pitchers and undersink reverse osmosis systems. The Coolon Countertop Cold Water Dispenser is available to buy through Glacier Fresh's website.

Italy’s premium coffee brand, Illy, is rolling out its new self-service concept – Illy On The Go – targeting retail, foodservice, leisure, education and convenience sectors amid rising demand for automated coffee formats. The bean-to-cup machines, made from 95% recycled materials, including 30% coffee grounds, serve Illy’s 100% Arabica blend, known for its smooth, velvety flavour. The company aims to install 1,000 units over the next five years. The global self-serve coffee bars market was valued at nearly £4.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to approach £7 billion by 2029. Consumers increasingly seek premium, espresso-style drinks without compromising on quality, particularly younger and professional demographics. The UK will be the first market for Illy On The Go. The machines will be introduced in partnership with Beanology, combining Illy’s coffee expertise with Beanology’s automated solutions. Retailers and foodservice operators will benefit from full installation, servicing and brand support. Marcello Canetti, managing director at UK&I at Illy, said: “We know a growing number of consumers are looking for convenience in their coffee. However, consumers simply aren’t willing to compromise on taste or ethics." "At Illy, we’ve spent decades perfecting our premium blend of 100% Arabica beans, and we’re proud to bring our signature taste to a self-serve machine. The Illy name will give both consumers – and our retail and foodservice partners – confidence that their coffee will always be of a barista-level quality, whatever the format.” The machines also reflect sustainability priorities, aiming to minimise waste while offering an ethical coffee option. Kerry Burvill, founder of Beanology, added: “Demand for on-the-go coffee has evolved rapidly, with customers now expecting café-quality drinks delivered through reliable, automated formats. Beanology was developed to meet that need with innovative machine solutions." "Our partnership with Illy brings a clear point of difference to a market that now expects a higher standard.”

Amie Thuener Keurig Dr Pepper has appointed two new independent directors and unveiled governance changes as it moves closer to completing its acquisition of JDE Peet’s  and prepares to separate into two standalone businesses. The beverage group says Amie Thuener, vice president, corporate controller and chief accounting officer at Alphabet, and William 'Bill' Newlands, the outgoing president and chief executive of Constellation Brands, will join its board effective March 2. The appointments come as Keurig Dr Pepper approaches the expected early second-quarter close of the JDE Peet’s transaction and advances plans to separate into two publicly listed entities – a North America-focused 'Beverage Co' and a 'Global Coffee Co' housing the combined coffee assets. In parallel, KDP said it will split its existing Remuneration & Nominating Committee into separate Nominating & Governance and Compensation Committees, a move aimed at tightening oversight during what Chief Executive Tim Cofer described as a pivotal phase of transformation. William 'Bill' Newlands The governance reshuffle also coincides with a leadership change at Constellation Brands. The Corona and Modelo owner said it has appointed Nicholas Fink as president and chief executive officer , effective 13 April 2026, as Newlands prepares to step down and retire from its board. Thuener brings three decades of accounting and financial reporting experience, including oversight of global reporting and M&A finance at Alphabet, and will sit on KDP’s Audit & Finance Committee. Her appointment comes as KDP prepares for the financial complexity of integrating JDE Peet’s and executing a subsequent spin-off. Newlands, who has led Constellation Brands for more than seven years and previously served as its chief growth officer and chief operating officer, will join KDP’s Nominating & Governance Committee. His track record in premium beverage alcohol and large-scale brand building is likely to be viewed as strategically relevant as KDP seeks to sharpen the positioning of its future Beverage Co while scaling its global coffee platform. KDP, which generates more than $15 billion in annual revenue across the soft drinks, coffee, water, juice and mixers categories, has warned that risks remain around completing the JDE Peet’s acquisition and subsequent separation within the anticipated timeframe, as well as potential operational disruption and transaction costs.