FoodBev Media is delighted to announce the winners of the Global Water Drinks Awards 2025 ! The awards ceremony, held during the 22nd annual Global Water Drinks Congress , celebrated the companies and individuals redefining the global water industry through their commitment to innovation, sustainability and quality. The winners were revealed live to delegates during the Congress Gala Dinner in Budapest, Hungary. This highly anticipated event showcased groundbreaking products , sustainable practices and technological advancements shaping the future of water. From ethical sourcing and functional water innovations to revolutionary packaging solutions, the winners exemplify the very best in the category. The awards were presented by Maxine Harle, events and partnerships manager at FoodBev Media . After a week of judging, the panel praised the exceptional standard of entries, noting their dedication to creativity, consumer well-being and environmental stewardship. FoodBev Media extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and commended products and companies who continue to push the boundaries of the water industry forward. With entries from 18 countries , this year’s awards feature 14 winners , recognising the outstanding contributions of these pioneering brands and the bold, visionary teams driving them. Global Water Drinks Awards Results Best Tasting Products Best Flavoured Water WINNER Britvic Ireland, part of Carlsberg Group   | Ballygowan Hint of Fruit FINALIST Charlie's Sparkling Water   | Charlie's Organics FINALIST Clearly Canadian   | Essence Grapefruit 11oz Sparkling Water FINALIST Clearly Canadian   | Mountain Blackberry 11oz Sparkling Water COMMENDED   Clearly Canadian   | Essence Limon 11oz Sparkling Water Best Functional Water WINNER Jove Wellness   | Jove Deep Hydration Water Alkaline pH 9.5+ FINALIST Charlie's Sparkling Water | Charlie's Fibres FINALIST QuenCHill | Cozy Water COMMENDED   Peridot | Peridot Naturally Alkaline Super-Premium Low Deuterium Ice Age Mineral Water COMMENDED   Water Plus Supplements | Water Plus Supplements Best Natural Sparkling Water WINNER Lofoten Arctic Water | Lofoten Arctic Water Sparkling Water FINALIST Aqua Carpatica   | Aqua Carpatica Sparkling Natural Mineral Water FINALIST Eira Water   | Eira Sparkling COMMENDED   Clearly Canadian   | Clearly Sparkling Mineral 11oz Sparkling Water Best Natural Still Water WINNER Eira Water |  Eira Still FINALIST Lofoten Arctic Water |  Lofoten Arctic Water Still Water FINALIST Peridot |  Peridot Naturally Alkaline Super-Premium Low Deuterium Ice Age Mineral Water FINALIST Theoni |  Theoni Natural Mineral Water COMMENDED   Aqua Carpatica |  Aqua Carpatica Still Natural Mineral Water Best New Brand Water WINNER One Water   |  One Water – Canadian Rockies FINALIST QuenCHill |  Cozy Water COMMENDED   Gentlebrand   |  Zelda Smartweight Water Best Premium Water WINNER Peridot |  Peridot Naturally Alkaline Super-Premium Low-Deuterium Ice Age Mineral Water FINALIST Clearly Canadian   |  Clearly Sparkling Mineral 11oz Sparkling Water COMMENDED   Be Wtr |  Be Wtr – Redefining Premium Water for a Conscious Generation Best Designs Best Can Design WINNER Aqua Carpatica   |  Aqua Carpatica Sparkling Mineral Water FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group |  Inikin Volcano Natural Mineral Spring FINALIST Jove Wellness   |  Jove Deep Hydration Water Alkaline pH 9.5+ FINALIST Lofoten Arctic Water |  Lofoten Arctic Water Aluminium bottle COMMENDED   Charlie's Sparkling Water   |  Charlie's Organics Best Glass Design WINNER Icelandic Glacial   |  750ml Still Glass FINALIST Charlie's Sparkling Water |  Charlie's Organics FINALIST Icelandic Glacial |  750ml Sparkling Glass FINALIST Lofoten Arctic Water |  Lofoten Arctic Water Glass Bottle COMMENDED   Eira Water |  Eira Water Best PET Design WINNER Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group |  Inikin No Label Changbai Mountain Natural Mineral Water FINALIST Aqua Carpatica   |  Aqua Carpatica Natural Mineral Water FINALIST Eira Water   |  Eira Water COMMENDED   Nestlé Water |  Sohat Airplane bottle Best Packaging/Label Design WINNER Tetra Pak & Cie |  Water in carton package Tetra Top – Eau Neuve FINALIST Charlie's Sparkling Water   |  Charlie's Organics FINALIST O'cean Drinks Private |  O’cean Plus – Wellness Water FINALIST O'cean Drinks Private |  O'cean Fruit Water Zero Edition FINALIST Theoni |  Theoni Natural Mineral Water *with Braille writing on the cap FINALIST Theoni |  Theoni Natural Mineral Water in Carton Box 2-litre COMMENDED   Eira Water   |  Eira Water COMMENDED   Icelandic Glacial   |  750ml Slim Sportscap COMMENDED   Nestlé Water   |  AIr plane bottle Best of Business Best CSR Initiative WINNER Be Wtr |  Be Wtr – A Purpose-Driven Approach to Water Best Marketing/Social Media Campaign WINNER O'cean Drinks Private |  O'cean Fruit Water: High in Vitamin C Higher on Prizes FINALIST Eira Water   |  Eira Water FINALIST Jove Wellness   |  Jove Wellness COMMENDED   Icelandic Glacial   |  'You Are What You Drink, Be Exceptional' Featuring Julianne Hough Best Sustainability Initiative WINNER Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages   |  Hawaiian Volcanic Water (OceanPlast Collection) FINALIST Be Wtr |  Be Wtr – Rethinking Water for a Sustainable Future FINALIST Tetra Pak & Cie |  Tetra Top carton package with plant based polymers Best Brand Extension WINNER Charlie's Sparkling Water   |  Charlie's Fibres FINALIST Aqua Carpatica   |  Aqua Carpatica Flavours FINALIST Ball Corporation / Compagnie des Pyrénées |  Sant' Anna and Eau Neuve FINALIST Jääde – Finnish Mineral Water |  Jääde Sparkling Mineral Water FINALIST O'cean Drinks Private |  O'cean Fruit Water Zero Edition FINALIST Yili |  QuanAi Baby COMMENDED   Britvic Ireland part of Carlsberg Group |  Ballygowan Hint of Fruit COMMENDED   Hop Wtr |  Hop Wtr Iced Tea and Lemonade COMMENDED   Lajthiza Invest sha |  Natural Mineral Water, Carbonated Soft Drinks Congratulations to each and every product! The 2025 judging panel We extend our sincere gratitude to our independent and esteemed judging panel. Their collective expertise, insight and dedication were fundamental to the robust judging process, ensuring the integrity and high standard of the Global Water Drinks Awards. Their commitment was crucial in evaluating the highly competitive field and accurately determining this year's outstanding winners. About FoodBev Awards FoodBev Media awards schemes have been running for more than 20 years and are now recognised as the most credible and respected awards schemes to influence the international food and beverage industry. For more information about our selection of awards programmes, please visit foodbevawards.com  or email awards@foodbev.com .

Coffee Mate is expanding its Harry Potter-inspired line with the launch of new Butterbeer-flavoured creamers and cold foam. The line includes three products: Butterbeer-flavoured creamer; Butterbeer zero-sugar flavoured creamer; and Butterbeer-flavoured cold foam. The range features butterscotch, cream and caramel notes and marks the first time Butterbeer-flavoured creamers and cold foam will be sold nationwide in the US. Amanda Zaydman, Nestlé's director of brand marketing for the coffee and beverage division, said: “With the launch of our Harry Potter Butterbeer Flavoured Creamers and Cold Foam, we’re inviting fans to transform their daily brew into something truly enchanting. Our ongoing partnership with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products continues to inspire us to bring the flavours of the wizarding world to life in new ways, blending beloved storytelling with the Coffee Mate passion for flavour innovation." Products will roll out at select retailers in December, with wider national availability from January 2026. Pricing is set at $4.49 for a 28oz creamer and $5.49 for a 14oz cold foam canister.

Oatly has launched Oatly Baristamatic, a newly developed oat drink created specifically for automated coffee machines. The drink is designed to help coffee machines operate more smoothly without compromising on the popular taste of Oatly’s best-selling Barista Edition. It optimises machine performance by reducing the risk of sedimentation in milk containers, supporting overall machine flow. The beverage has been developed using the original Oatly Barista recipe, delivering the same functionality but with a slightly higher fat content (3.2g vs 3g) to help support foam stability and a lower viscosity to allow better flow through automated machines. Oalty Baristamatic is also fortified with vitamin D, B12, riboflavin and calcium. Like the rest of the brand’s range, it is soya-free and free from added sugars, sweeteners, emulsifiers, stabilisers, colours and artificial flavours. Bryan Carroll, general manager at Oatly UK and Ireland, described Oatly Baristamatic as a “breakthrough” innovation that has been tested and approved by coffee machine manufacturers. “It delivers all the versatility of the classic Barista Edition – hot or cold, smooth or frothed – while supporting coffee machine performance,” he continued, adding that the drink ensures a “smoother experience for both machine and human,” whether the coffee is made by a barista or poured from an automated machine at a service station. Baristamatic is available now directly from Oatly or from major wholesalers in January 2026.

Nichols, the soft drinks group behind brands like Vimto, has announced the appointment of Matthew Rothwell as its new chief financial advisor and company secretary, effective no later than 13 April 2026. Rothwell brings a wealth of experience from senior financial roles across major UK-listed, consumer-facing businesses, having previously worked at Asda, Sainsbury's and THG. Nichols’ board said Rothwell’s appointment reflects its commitment to strengthening the group’s leadership as it continues to execute its long-term growth strategy across both its UK and international soft drinks markets. Liz McMeikan, chair of Nichols, said: “Following a comprehensive, diligent search process, we are delighted to announce Matthew’s appointment to the Board. This appointment reflects our commitment to attracting high-calibre leadership, and his experience and capabilities align very well with our strategic priorities.” Rothwell will succeed David Taylor, who has served as interim finance director since February. Taylor will step down at the end of the month after providing support during the transitional period. McMeikan continued: “On behalf of the board and everyone at Nichols, we thank David Taylor for his contribution and exceptional commitment during this interim tenure". To ensure continuity until Rothwell’s arrival, Rebecca Hughes, the group’s financial controller, will serve as non-board finance director and support the senior leadership team. Commenting on his upcoming appointment, Rothwell said: “I’m excited to be joining Nichols, a business with a proud heritage, iconic brands and a clear strategy for future growth. I look forward to working with the board and management team to build on this strong foundation and deliver sustainable performance and value for shareholders.”

Flavia, a coffee system brand owned by Lavazza North America, has expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of Cocoa Bliss. The new product aims to offer consumers a simple way to enjoy a comforting, chocolate-based drink throughout the colder months. Cocoa Bliss joins Flavia’s existing range of drinks, which includes coffees, lattes, tea lattes and infused waters. The beverage is made with real cocoa, contains 11g of sugar and 70 calories per serving, and is ready to drink in about a minute. Flavia said the product offers a 'rich and indulgent taste' and a 'luxuriously smooth' consistency designed to enhance moments of relaxation at home or in the workplace. Daniele Foti, VP of Marketing at Lavazza North America, said: "As we head into the colder months of the year, we wanted to introduce something new that invites people to take a moment for themselves and indulge in a seasonal classic that can be enjoyed all year long. Cocoa Bliss will be an important part of our specialty beverage offering, adding a sweet option that customers can enjoy as part of their everyday routine." Cocoa Bliss is available through select beverage distributors and online.

UK soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills has unveiled a new carbonated beverage line, Radnor Spring, as it continues to expand its portfolio of low-calorie, functional drinks. The new Radnor Spring range features sparkling water with B vitamins in four fruity flavours – Black Cherry & Blackcurrant, Mango & Passionfruit, Pineapple & Grapefruit and Strawberry & Raspberry. Each 500ml bottle is 100% recyclable and made with 30% recycled plastic, with a recommended retail price of £1 for price-marked packs. Chris Sanders, sales and marketing director at Radnor Hills, said: “ We have carried out extensive consumer research among 3000 18-35 year olds who grew up with our brands and are now looking for exciting options. Radnor Spring is the perfect next step – a juicy, carbonated soft drink bottled at our zero-to-landfill site in Wales.” Now in its 35th year, Radnor Hills produces more than 400 million units from its Knighton, Powys site, and reported £55.3 million in revenue for the year to May 2024, up to 15% year on year. Designed for leisure, retail, vending, grab-and-go and convenience channels, Radnor Spring will roll out nationally from January 2026.

Primo Brands Corporation has named Eric Foss as its new chairman and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Foss succeeds Robbert Rietbroek, who is stepping down from the role. He brings extensive experience leading global consumer goods and beverage companies. Foss previously served as chairman and CEO of several large-scale, brand-focused businesses, earning recognition for his leadership approach and focus on innovation, execution and long-term growth. Dean Metropoulos, director and former non-executive chairman of the board, said: "I am delighted to announce Eric has agreed to take up the positions of chairman and CEO of Primo Brands. He knows the company well, having served on our board (and the board of Primo Water)." "With his extensive experience as chairman and CEO of global branded beverage and direct store distribution businesses, Eric is highly qualified to lead Primo Brands' future growth and value creation." Foss added: "It is a true privilege to serve as chairman and CEO of Primo Brands. The company is well positioned in the large, attractive and growing healthy hydration market. We have an industry leading brand portfolio, a strong go-to market system and a team of talented and committed teammates." "We continue to progress, unlocking the power of last year's business combination and have multiple growth vectors as we move forward. I want to thank Robbert for his service and contributions. I look forward to continuing to work with Dean as a member of the board and want to thank the board for their support and confidence." Metropoulos, who is stepping down as non-executive chairman but will remain on the board, added: "Following conversations with the board as we move into the next phase of the breakthrough merger that established Primo Brands, I believe now is the right time to step away as non-executive Chairman. I am confident that Eric's extensive experience in consumer driven at-scale selling and service-oriented business models across the food and beverage industry will drive progress at Primo Brands." "I want to thank Robbert for his leadership and contributions to the company. Robbert's leadership was foundational in orchestrating the first year as Primo Brands and establishing it as a leader in the North American branded beverage space with a focus on healthy hydration. We wish him continued success." Top image: © Primo Brands

Soul Kitchen, a female-founded food UK brand, has unveiled a new line of single-serve, clean label soups designed specifically for modern workplaces, micro markets and travel. This launch responds to rising consumer demand for healthier, convenient food options, with the instant soup market projected to grow from $742 million to $1.17 billion by 2035. The new Soul Kitchen Plus+ range features two initial offerings: Super Greens (Broccoli, Leek & Spinach) and Lion’s Mane Mushroom with B12, Thyme & Black Pepper. Both soups are produced in the UK at a Salsa-approved facility, using gently dehydrated vegetable powders, herbs and spices, without any gums, emulsifiers, palm oil or artificial flavourings. Each 20g sachet is ready in under three minutes, addressing the needs of busy consumers seeking nutritious meal solutions. This launch comes at a time when 77% of UK consumers express concerns about ultra-processed foods, signaling a shift towards simpler ingredient lists. The demand for functional foods is on the rise, with plant-based products growing at an annual rate of over 11%, currently valued at £389 million. The introduction of clean label soups aligns with these trends, offering a solution that combines convenience with quality. The Lion’s Mane Mushroom soup taps into the burgeoning global functional mushroom market, which has more than doubled in the last five years and is projected to reach $19 billion by 2030. While research on the cognitive benefits of such mushrooms is ongoing, there is a notable increase in consumer interest in adaptogenic ingredients. Each serving of the Super Greens soup delivers 4.6g of protein sourced from sunflower, while the Mushroom soup provides 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12, a critical nutrient often lacking in plant-based diets. Eiméar Sutton, head of nutrition at Biovit, said: “Biovit’s vitamin B12 and vitamin D are derived from mushrooms and remain within a food matrix, enhancing nutrient absorption and providing additional health benefits”. Soul Kitchen’s soups are available in cases of 12, with a recommended retail price starting at £1.79. Initial listings include over 100 independent retailers, such as Earthfare in Glastonbury and The General Store in Manchester, with plans to expand into travel retail through partnerships with Eurostar and Rail Gourmet. Bella Acland, founder of Soul Kitchen, highlighted the brand's commitment to quality and simplicity: “Consumers want simplicity they can trust. We’re not chasing trends; we’re re-imagining something familiar and doing it properly.” This philosophy underscores the brand's mission to provide nutritious, satisfying meals that fit seamlessly into modern lifestyles. Ky Wright, CEO of Biovit, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Soul Kitchen for Biovit’s first product launch in the soup category". "Their all-natural mushroom soup is fortified with Biovit’s naturally-sourced vitamin D and B12, confirming that it only contains natural nutrients with proven bioavailability.”

UK coffee brand Grind has entered the canned cocktails market with the launch of a new RTD espresso martini, available at Waitrose and WHSmith. Grind was born in 2011 following the opening of its first café in Shoreditch, East London. The brand has served nearly a million espresso martinis in its coffee shop since then, and is now bringing the signature cocktail into the RTD space. According to Grind, its new RTD cocktail offers a ‘smooth, sweet and rich’ finish, delivering bar-quality taste for consumers on-the-go. Available ahead of the festive party season, the can is also being sold in Grind’s restaurants and coffee shops as well as online and via selected retailers. Grind’s mission is to ‘change the way we drink coffee for the better,’ aiming to make craft coffee more accessible to more people in more places. Its speciality coffee can be found online through its DTC business, as well as in UK supermarkets and through partnerships with Soho House and British Airways. The brand focuses on ethically sourced coffee from sustainable farms, and has set up The Better Coffee Foundation – a charity aiming to reverse the environmental damage done by the wider coffee industry. It has introduced products such as home-compostable coffee pods and plastic-free packaging, and recovered over 120,000kg of plastic from the ocean in 2023 and 2024.

Tropicana Brands Group (TBG) has appointed Paul Chibe as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Paul Chibe Chibe succeeds Glen Walter, who will remain with the company in an advisory role until the end of the year. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the consumer goods and beverage sectors. Before joining TBG, Chibe served as CEO of Pabst Brewing Company. His previous roles include president and CEO of Ferrero North America, US chief marketing officer at Anheuser-Busch InBev and senior leadership positions at Wrigley. Chibe is credited with driving brand expansion and innovation at major global companies, including launching new products at Anheuser-Busch InBev, expanding Ferrero’s North American footprint and leading growth initiatives at Pabst Brewing Company. Frédéric Stévenin, chairman of the board at TBG, said: “We are excited to welcome Paul as TBG’s new CEO and look forward to working with him to build the company’s next chapter of growth and value creation". "Paul’s experience driving growth through innovation, adapting to a dynamic consumer landscape and integrating complex operating environments will be impactful at TBG. We want to thank Glen for his leadership during TBG’s transition as a standalone company.” Chibe added: “Joining TBG is an incredible opportunity to lead a portfolio of some of the most beloved brands in the beverage industry.“ "It’s that brand equity coupled with a commitment to quality, and talented team that provide a strong foundation for growth. I look forward to working together to accelerate innovation and capture new opportunities across the evolving beverage landscape.” Top image: ©Tropicana Brands Group and its licensors

Worldline and Deliverect have expanded their partnership to deploy smart self-ordering kiosks across hospitality businesses in the UK. The collaboration integrates Worldline’s SoftPOS (Tap on Mobile) payment solution with Deliverect’s all-in-one kiosk system, recently strengthened by Deliverect’s recent acquisition of Tabesto . The system enables restaurants and quick-service outlets to manage orders and payments from a single device. Already active in more than 12 European countries, the kiosk solution is now being introduced to British operators with multiple locations. According to Worldline, the partnership combines secure, scalable payment infrastructure with Deliverect’s ordering technology to improve service speed and reduce queues. The Tap on Mobile system allows businesses to accept contactless card and mobile wallet payments directly on the kiosk without extra hardware. Deliverect said the solution offers UK hospitality businesses a cost-efficient way to modernise operations and improve efficiency through integrated order and payment management. Habib Ansari, UK country head for small and medium business at Worldline, said: “Worldline’s partnership with Deliverect brings together two complementary areas of innovation: smart ordering and flexible payment acceptance. Together, we’re helping UK restaurants, cafés, and quick-service businesses improve efficiency, accelerate service, and deliver the kind of seamless experience today’s customers expect.” Pierre Nonnenmacher, strategic programme manager at Deliverect, added: “At Deliverect, we are proud to partner with Worldline to expand our exclusive all-in-one kiosk solution across the UK. With Worldline’s Tap on Mobile technology, we are accelerating order taking and payment, helping restaurants serve customers faster, operate more efficiently, and ultimately drive more value for their business.”

Functional beverage brand Trip has reached a $300 million valuation after securing $40 million in new funding from a roster of celebrity investors and growth-stage capital partners. The round was led by Coefficient Capital and included high-profile backers, including celebrities like Joe Jonas, Alessandra Ambrosio, Paul Wesley and Ashley Graham. Trip positions itself at the intersection of better-for-you and alcohol-alternative trends. Its drinks, infused with adaptogens and botanicals, offer functional benefits aimed at relaxation and stress relief without compromising on flavour or sophistication. With products on shelves in 10,000 US retail locations and 50,000 locations globally, Trip is now one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the States, according to data from Spins. The company expects to generate $100 million in revenue in 2025, and to double that figure by 2026. The brand’s collaboration with meditation and sleep app Calm underscores its commitment to accessible mindfulness. Calm offers a free membership with every can sold, integrating physical and digital wellness experiences. “We created Trip to make daily calm accessible to everyone, everywhere,” said co-founder Olivia Ferdi. “On a mission to create a billion moments of calm, Trip's community is at the heart of the brand, driving growth and guiding its innovation.” This valuation underscores an evolving beverage sector marked by a rise in functional ingredients and 'better-for-you' formulations, with mental and physical wellbeing moving higher among consumers' priorities.