The latest food and beverage industry news and trend analysis

The update highlights a significant focus on beverage innovation through the introduction of Ube and Matcha variants, alongside a strategic expansion of its "on-the-go" tea services and retail instant coffee footprint.

BrewDog, once the standard-bearer for the global craft beer movement, has suspended operations across its entire bar network today, March 2, 2026. The move comes as an announcement regarding the sale of the business is expected early this week, following a protracted period of financial restructuring and operational shifts.

The launches signal a strategic effort by Lifeway to leverage its core competency in fermentation and probiotic cultures into adjacent, high-growth categories, specifically the lucrative sports nutrition beverage sector and the premium culinary dairy aisle.

The launch capitalises on significant momentum for the brand. Following a modernised packaging update and its multi-million-pound ‘No Taste Like Home’ campaign in 2025, Ribena reported above-category growth, with value up 8% and volume up 3%.

The launch coincides with the company's continued push of Humm Nitro, a nitrogen-infused kombucha designed to offer a differentiated textural experience within the gut-health category.

The new trio spans across Dutch Bros' core beverage platforms, including its proprietary Rebel™ energy drinks, lemonades, and coffee lines, allowing the brand to capture various dayparts and consumer preferences.

The launch comes as food brands face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable, premium packaging that aligns with consumer preferences for material transparency and circularity.

The company is officially launching ChlorOxygen® Lemonade Powder, translating its legacy liquid botanical formulation into a modern, on-the-go stick pack.