The Functional Beverage Boom: From Start-Ups to Soda Giants

The Functional Beverage Boom: From Start-Ups to Soda Giants

How Poppi’s viral rise and PepsiCo’s push into prebiotic colas signal a new era where wellness, flavor, and functionality converge in every can The beverage industry has always been quick to evolve with consumer tastes, but few shifts have felt as pronounced—or as...
Coke’s Cane Sugar Conundrum: Health Trends vs. Economic Reality

Coke’s Cane Sugar Conundrum: Health Trends vs. Economic Reality

A potential shift from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar could satisfy wellness-focused consumers—but at a billion-dollar price tag. Few products are as iconic—or as scrutinized—as Coca-Cola. For decades, its familiar formula has been the subject of debates...
Riding the Dirty Soda Wave: A Profitable Pour for Operators

Riding the Dirty Soda Wave: A Profitable Pour for Operators

At a time when every menu item must pull its weight, beverage innovation has become a powerful lever for increasing check averages and boosting customer engagement. One rising star? The “dirty soda.” According to Megan Tallman, vice president of Coca‑Cola Freestyle...
McDonald’s Cool Strategy: Brewing Growth Through Beverages

McDonald’s Cool Strategy: Brewing Growth Through Beverages

As McDonald’s and other fast-food chains wrestle with rising costs, shifting consumer tastes, and sagging foot traffic, they’re turning their attention to an often-overlooked profit engine: revenue growth through beverages. Barron’s recently detailed the...