The Beverage Forum, a leading executive conference in the beverage industry, will return for its 31st year on April 28–29, 2026, at the Westdrift Manhattan Beach in California. The event is expected to convene over 1,300 leaders who are influential in shaping the future of the beverage sector. The forum will focus on industry trends, innovations, and networking opportunities for participants.

Coca-Cola HBC has announced significant progress on its Mission 2025 sustainability commitments, highlighting advancements in its environmental and social impact initiatives. The company has also introduced a new set of sustainability targets designed to further enhance its long-term strategy. These developments reflect Coca-Cola HBC's ongoing dedication to improving its sustainability practices and addressing environmental and social challenges within its operations.

Recent drink launches in the UK include functional soft drinks, kefir, non-alcoholic fizz, tequila ready-to-drink (RTD) options, and traditional mead. These products are designed to meet consumer trends focusing on moderation, wellbeing, and authenticity. Brands are adapting to these demands by introducing a variety of beverages that cater to consumers seeking healthier and more authentic drinking experiences, reflecting evolving market preferences.

Main Squeeze Juice Co. has introduced Not So Dirty Soda, a healthier version of traditional soda. This beverage combines Poppi prebiotic soda with dairy-free cold foam, light vanilla, and agave, creating a creamy and fizzy drink. The launch aligns with the growing trend of better-for-you beverages, appealing to consumers seeking healthier options without sacrificing flavor. The product aims to enhance the soda-shop experience.

Olam Food Ingredients (ofi), a prominent global supplier of food and beverage ingredients and solutions, has inaugurated its new East Coast Distribution Center in South Jersey. This facility aims to enhance the company's distribution capabilities across the region, supporting its commitment to providing high-quality ingredients and solutions to the food and beverage industry. The opening marks a significant expansion for ofi in the United States market.

Noot has launched its functional ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages at Sprouts nationwide. The brand focuses on non-alcoholic cocktails, providing ready-to-drink options that replicate classic cocktails. This initiative aims to cater to consumers seeking convenient, alcohol-free alternatives while maintaining the flavors they enjoy. The introduction of these beverages aligns with Noot's growth strategy in the non-alcoholic beverage market.

A new beverage trend is emerging from Grand Rapids, capturing attention in the beverage aisle. This local product, characterized by its unique tiny bubbles, is gaining popularity and is considered a breakout hit. The innovation reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards novel beverage options, highlighting the potential for local brands to disrupt traditional markets and attract a diverse customer base.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser introduced legislation permitting the medical cannabis sector to collaborate with local breweries and distilleries to produce cannabis-infused beverages. This proposal aims to foster economic growth in Washington, D.C., by enabling alcohol-free breweries to create these products. The initiative seeks to enhance the local beverage market and provide new business opportunities within the cannabis and brewing industries.

Conflicts in the Middle East are causing significant increases in production costs for various sectors, including agriculture. These geopolitical tensions disrupt supply chains and lead to higher prices for essential inputs. As a result, citrus producers are facing challenges in maintaining profitability. The situation underscores the interconnectedness of global markets and the impact of regional conflicts on agricultural production and pricing dynamics.

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) spearheaded a letter from the Florida delegation to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), advocating for a prompt, science-based evaluation of new citrus rootstock technologies to address citrus greening (HLB). The Florida citrus industry has experienced significant declines due to HLB, exacerbated by recent hurricanes and freeze damage, prompting the need for urgent action to support this vital agricultural sector.

Want to dive deeper in citrus? Coming in 2026: citrodex.com

Bluegrass Ingredients offers a portfolio of versatile juice powders designed to enhance citrus flavor in various products. These powders provide an improved mouthfeel and a richer citrus profile, helping products differentiate themselves in competitive markets and support premium positioning. The consistent flavor delivery ensures that each brand's signature taste remains reliable across batches, guaranteeing dependable citrus flavor in all applications.

The blueberry processing industry produces nutrient-rich pomace, which presents environmental disposal challenges and results in the loss of valuable nutrients. Research indicates that fermenting blueberry pomace juice with high-γ-aminobutyric acid-producing lactic acid bacteria can enhance its quality. This process not only improves the nutritional profile of the juice but also offers a sustainable approach to utilizing byproducts from blueberry processing.

This study examined the use of robotic mapping to assess soil volumetric water content in micro-irrigated citrus orchards in California, utilizing geospatial soil apparent electrical conductivity. The research highlights the importance of soil moisture for effective irrigation management and its significance in understanding hydrological and agronomic processes. The findings contribute to advancements in precision agriculture practices aimed at optimizing water use in citrus production.

In a quasi-experimental study, Pasquale Rummo and colleagues examined the relationship between sugary drink taxes and the calories purchased from beverages per transaction across five jurisdictions. The study was conducted in the drive-through settings of 7,341 Taco Bell restaurants in the USA. The findings aim to provide insights into how taxation on sugary drinks impacts consumer purchasing behavior in fast food environments.