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Noteworthy Launches: Pibb Flavors. KDP Innovation. Ghost Yoo-Hoo. Starbucks Innovation. Spindrift Tea. Alani Nu. Update. Sparkling Ice. Hint. Bubly. Electrolit. Caliwater. Ryl Tea. Death Wish Coffee

March 5, 2026

Coca-Cola has released two new flavors of Mr. Pibb following a limited relaunch with a new formula and visual identity last year to make way expansion this year. The two new flavors are Mr. Pibb Punchin' Peach and Thrillin' Vanilla. Both are available in 12-oz cans and 20-oz PET bottles. The drinks will...


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Former Bud Light Marketer Seeks Phoenix Moment With PHX Hydration Energy: Q&A

Can Beer Playbook Used By Bang, Celsius Work Again in Competitive Category?
March 5, 2026

Daniel Blake knows a little something about rising again. Three years ago, he took a leave of absence from Anheuser-Busch InBev after the conservative backlash against a Bud Light brand partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Blake oversaw the marketer primarily responsible for the campaign. Many Bud Light distributors were angered as well as they lost almost a third of their sales during the controversy, after consumers boycotted the beer. Blake and his subordinate eventually left the company. Today, Blake is eight months into the US launch of his energy drink brand, PHX Hydration Energy. "I believe things happen for a reason," he said of the end of his Anheuser-Busch career. "And it's not the event itself that defines you — it's your response." Blake is founder and GM of One 11 Brands, which markets PHX (pronounced Phoenix). Following a three-market roll-out last year, PHX is expanding to 14 states this quarter. Blake has enlisted Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy, a media personality and influencer known for pushing back against political correctness. Blake entered a US energy drink market dominated by three powerful competitors — Monster Beverage, Red Bull, and Celsius Holdings. Even more daunting, PHX is one of many challengers looking to carve out space in a crowded but growing category. US energy drink volume grew almost +10% at retail last year as dollar sales jumped +12%, as shown in the Green Sheet with this story. What Blake has going for him is distribution within the very Budweiser beer network that was at the center of his exit from AB InBev. Bud distributors have a track record of helping to build fast-growing energy drink brands such as Monster, Celsius, Alani Nu, Bang, and Ghost that would eventually leave for distribution partnerships or transactions with Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper. Those beer networks are now eager to replace the lost brands. In a recent interview — which has been condensed and edited for clarity — BD's Duane Stanford started by asking Blake how he plans to differentiate PHX?


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Opening Thoughts: From PMS to Skin care, Niche Brands Focus on Women

February 17, 2026

Liquid Youth, a brand highlighted in today's Noteworthy Launches, is part of a spate of health and wellness beverages seemingly—or explicitly—aimed at women. The collagen water is “designed to nourish your skin, hair, nails, and joints, empowering your beauty from the inside out." The drink, packed in...


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Noteworthy Launches: Beyond Meat. Prime. Nobull. Recover 180. Alani Nu. Celsius. Red Bull. Rockstar. Lucky Energy. Mountain Dew Baja

February 4, 2026

The protein push continues. Beyond Meat has launched a drink called Beyond Immerse with 20g or 10g of protein, 7g of fiber, and electrolytes. The drink is packed in 12-oz sleek cans. Calories are 60 for the 10g version and 100 for the 20g version. Flavors are Peach Mango, Lemon Lime, and Orange Tangerine. The drinks are available for a limited time at the company’s


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Opening Thoughts: Drive-Thru-Only Coffee and Coke's Costa Dilemma

February 4, 2026

During a recent trip to see family in Louisville, Kentucky, I saw firsthand the rapid rise of drive-thru-only coffee shops.

Cruising around the suburb where I spent many summers as a kid, I ran across a 7 Brew and a Scooter's within a half-mile of each other.

Since my last visit several years ago, 7 Brew has opened at least 10 locations and Scooter's at least eight in Louisville. Yet another fast-growing drive-thru chain, Dutch Bros, started moving into the city just last year.

This is a familiar suburban trend across...


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