This interview is brought to you by Monster Energy.
With the energy category continuing to explode, how is Monster staying ahead of the competition and new entrants?
The energy drink category has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by product functionality and lifestyle positioning, diverse offerings that appeal to an increasingly broad and loyal base, and affordable value offerings in addition to premium offerings. Monster Energy Company (MEC) has been at the forefront of the category’s emergence and we remain focused on working with our retail partners to expand awareness and penetration and to drive profitable growth.
Innovation is a key driver of Monster’s growth. What is the brand doing differently to keep and gain new consumers in convenience stores?
Convenience stores remain a vital channel for Monster, and we are committed to driving traffic, increasing basket size and supporting retailers with a diverse portfolio that resonates with today’s evolving consumer base. MEC incorporates category insights to identify emerging trends, such as the increasing popularity of zero sugar and functional offerings. Monster’s Ultra family meets many of these evolving needs and is outperforming the category through a combination of legacy offerings and new innovations.
What is the secret to Monster’s connection with consumers, and how does the brand continue to attract new fans to the category?
Since its launch in 2001, Monster has built an identity deeply rooted in culture, lifestyle and passion points. From extreme sports and motorsports to music and UFC, the brand has authentically aligned itself with the communities that inspire its consumers. The iconic “M-claw” has become a global symbol—it is tattooed on fans, featured on apparel and is instantly recognizable across markets. This cultural relevance, combined with bold marketing, great taste and consistent brand authenticity, deepens loyalty with its existing customer base while also attracting new consumers.
Continue reading “Ahead of the Curve” in the October 2025 issue of NACS Magazine.