PepsiCo, which acquired prebiotic soda brand Poppi for $1.95 billion in early 2025, has launched Poppi in the UK, “marking the brand’s first international expansion following its success in the U.S.,” according to a press release.

Poppi will launch in the UK on March 5 and will be available in select Tesco stores and Pret A Manger locations nationwide, before rolling out more widely later in the year.

“We’re proud to bring Poppi’s vibrant, feel-good approach to the UK. British consumers are increasingly looking for drinks that are balanced, modern and genuinely enjoyable every day. With bold fruity flavors, eye-catching design, Poppi delivers full-flavor fizz made with ingredients that the consumer will absolutely love,” said Natalia Fillipociants, general manager Europe international beverages, PepsiCo.

Over at Anheuser-Busch, the company recently completed the acquisition of a majority stake in BeatBox. At the time of the acquisition announcement in late 2025, Anheuser-Busch said it was acquiring 85% of BeatBox for a purchase price of up to approximately $490 million, with a path to 100% ownership after five years. 

Anheuser-Busch said BeatBox was the No. 5fastest-growing brand by dollar sales in the U.S. hard beverage industry in 2025.

Alani Nu is launching Lime Slush, a spring LTO that is “citrus forward… offering a refreshing take on the nostalgic lime slushie,” Alani Nu said in a press release sent to NACS.

Alani Nu Lime Slush will roll out nationally starting this month for a limited time across retailers in mass, grocery, convenience and specialty channels. Each 12 oz can of Alani Nu Lime Slush contains 200 mg of caffeine, zero sugar, B vitamins and 10 calories.

New York-based Stewart’s Shops is getting in the spirit for Saint Patrick’s Day with its limited-edition Shenanigan Shake Mint Dairy Refresher. The retailer describes it as a “cool, minty dairy shake.” Stewart’s is also offering the option for the LTO drink to be added to its coffee bar options, with Shenanigan Style iced coffee and cold brew.

So, what’s next for the category? NACS will share key industry metrics behind packaged beverages overall when Andrew Baill, senior category manager — fresh beverages at Wawa Inc., delivers the latest inside merchandise and foodservice benchmarks at the NACS State of the Industry Summit in April.