7 Eye-Catching New Beverages at the NECSEMA 2023 Trade Show

The regional trade show presented by the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association (NECSEMA) drew an intriguing list of both national and local vendors intent on introducing their wares to convenience retailers. The NECSEMA 2023 Expo was held at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, March 21-22. Here’s a look at new beverages that stood out …

In addition to sampling its own lines of still and sparking bottled waters, Polar Beverages provided a taste of several partner brands it carries on its trucks in the region. Among them was C4, now one of Keurig Dr Pepper’s Allied Brands but part of Polar’s distribution portfolio in the region. Most significant was C4’s repackaging of its Smart Energy line to 12-ounce cans from 16-ounce. Smart Energy is formulated to enhance mental focus, according to the manufacturer. The sparking energy drinks are available in six flavors: Strawberry Guava, Cherry Berry Lime, Peach Mango, Blood Orange Yuzu, Tropical Passionfruit and Watermelon Burst.

Also available through Polar, prebiotic soda Poppi is targeting convenience stores for the first time. Made with apple cider vinegar, the drinks are sold with the promise of gut health. Available in 12-ounce cans in eight flavors: Classic Cola, Root Beer, Doc Pop, Orange, Strawberry Lemon, Ginder Lime, Raspberry Rose and Watermelon.

Monster Beverages featured its two newest line extensions: Monster Energy Zero Sugar and Monster Energy Ultra Strawberry Dreams. Both feature zero sugar, 10 calories and the name brand’s energy formula. Both available in 16-ounce cans, Zero Sugar contains 160 milligrams of caffeine and Strawberry Dreams 150 milligrams.

Monster’s nonalcohol incubator division, Monarchy, introduced two new drinks. Monster Tour Water is available in still and sparkling varieties, and no caffeine. Both are packaged in 19.2-ounce cans. Revitalyte is a hydration drink available in three flavors: Berry Frost, Strawberry Breeze and Lemon Lime Chill. Revitalyte is made in partnership with Barstool Sports.

In alcohol drinks, White Claw featured its just-released Vodka + Soda ready-to-drink cocktails. Packaged in 12-ounce slim cans, the drinks are available in for flavors: Watermelon, Wild Cherry, Pineapple and Peach.

PepsiCo highlighted its new lemon-lime drink, Starry, in regular and zero-sugar formulas, as well as its two newest additions to its Gatorlyte Zero line: Lemon Lime and Strawberry Kiwi.

Keurig Dr Pepper made a splash, unveiling new additions to its Sunkist soda line and Core Hydration+ bottled water. In the Sunkist line, Watermelon Lemonade joins Berry Lemonade, Mango Orange and Strawberry Lemonade. And three functional, flavored varieties join the Core water lineup: Immunity Lemon Extract, Calm Cucumber Essence and Vibrance Pink Grapefruit Extract. Each is available in the familiar-shaped 23.9-ounce plastic bottle.