In May 2024, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes teamed up with beverage industry veteran Michael Fedele to launch Throne Sport Coffee, a ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage designed for active individuals seeking a healthier caffeine alternative. This partnership combines Mahomes' commitment to peak performance with Fedele's extensive experience in the beverage sector. A Fusion of Athleticism and Industry Expertise Michael Fedele, known for his roles at Coca-Cola and as Vice President of Marketing for BodyArmor, recognized a market gap for a functional coffee beverage tailored to active lifestyles. Observing the prevalence of coffee consumption among athletes, Fedele envisioned a product that not only provided natural caffeine but also included additional health benefits. Mahomes, an avid coffee drinker himself, was immediately intrigued by the concept. Their collaboration led to the development of Throne Sport Coffee, aiming to offer a beverage that aligns with the nutritional needs of both professional athletes and health-conscious consumers. Innovative Coffee PLUS+ Formula Throne Sport Coffee distinguishes itself with its proprietary Coffee PLUS+ formula. Each 11-ounce can delivers 150mg of natural caffeine sourced from premium Arabica beans, complemented by 100% of the daily value of B vitamins, electrolytes like potassium and sodium, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine. This combination is designed to enhance energy, support metabolism, aid hydration, and promote muscle recovery. The beverage is available in flavors like Mocha Java, French Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Black, and the recently introduced Mint Mocha. Notably, the drinks are low in calories and sugar, catering to those mindful of their dietary intake. Market Reception and Expansion Plans Since its launch, Throne Sport Coffee has gained traction among consumers seeking functional beverages. The brand's association with Mahomes has undoubtedly amplified its visibility, especially during high-profile events like the Super Bowl. Initially available through select retailers and online platforms such as Amazon, the company has plans to expand its distribution network in 2025, aiming to reach a broader audience. The introduction of new flavors and strategic marketing efforts underscore Throne's commitment to innovation and meeting consumer demands.

Olipop, the prebiotic soda brand, has secured a $50 million Series C funding round, pushing its valuation to $1.85 billion. The funding round was led by Monogram Capital Partners, with participation from celebrity investors such as Camila Cabello, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Nick Jonas. A Rapid Rise in the Functional Beverage Market Founded in 2018 by Ben Goodwin and David Lester, Olipop has rapidly gained traction in the health-conscious beverage space. Its sodas, which contain prebiotic fibers to promote gut health, have resonated with consumers looking for alternatives to traditional soft drinks. The brand is now stocked in over 50,000 stores across the U.S. and reported profitability in early 2025. Olipop has seen strong investor interest in previous rounds as well. In 2021, the company raised $10 million in a Series A funding round, followed by a $30 million Series B in 2022, which included investors like Gwyneth Paltrow and the founders of RXBAR. The Big Players Are Watching Olipop’s rapid rise hasn’t gone unnoticed by major beverage companies. Coca-Cola, for instance, recently introduced its own prebiotic soda line, Simply Pop, signaling its intent to compete in the growing functional beverage category. While Coca-Cola hasn’t directly commented on Olipop’s latest funding round, industry experts believe the beverage giant is closely monitoring the brand’s trajectory. With Olipop proving that consumers are willing to pay a premium for health-focused sodas, the question remains: Will the major soft drink brands continue to innovate in the prebiotic space, or will they eventually seek to acquire brands like Olipop?

I used to work with coffee beans. The market had many big coffee brands everywhere. We were a small coffee roasting company in Poland. We had our own coffee brand, but mostly we made coffee for small shops and vending machines under their names. We wanted to sell in big supermarkets. I knew it wouldn't be easy or quick to get deals with them, but I worked hard at it. After trying for 9 months, I succeeded - I got contracts with two big Polish stores: Biedronka and Dino. Sometimes I heard that the bosses didn't want to change anything and kept the status quo. What are yours main obstacles to reach a good clients? How do you manage with that?

PRIME Hydration is a relatively recent success story in the beverage industry, and its rise has been nothing short of impressive. It was created by YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI, two of the most recognizable influencers in the world, who decided to dive into the competitive hydration drink market. Here's a breakdown of how PRIME Hydration came to be: The Birth of PRIME Hydration Logan Paul and KSI, who were already famous for their YouTube content and boxing rivalry, saw an opportunity to create a product that not only aligned with their massive online followings but also competed with established brands like Gatorade and Powerade in the sports drink space. In early 2022, they launched PRIME Hydration with the goal of providing a healthier and more affordable alternative to traditional sports drinks. Key Factors Behind PRIME's Success: 1. Celebrity Influence: Both Logan Paul and KSI are extremely influential, with millions of followers across multiple social media platforms. Their fanbase, primarily composed of younger audiences, helped generate massive buzz around the launch of PRIME Hydration. 2. Social Media Marketing: Instead of relying on traditional advertising methods, the duo used their own social media channels to market the product. Their fans were highly engaged, leading to viral promotion even before the product hit the shelves. 3. Focus on Health and Performance: PRIME Hydration was positioned as a product that delivers hydration with no sugar, using coconut water and other natural ingredients. This appeal to health-conscious consumers, particularly those in the fitness and sports communities, gave it a competitive edge. 4. Wide Distribution Partnerships: Although Logan Paul and KSI do not own manufacturing facilities, they managed to secure a partnership with established manufacturers who could produce the drink at scale. PRIME Hydration quickly secured shelf space in major retailers, including Walmart and Target in the United States, and was also available in the UK and other countries. 5. Leveraging Existing Brand Power: They cleverly capitalized on the existing fanbase from their online platforms and used their star power to grow the brand. Their collaboration with top-tier influencers and athletes helped spread awareness across various demographics.