The global non-alcoholic beverages market continues to boom.
Driven largely by shifting consumer preferences for healthier drinks and non-alc options in favor of wellness, the category of carbonated soft drinks, ready-to-drink coffees and teas, bottled waters, fruit beverages, and others (think sports drinks and functional drinks), is projected to experience significant growth from 2023 to 2030. The global market is set to soar past $1,879.91 billion by 2030.
While prominent players in the market include PepsiCo, The Coca-Cola Company, Nestlé, Danone, and others, newcomers like Poppi, Liquid Death, and Spindrift are redefining the modern beverage.
At the heart of today’s high growth beverage brands is the unwavering spirit of entrepreneurship. Driven by a deep love for crafting unique beverages and an unquenchable thirst for innovation, these enterprising individuals have built some of the most impressive names in the business that are shaping the future of the industry.
Read on to discover some impactful leaders at these popular beverage brands:
James Freeman | Founder and CEO of Blue Bottle Coffee
James Freeman founded Blue Bottle Coffee, a specialty coffee company that focuses on sourcing and roasting high-quality beans, in 2002. At the time, he was a struggling classical musician roasting his own fresh beans as a hobby. His emphasis on craftsmanship and direct trade has contributed to the rise of the specialty coffee movement. In 2017, Swiss food giant Nestlé bought a majority stake in Freeman’s company and Blue Bottle Coffee is now widely available around the world.
“I wanted to do something different,” Freeman told CNBC. “And I was advised by many people with many opinions that those differences were going to make me unsuccessful, where actually people were quite attracted to those differences —differences in making coffee one cup at a time, the difference of not roasting things super dark, the difference of having each milk drink steamed to order.”
Ken Uptain | Founder of Essentia Water
Ken Uptain founded Essentia Water in 1998. The bottled water’s unique ionization process enhances the water’s purity and makes it supercharged with electrolytes — a groundbreaking technology that elevates Essentia Water to a pH level of 9.5, making it one of the most alkaline waters available on the market. The enhanced pH level is believed to help the body maintain a balanced internal environment, supporting overall well-being.
Uptain’s vision for Essentia Water was driven by his desire to offer consumers a genuinely healthy and revitalizing hydration choice. As a result, Essentia Water quickly gained a dedicated following among health-conscious individuals, athletes, and wellness enthusiasts. Under Uptain’s leadership, Essentia Water has revolutionized the beverage industry by prioritizing health and environmental sustainability. The brand’s commitment to BPA-free bottles and responsible sourcing reflects Uptain’s dedication to not only delivering a premium product but also to minimize the ecological impact.
Kara Goldin | Founder and CEO of Hint
Kara Goldin founded Hint, a beverage company that offers unsweetened flavored water, in 2005 in San Francisco. She created a product that caters to consumers seeking healthier alternatives to sugary drinks and has successfully expanded the brand into various product lines. Hint Fizz, a carbonated beverage line, launched in 2011, and in 2017, Hint began to market sunscreen. Goldin was inspired to share her entrepreneurial journey with the world and created the Kara Network as a resource for fellow entrepreneurs to connect and share their stories.
David Lester | Founder and CEO of Olipop
Former Diageo executive David Lester co-founded Olipop, a company that produces low-sugar, prebiotic sparkling tonics, in 2017. He has combined his passion for gut health and flavor innovation to create a unique line of functional beverages. Olipop became the fastest-growing refrigerated beverage in the country and is on a mission to prove that soda can change the world’s digestive health.
Jordan Bass | CEO of HOP WTR
A trailblazer in the beverage industry, Jordan Bass has set a new standard for innovation and healthy living. Through HOP WTR, he has reimagined what sparkling water can be, challenging the traditional norms and leaving a lasting impact on the way people approach their beverage choices. HOP WTR is a groundbreaking sparkling water infused with the subtle, natural essence of hops. Crafted to appeal to health-conscious consumers, the drink offers a unique and flavorful experience without the need for alcohol or artificial additives. With zero calories and zero sugar, HOP WTR stands as a testament to Jordan’s commitment to providing a healthier choice in the beverage market.
Under Jordan’s leadership, HOP WTR has rapidly gained popularity, capturing the attention of consumers seeking a more refined and mindful drinking experience. His dedication to crafting a product that delivers on taste, quality, and wellness has resonated with a broad audience and earned HOP WTR a loyal following.
Dan Lourenco | CEO and Co-Founder of GHOST
Dan Lourenco is the visionary leader behind GHOST, a dynamic lifestyle brand that has taken the beverage industry by storm. As the CEO and Co-Founder of GHOST, Lourenco has spearheaded a revolution in the realm of sports nutrition and dietary supplements.
GHOST is not your typical fitness brand; it’s a lifestyle movement fueled by passion, creativity, and authenticity. With a focus on crafting high-quality, transparent, and great-tasting supplements, GHOST has garnered a dedicated global following of fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and wellness seekers.
Under Lourenco’s guidance, GHOST has challenged industry norms by bringing innovation and flair to the world of supplements. The brand is renowned for its innovative collaborations with pop culture icons, leading to limited-edition flavors and eye-catching packaging that resonates with today’s trend-conscious consumers.
These leaders have made significant contributions to the beverage industry, offering innovative and quality products that cater to evolving consumer preferences for healthier, functional, and sustainably sourced beverages.
Interested in learning more about hiring Impactful leaders to build your beverage brand? Reach out to Rhonda Taylor via email here to start the conversation.
Rebecca is the Senior Editorial Director at ForceBrands. She’s spent more than a decade on the editorial side of digital media, curating original content and managing social media audiences for impactful brands and businesses. She’s a natural storyteller with a love for connectivity and brand building.