The Breeze With Beverage Digest

Episode 30: Making Sense of State SNAP Soda Bans. How Should Coke, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper Respond?

In today's Episode, Duane Stanford (Beverage Digest Editor & Publisher) and John Sicher (Industry Expert, Consultant) take a data-driven look at how new SNAP restrictions on soda and energy drinks will alter consumer behavior, retailer dynamics, and beverage brand strategy in the coming year. They weigh the policy’s equity questions, the sweetener debate, and the near-term playbook for affordability and channel shifts.• States adopting waivers and their SNAP participation rates• Inclusion of zero sugar and artificial sweeteners in bans• Price inflation impact and equity concerns for low-income households• RBC and Numerator data on cutbacks, switching, and store choice• Channel exposure across grocery, mass, dollar, club, and convenience• The Possible rise of private label and value packs• Affordability tactics: smaller packages and sharper price points• Policy test requirements and uncertain long-term outcomesText us thoughts, questions, or topic suggestions.

Episode 29: State of Play Going Into 2026

Coca-Cola’s leadership change. PepsiCo’s post-activist playbook. KDP’s upcoming strategic re-organization. The commoditization of bottled and sparkling water. MAHA’s regulatory shakeup. Refocusing the consumer on sports drinks. As we start 2026, Duane Stanford and John Sicher dive into the hottest industry inflection points.Text us thoughts, questions, or topic suggestions.

Episode 28: Soft Drink Fountain Food Fight and What it Means for Coke, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper

Beverage Digest Editor & Publisher Duane Stanford and industry expert John Sicher are joined by Tim Harms, CEO of fountain soft drink deal negotiator Enliven, to break down the mystery behind exclusive beverage supply deals at restaurants. How are these deals constructed? How do brand portfolios influence decision making? They also explore what drives consumers in the fountain and food service channel: customization, modern beverages like Poppi, digital ordering, and more.Text us thoughts, questions, or topic suggestions.

Episode 27: Alcohol is in Crisis. RBC's Nik Modi Knows Why

Alcohol is under pressure—from shifting consumption trends and rising health concerns to a loss of marketing relevance. In today's Episode, RBC Capital Markets analyst Nik Modi joins Duane Stanford (Beverage Digest Editor & Publisher) and John Sicher (Industry Expert, Consultant) to unpack the causes behind the persistent sales decline across beer, wine, and spirits. Are the problems cyclical (the economy) or structural (people are simply drinking less)? What lessons can alcohol brands learn from soda’s decline and reckoning? What does this mean for companies like Coke and PepsiCo and their bottlers, which are looking for growth in the alcoholic beverage sector. And how will functionality, occasion-based marketing, and cross-category consolidation fit into the future? Modi makes a bold prediction on the latter.Text us thoughts, questions, or topic suggestions.

Episode 26: Serve & Volley - Focused Strategy Plays at Pepsi, Dr Pepper, and Coke

Beverage Digest Editor & Publisher Duane Stanford and industry expert & regular podcast contributor John Sicher discuss the avalanche of news from the past few weeks – from PepsiCo's and Keurig Dr Pepper’s strategic shifts to Coca-Cola's potential sale of Costa Coffee. This episode unpacks the strategies at play that could create new focus within the U.S. beverage industry. Discover how these industry giants are navigating market changes and what it means for the future of beverages.Text us thoughts, questions, or topic suggestions.