The Weekly Sip: NFL star Patrick Mahomes ventures into ready-to-drink iced coffee | Diageo immerses itself in Smirnoff tea.

In "The Weekly Sip," NFL player Patrick Mahomes introduces a line of ready-to-drink iced coffee. Meanwhile, Diageo delves into the world of tea with a new Smirnoff tea product. These developments mark notable entries into the beverage market, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and market trends.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, known for his football prowess, is venturing into the beverage industry by co-launching Throne Sport Coffee with Michael Fedele. The brand introduces ready-to-drink iced coffee infused with functional ingredients like B vitamins and electrolytes, targeting health-conscious consumers seeking lower sugar options.

Michael Fedele, with over 15 years in the beverage industry and previous roles at BodyArmor, highlights the enduring popularity of coffee among health-conscious adults and athletes for its energizing properties. He notes the market's abundance of high-calorie, sugary RTD coffees lacking additional functional benefits beyond caffeine. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes, the brand's lead investor, collaborated on the beverage's development and is actively promoting it to retailers.

"We've strived to craft the ideal product for busy individuals seeking a natural energy boost with extra perks, and I'm thrilled to be involved from the outset of this brand's journey," expressed Mahomes. Throne Sport Coffee introduces four flavors: Mocha Java, Salted Caramel, French Vanilla, and Black.

Household names like Starbucks and Dunkin', alongside nationally recognized coffee makers such as La Colombe and Blue Bottle, currently dominate the ready-to-drink coffee market. Joining this competitive landscape, actor Robert Downey Jr.'s brand Happy introduced its own line of canned coffee products in March, featuring four varieties.

Source: Fooddive