The convenience store landscape is about to get a major shake-up. As industry professionals gear up for the 2025 NACS Show in Chicago this October, one company is preparing to make both a “splash and crunch” that could redefine better-for-you options in the convenience retail space. Kayco Beyond is set to unveil an impressive dual debut that addresses two of the hottest trends in food and beverage: premium cold-pressed juices and innovative snacking solutions.
Strategic Launch at Industry’s Premier Event
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. From October 15-17 at McCormick Place, over 20,000 food and beverage industry professionals will converge for the convenience and fuel retailing industry’s most influential event. At Booth #N2617, Kayco Beyond will showcase their expanded portfolio featuring the enhanced Wonder Juice™ line of 100% organic cold-pressed juices alongside the debut of Craize® Snacks: a revolutionary fire-griddled chip-cracker hybrid that’s already generating buzz in the better-for-you snacking category.
This launch represents more than just new product introductions; it’s a strategic move by Kayco Beyond to capture the growing demand for nutritious, convenient, and on-the-go options that don’t compromise on taste or quality. For food and beverage professionals, this debut signals a company that understands the evolving needs of today’s health-conscious consumers.
Wonder Juice™: Redefining Cold-Pressed Excellence
The enhanced Wonder Juice™ line represents everything the modern food and beverage industry is demanding: authenticity, sustainability, and uncompromising quality. Crafted with 100% cold-pressed organic juices, these beverages are Fair-Trade certified and made with non-GMO ingredients: with absolutely no added water or sugar.
“Wonder Juice responds to consumers’ demand for 100% authentic juices with no shortcuts: no added water, no added sugar,” explains Michele Abo, General Manager of Kayco Beyond. “Every blend is carefully crafted to deliver a curiously good experience that is both delicious and nourishing.”
Three Distinct Lines, Eleven Vibrant Varieties
The Wonder Juice collection strategically segments into three unique lines, each targeting specific consumer needs and occasions:
Wonder Beet delivers powerhouse nutrition through four carefully crafted blends: Beet + Cherry, Beet + Berry, Beet + Veggie, and Beet + Lemon + Ginger. As a nutrient-rich superfood, beets provide natural energy and stamina: perfect for the growing market of consumers seeking functional beverages that fuel their active lifestyles.
Wonder Melon focuses on hydration and antioxidant benefits with three refreshing options: Watermelon Cucumber Basil, Watermelon Lemon Cayenne, and Classic Watermelon. These blends support heart and digestive health while delivering the refreshing experience convenience store customers crave.
Wonder Lemon rounds out the collection with a zesty lineup including Lemon Basil Jalapeño, Lemon Ginger, and Lemon Mint. Each blend is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, providing immune and energy support that speaks to today’s health-conscious consumer priorities.
The commitment to sustainability extends to packaging, with Wonder Juice exclusively using 100% recyclable glass bottles: a choice that resonates with environmentally conscious consumers and supports retailers’ sustainability initiatives.
Craize® Snacks: Innovation Meets Tradition
The snacking category has been crying out for innovation that doesn’t sacrifice health for taste, and Craize® Snacks appears to answer that call. This isn’t just another chip or cracker: it’s a completely new category that combines the satisfying crunch of a chip with the versatile, toppable nature of a cracker.
Revolutionary Fire-Griddling Process
What sets Craize apart in the crowded snack market is their proprietary slow, open-fire griddling process. Unlike traditional oily baked, fried, or puffed products, this unique method locks in a snappy, crunchy texture while deepening each crisp’s flavor profile. The result is a modern, versatile cracker that maintains its integrity whether used for dipping, topping, or enjoyed straight from the bag.
“Craize is more than just a cracker: it’s a modern, healthy snack that delivers incredible taste and versatility,” notes Michele Abo. “We are thrilled to support the Craize vision and introduce consumers to a product that’s vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and allergen-friendly, yet never compromises on flavor or crunch.”
Five Signature Flavors for Diverse Palates
The Craize lineup strategically offers both sweet and savory options to capture maximum market appeal:
- Sweet Corn: Lightly sweetened with dark brown sugar, perfect for pairing with jams, nut butters, or guacamole
- Everything: A savory blend of sesame and poppy seeds with garlic and onion for a bagel-inspired experience
- Guava: Fruity and refreshing with authentic guava puree
- Coconut: Infused with dried coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon for a tropical twist
- Jalapeño Lime: Zesty heat balanced by cilantro and lime
Meeting Market Demands for Better-For-You Options
This dual launch comes at a crucial time for the food and beverage industry. Consumer trends continue to shift toward products that offer transparency, health benefits, and authentic experiences. The convenience store channel, traditionally dominated by indulgent options, is increasingly becoming a destination for better-for-you choices.
Both Wonder Juice™ and Craize® Snacks address multiple trending consumer demands:
- Clean label transparency with recognizable, whole ingredients
- Allergen-friendly formulations that don’t exclude key consumer segments
- Functional benefits that go beyond basic nutrition
- Versatile usage occasions that expand consumption opportunities
- Sustainable packaging that aligns with environmental values
For food and beverage professionals, these products represent opportunities to capture growing market segments while differentiating their retail offerings. The convenience factor remains paramount, but today’s consumers expect their convenient choices to align with their health and wellness goals.
Strategic Implications for Retailers and Foodservice
The introduction of these products at NACS signals Kayco Beyond’s serious commitment to the convenience channel. For retailers and foodservice operators, this presents several strategic opportunities:
Merchandising Flexibility: Both product lines offer cross-merchandising opportunities. Wonder Juice™ can anchor healthy beverage sections while Craize® Snacks can bridge traditional chip aisles with specialty health foods.
Margin Opportunities: Premium positioning in better-for-you categories typically supports stronger margins compared to traditional convenience items.
Consumer Education: The unique attributes of both products create opportunities for in-store education and sampling programs that can drive trial and repeat purchases.
Trend Alignment: These launches align with major industry trends including plant-based dining, functional beverages, and clean-label snacking.
Looking Ahead: Innovation in Convenience
Kayco Beyond’s dual debut represents more than new product launches: it signals the evolution of convenience retail toward more sophisticated, health-conscious offerings. As the food and beverage industry continues to prioritize innovation that meets changing consumer expectations, companies like Kayco Beyond are positioning themselves as solution providers rather than just product suppliers.
The success of Wonder Juice™ and Craize® Snacks will likely depend on their ability to deliver on their premium positioning while maintaining the accessibility and convenience that the channel demands. Early indicators suggest strong potential, with both products already gaining traction in their respective categories.
For industry professionals attending NACS 2025, Booth #N2617 should be a priority stop. These launches provide insight into where the convenience channel is heading and how established companies are adapting to meet evolving consumer expectations without sacrificing the core convenience proposition.
The food and beverage industry continues to reward innovation that authentically addresses consumer needs. Kayco Beyond’s strategic approach to launching these complementary product lines suggests they understand this dynamic and are positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for better-for-you convenience options.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
