Banagua Named “Best New Brand” by Beverage Digest as Momentum Builds for Breakout Banana Water Brand

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NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 14, 2026--

Banagua, a single-ingredient banana water brand, has been named “Best New Brand” by Beverage Digest, marking a standout early run for one of the fastest-emerging brands in the better-for-you beverage category.

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Banagua banana water can photographed by Tom Bell Photography.

Launched less than six months ago, Banagua has quickly captured attention across the beverage industry, earning national retail placements, strong early consumer adoption, and recognition from some of the most influential voices in food and beverage. The brand was also recently selected as a finalist at BevNET Live, placing it among the most closely watched new launches in the category.

Banagua’s rapid rise is being driven by a refreshingly simple idea: hydration made from one real ingredient. Using a proprietary extraction process, the brand unlocks the naturally occurring water found inside bananas, delivering electrolytes like potassium and magnesium with no added sugar, concentrates, or preservatives.

In a category crowded with complex formulations and long ingredient lists, Banagua’s clarity has struck a chord with consumers and retailers alike. The brand is already appearing on shelves across major grocery banners and natural retailers nationwide, with additional expansions planned for spring and summer resets.

“What’s resonating is how easy it is to understand,” said co-founder Rob Smithson. “One ingredient. Great taste. Natural hydration. People don’t need a science degree to decide if it’s right for them.”

Founded in Nashville by Vanderbilt MBA classmates Rob Smithson and Jose Carlos Herrera, Banagua was inspired by the discovery of advanced extraction technology overseas that allows banana water to be produced with minimal waste. The process repurposes remaining fruit material into sustainable applications, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to responsible production from the start.

Backed by a leadership team with deep experience in beverage operations, brand building, and retail execution, Banagua is scaling deliberately while maintaining strong performance at shelf. Industry observers are increasingly pointing to the brand as a potential category-defining alternative to traditional coconut water and enhanced hydration drinks.

As awareness grows and distribution continues to expand, Banagua is focused on disciplined growth, strong retail partnerships, and staying true to the simplicity that sparked its early success.

About Banagua

Banagua is a single-ingredient banana water brand delivering clean, naturally hydrating refreshment. Made from real bananas using a proprietary extraction process, Banagua offers great taste and naturally occurring electrolytes with nothing added and nothing artificial. The brand is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

For more information, visit www.banagua.com

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For media requests, please contact Rob Smithson at [email protected]

KEYWORD: TENNESSEE UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FOOD/BEVERAGE RETAIL

SOURCE: Banagua

Copyright Business Wire 2026.

PUB: 01/14/2026 07:00 AM/DISC: 01/14/2026 07:00 AM

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