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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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
Banagua banana water can photographed by Tom Bell Photography.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic doesn't need an excuse to pile on points, so when Chicago guard Matas Buzelis started jawing with him Thursday night, it became the fuel for his first 50-point game with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Doncic turned what he called unprovoked trash talk from Buzelis into 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in the Lakers’ 142-130 victory.
“It always feels special,” Doncic said after his eighth career 50-point game. “I obviously haven’t had a 50-point game in a year, so it was very special. I mean, in the second quarter, I kind of felt it. You know, somebody started talking to me, so that woke me up.”
Doncic would not disclose what was said by Buzelis, a second-year forward, because, “I would say that I would definitely get a tech.”
Buzelis was asked if learned any lessons from his exchange with Doncic.
“Probably not to talk to him,” Buzelis said.
It wasn’t like Doncic needed any extra inspiration, either. The NBA scoring leader got off to a strong start with 12 points in the first quarter and had another 12 in the second by making 5 of 6 shots from the field once Buzelis decided to get garrulous.
Doncic ripped off 17 points in the third quarter before notching 10 points on just four field goal attempts in the fourth. He finished 17 of 31 from the field, going 9 of 14 from 3, and 8 for 9 on free throws.
Lakers coach JJ Redick described Doncic’s ability to direct the unsporting words or deeds of opponents into his own game as a “unique trait.
“It’s not just the fact that he response to a rough play or trash talking, it’s that he can channel it, and he can channel it while still doing all the other things that needs to be done,” Redick said. “That’s obviously reflective of, you know, his defensive rebounding, his assists, his steals. Again, another game where he gets a high assist number with low turnovers.”
Buzelis picked an especially bad time to challenge Doncic, who had averaged 39.5 points per game during the Lakers’ previous three wins with LeBron James out because of right hip contusion and arthritis in his left foot. That included Doncic scoring 44 points against Indiana on Friday.
Doncic has 13 40-point games in 82 regular-season appearances for Los Angeles, moving into ninth in franchise history. Eleven of those have come this season.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) goes to the basket against Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) and Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) goes to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) goes to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots against Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
