The ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee and tea segment is decidedly no longer a niche market within the United States. The segment racked up retail sales of almost $7 billion during the 52 weeks ending Aug. 9, 2020, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI.

The retail ready-to-drink (RTD) tea and coffee category found itself in a good news/bad news situation over the past year.

La-Di-Da, a brand of New York-based Lala Brews LLC., said it debuted the world's first ready-to-drink "oatmilk" latte infused with full-spectrum hemp extract.

Denver-based Teakoe Tea Supply Co. said it added Teakoe Fizzy black tea to its line of sustainably sourced, whole-leaf, fresh-brewed ready-to-drink Teakoe teas.

Humblemaker Coffee Co., Seal Beach, Calif., said it released a line of premium functional cold-brew shots under its Humblemaker Coffee Co. of California brand.

New York-based Illycaffè introduced Illy cold brew: a ready-to-drink canned cold-brew coffee made with Illy's iconic blend of 100% Arabica beans, perfected over 85 years.

Silk, a Broomfield, Colo.-based brand of Danone North America, debuted ready-to-drink dairy-free lattes.

Three or four decades ago, consumers had few choices when it came to ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. The available assortment consisted mainly of milk, soft drinks, juice/fruit drinks and alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer.

Ascent Protein, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leprino Foods, Denver, said it launched Recovery Water, a water-based beverage that pairs high-quality protein with electrolytes to help athletes optimally recover post-workout.

The future looks bright for dairy processors that also produce ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee and/or tea. Such products mesh well with current consumer demand for beverages that go beyond simple hydration.