East Forged, a Brisbane company founded in 2020 by Kym Cooper and Tania Stacey, has won the “Best Drink Innovation” award at the 2026 World Food Innovation Awards in London, beating out more than 100 entries from 28 countries — including giants like The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo.
The brand makes nitrogen-infused cold-brew tea drinks with no added sugar or other additives, and judges praised the way the company reimagined how tea is made and consumed, achieving a smooth, textured drink through a process completely different from classic brewing methods. Co-founder Tania Stacey said: “We didn’t think we’d win against the big guys.”
The company, which has already shipped over 500,000 cans and is stocked in more than 200 locations across Australia, saw production grow 140% year-on-year and is now expanding into Southeast Asia. It’s a clear example of how tea innovation can compete head-to-head with major soft drink brands.
Source: SmartCompany