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.

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.

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.

Los Angeles-based Califia Farms debuted shelf-stable Nitro draft lattes with "oatmilk" in a can.

When it comes to some key nondairy beverage categories, the spin of the wheel has been kinder to some categories than others. The odds have been in ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee and tea's favor, while juice seemingly is facing a gaffed wheel.

Forest Coffee, Denver, said it developed three new cold-brew coffee flavors along with a new CBD- (cannabidiol) infused offering.