Ready® Earns Spot on Bain & Company's 2026 Insurgent Brands List Again

Ready® Secures Spot on Bain & Company's 2026 Insurgent Brands List for the Second Year

The premium, protein-focused snack and beverage company, Ready®, has made a notable impression by once again being included in Bain & Company’s prestigious 2026 Insurgent Brands list. This accolade is awarded to independent brands that showcase extraordinary growth and redefine their categories in the dynamic fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

A Milestone for Ready®

Being recognized among only 113 brands this year, Ready® continues to solidify its status as a market leader. The company is celebrated not just for its remarkable revenue exceeding $35 million annually but also for its impressive growth rate—over 10 times faster than the average growth within its category over the past five years. This back-to-back recognition underscores the brand's ongoing success and expanding presence, currently boasting over 45,000 retail outlets nationwide.

Pat Cavanaugh, the Founder and CEO of Ready®, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, "We are honored to receive this recognition from Bain & Company for the second year in a row. Being named an Insurgent Brand is meaningful, given the criteria required, and underscores our brand's ability to resonate in an authentic way with better-for-you, active lifestyle consumers over an extended period of time."

The Insurgent Brand Criteria

Bain & Company has stringent criteria to define insurgent brands, which include generating more than $35 million in annual revenue from tracked channels of Nielsen IQ, experiencing growth more than 10 times their category’s average in the past five years, and maintaining positive growth over the previous two years. Brands must also be independent or acquired by a larger consumer packaged goods company within the last two years to qualify.

Charlotte Apps, Executive Vice President of Bain's Consumer Products practice, highlighted the ongoing incredible performance of insurgent brands: "We've now seen a decade of sustained momentum from insurgent brands driving exceptional growth and disruptive innovation in the consumer products sector, and this year is no exception. Looking ahead, we expect insurgents will continue to outgrow the market as health and wellness trends, retail dynamics, and technology further disrupt the industry."

Ready®'s Position in the Market

As consumer preferences shift toward functional and performance-focused nutrition, Ready® is strategically positioned to lead at the intersection of healthier products and delicious taste. The company's innovative approach to retail productivity and scalable growth reflects its ambitious vision for the future.

The diverse product portfolio of Ready® includes Protein and Snack Bars, Plant-Based Functional Snacks, and a variety of Protein and Hydration Drinks, catering to a wide range of health-conscious consumers. Its products are available at major retailers such as Walmart, Costco, and Whole Foods, and recent engagements with over 200 colleges and universities indicate a solid commitment to supporting student athletes.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

Ready® also enjoys notable partnerships with prominent athletes, such as World Champion Aaron Donald and two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who serve as co-owners. Moreover, the company has established itself as the Official Snack and Sports Drink of The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and is committed to social initiatives, partnering with organizations like Susan G. Komen® in the fight against breast cancer.

For those interested in learning more about Ready® and their innovative products, visit TeamReady.com and explore the brand's presence on social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Conclusion

Ready® has not only proven its mettle in the competitive landscape of functional snacks but has also set the stage for continuous growth and innovation in the coming years. With its clear commitment to quality and consumer health, the brand is set to make significant strides within the FMCG sector well into the future.

This recognition from Bain & Company reiterates the credibility and promise of Ready®, a brand truly on the rise in the ever-evolving marketplace.