The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), FMI - The Food Industry Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) issued a joint commitment related to the responsible marketing and merchandising of crossover alcohol products.

The restaurant industry is poised to hit a milestone this year as sales are project to exceed $1.1 trillion, according to the National Restaurant Association’s “2024 State of the Restaurant Industry Report.”

The value proposition presented by warehouse clubs — offering lower average costs per item through bulk buying — prompts a jump in sales share for major warehouse club stores, research shows.

Consumers are adapting their shopping strategies to include more flexibility as they attempt to control their grocery spending heading into the fall, according to the latest survey conducted by FMI – The Food Industry Association and The Hartman Group.

Circana, an advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, released new Circana Compass insights, providing a comprehensive update on the 2024 performance of the global retail food and beverage (F&B) industry and an outlook for 2025.

As consumers today work to pay their bills and buy groceries, data shows that mass merchandisers are serving as a go-to channel to stretch their dollars. 

Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council unveiled their Top 10 anticipated food and beverage trends for 2025 in the retailer’s 10th annual Trends predictions report. 

New beverages today are turning more and more to natural colors as clean label and holistic views of health connect with an increasing consumer base.

Consumers are more knowledgeable nowadays; therefore, they hold their food and beverage choices to higher standards, experts note.

With consumers’ brains in overdrive, many are turning to beverages that support their mental well-being.

Given the demand for ingredients that support cognitive health and energy enhancement, ingredient suppliers caution that formulation is more complicated than simply adding into the formula.

With more consumers seeking reduced-sugar or sugar-free drinks, experts note that beverage-makers are turning to sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, monk fruit and allulose to deliver products without sacrificing on taste.

As physical fitness remains top of mind for those seeking healthier lifestyles, experts note that today’s consumers not only are turning to sports drinks to deliver on recovery, but also seek such drinks to help meet overall wellness goals.

As more and more consumers learn about the gut microbiome and its role in overall health and wellness, experts highlight how incorporating fiber and biotic solutions can help beverage-makers meet consumers’ various need states.

In today’s beverage development, formulators are layering flavors to elevate the next generation of drinks.

With growing awareness of the connections between individual health and that of nature or the environment, such interests are prompting more consumers to seek out clean label and non-GMO beverages.

Experts note that convenience, drinkability and protein content are key drivers of the performance beverage market.

Experts note that shifts in consumer behavior have caused beverage brands to find new ways to deliver on fortification and personalization.

With consumers’ wellness approach toward weight management, experts highlight how demand for nutritious drinks that support overall well-being is transforming the industry. 

Although on-the-go lifestyles are prompting interest in beverages with an energy and cognitive focus, experts highlight that purity and effectiveness are leading new product development.

Experts note how more and more consumers — not just athletes — are striving to live healthier lives and making conscious decisions about their health.

Experts note that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how prioritizing gut health impacts the immune system and mental health.

As beverage-makers look to align taste profiles with the growing demands on health-and-wellness products, suppliers are crafting solutions that support those goals.

Experts share insights on why consumers are drawn to clean label and non-GMO beverages, as well as what beverage-makers can do to appeal to such preferences.

With its complex formulas helping consumers further their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, the functional beverage market has thrived. Detox drinks have benefited from this interest, but is not without its challenges.

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) returned to McCormick Place for the IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo where exhibitors were presented an array of ingredient literature as well as prototypes featuring these solutions.

Today’s performance beverages have evolved beyond providing energy, but also are supporting broader health and wellness goals.

Breckenridge Brewery, a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, unveiled its Oktoberfest Lager.

American Metal Whiskey, an extension of American Metal Customs shop celebrated for its custom cars and motorcycles, unveiled its new whiskey innovation: The Disciple. 

Espolòn Tequila introduced Flor de Oro, a limited-edition Reposado tequila infused with natural extract from the marigold flower.

Bruichladdich Distillery announced the release of its next Octomore series: Octomore 15. 

REBBL announced the return of its Protein Spiced Pumpkin Pie functional beverage, available for a limited time. 

In the spirit of spreading pumpkin-spiced goodness, Dogfish Head unveiled its limited-edition Punkin Liqueur.

Beverage Industry has selected eight new beverage products introduced in October 2024. Vote below to let us know which new product is your favorite!

Wynk, an award-winning cannabis seltzer, announced the launch of its newest limited-edition flavor: Cran-Blood Orange.

Fireball, a brand of Sazerac Co., Louisville, Ky., is set to gallop into this year's classic horse racing events with bespoke, fiery hats dubbed “Hot Lids,” bringing a dash of cinnamon spice to the typical race day experience.

From offering consumer insights, enhancing product development to supply chain optimization, experts weigh in on how AI solutions are transforming the beverage industry. 

The Arizona Bowl, which brings together teams from the Mountain West Conference and Mid-American Conference each year, announced a multi-year sponsorship deal, titling the event the “Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented by Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop,” to air at 2:30pm MST on Dec. 28. 

Malibu, a brand of Pernod Ricard, New York, unveiled its new summer campaign in partnership with TV personality Paige DeSorbo to bring the vacation anytime, anywhere. 

The highly anticipated Season 3 of FX’s “The Bear” is just days away, and Stella Artois is returning for its starring role at the dining table.

Seagram's 7 Crown, a brand of Diageo North America, New York, is toasting timeless American staples with an icon in America – the 7&7— with the launch of its new ad campaign, Timeless Taste.

Idris Elba has revealed his latest track, the sky-high summer anthem '”Pushing On” to mark the launch of GREY GOOSE Altius, the new luxury vodka inspired by the rare natural luxuries of the French Alps.

Consumers have hit the road and air this summer, creating more eyeballs on out-of-home ad campaigns. Clear Channel Outdoor offers insights on how beverage brands can create campaigns to help support their summer sales goals.

As brands look to employ creator-generated content as part of their advertising campaigns, understanding how consumers engage and receive this influencer content can be vital to support their brands.

Chicago-based Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. is partnering with actor Lamorne Morris to host an interactive pop-up event: Mike’s Jobstacle Course. This immersive experience will prove that every job has its hard days. And a hard day deserves a refreshing-tasting Mike’s Hard Lemonade, the company says.

With all the current buzz around brand collaborations, experts highlight some of the opportunities, challenges, and factors to consider when embarking on a licensing partnership.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), Burlington, Mass., and Frisco, Texas, has teamed up with Soccer United Marketing (SUM) to unveil a new multi-year partnership with the Federación Mexicana de Futbol (FMF), making Keurig Dr Pepper an official partner of the U.S. tours for the Mexican Men’s and Women’s National Teams.

Piper-Heidsieck, Reims, France, announces the launch of its Twist the Script campaign, a tribute to the brand’s creativity and history, it says.

Mango Shotta, a brand of Sazerac, Louisville, Ky., announced its latest initiative, inspired by Arturo, the brand’s eerie skeleton dog mascot. In the spirit of Halloween fun and commitment to shelter dogs, Mango Shotta unveiled its search for the “Scariest Spokesb*tch."

With its complex formulas helping consumers further their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, the functional beverage market has thrived. Detox drinks have benefited from this interest, but is not without its challenges.