As the official spirits partner of Universal Pictures’ “WICKED,” in theaters Nov. 22, Absolut is toasting to the power of friendship and inclusivity by offering “WICKED” consumers mystifying cocktail recipes.

Colgate Optic White and the McBride Sisters Collection introduced the McBride Sisters Collection x Colgate Optic White Limited-Edition Set, designed to help everyone “Live Life to the Brightest” this red wine season. 

Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg announced the launch of Still G.I.N. By Dre and Snoop, an ultra-premium gin now available for purchase nationwide. 

The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), along with SOVOS ShipCompliant, a beverage alcohol compliance company, released a 2024 consumer data report, highlighting consumers’ desire for buying craft spirits legally through DTC shipping.

Consumers have the chance to win an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch the Green Bay Packers play the Chicago Bears on Nov. 17 with Simone Biles, whose husband plays for the Chicago Bears and formerly played for the Packers.

As consumer package companies are increasingly designing more products with sustainability in mind, experts note that within the label industry, more companies are recognizing the need for labeling equipment that also supports a circular economy.

With consumers demanding more from their beverages, brand owners are employing a myriad of concepts to help the next generation of new products succeed. 

When it comes to beverage manufacturing and packaging practices, OEMs are creating the machinery necessary to help beverage-makers conserve and reduce their energy output. For plastic bottle manufacturing, it’s not just the increasing adoption of rPET plastic bottles, but also reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that it takes to power these machines, experts note.

Back after four years, PACK EXPO International convened more than 44,000 attendees, surpassing the 2018 event. With 2,200 exhibitors and more than 1.2 million net square feet at McCormick Place in Chicago, PACK EXPO International took place Oct. 23-26, showcasing the latest innovations and trends impacting the packaging and processing markets.

When it comes to beverage packaging operations, today’s diverse beverage marketplace necessitate can filling and seaming equipment that supports flexible, safe operations.

The latest addition to EndFlex’s lineup of case and tray packing machines is the PKR modular pick and place cell with delta robot. 

A five-axis Delta robot is the latest innovation in ABB’s FlexPicker portfolio.

Beverage operations are juggling SKU proliferation, varying pack sizes and a changing workforce. Packing machinery is helping these manufacturers minimize disruptions to those operations.

As beverage-maker’s need to do more with today’s filling equipment, original equipment manufacturers are prioritizing changeover speeds, safety and efficacy in their solutions.

Beverage packaging and manufacturing operations have married speed and accuracy to inspect and protect today’s beverages through a variety of applications and environments.

Sustainability and on-the-go consumption are among the key packaging influencing coding technology as these solutions look to support high line speeds and varying pack sizes.

As the beverage industry works toward tackling environmental degradation, experts highlight how sustainable packaging efforts are having an impact on plastic bottle manufacturing.

With market trends, SKU proliferation and more, experts highlight how flexible can filling and seaming equipment works to fill a variety of container sizes, while ensuring product safety.

As the retail market continues to drive demand for flexible case packing and wrapping equipment, experts highlight how these packaging systems work to meet beverage market trends.

With market trends, SKU proliferation, and more, impacting filler technology, experts highlight how technological advancements work to address issues from sustainability to product safety.

Packaging machinery manufacturer Deitz Co. has produced a neck banding machine that automatically applies tamper-evident shrinkbands onto tiny bottles. 

Experts weigh in on the various forms of packaging inspection equipment used in the beverage industry.

Experts share insights on coding technology for beverage packaging.

As sustainability is a driving force for change in labeling materials for beverage packaging, experts highlight how labeling equipment is evolving to support these trends.

Given the high interest in sustainability from consumers, today’s plastic bottle manufacturers are taking the steps to ensure their business aligns with what consumers are looking for.

As consumers are spending less on discretionary items and more on essentials, experts note that mass merchandisers are capitalizing on value, variety and services.

More and more shoppers today are exploring the eCommerce channel for beverage purchases as awareness and accessibility are making it easier to navigate.

As inflationary trends continue to impact the grocery channel, experts highlight how supermarkets are employing various strategies to increase market share.

Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), Washington, D.C., released the findings of a new survey conducted in partnership with Morning Consult that measured current alcohol shipping practices, consumer sentiment and purchasing behaviors.

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, announced the launch of Coca-Cola Leader Lab, a people-centric leadership program that addresses a significant issue facing the future of foodservice: attracting, developing and retaining an engaged frontline workforce.

Technomic released its Beverage Global Menu Category Report, which explores foodservice category sizing by country, outlook and expectations, consumer patronage and preferences, menu trends, global and local chains, and brands to watch.

New York-based ReserveBar, an eCommerce platform for premium and luxury beverage alcohol, entered into a strategic technology partnership with delivery.com, a pioneer in the restaurant delivery segment. 

Inflation has accelerated the trend of higher-income consumers shopping at dollar stores, experts report.

As consumers’ purchasing behaviors continue to impact the U.S. on-premise, experts note that the channel remains resilient amid fluctuating trends.

Experts note how the direct-to-consumer channel is impacting beverage categories and sales.

As we quickly approach another Fourth of July holiday, beer manufacturers are seeing increasing competition when it comes to consumers’ dollars. In a Q&A with Beverage Industry, Kristine Joji at Insite AI offers some insights with how brand owners can position themselves to stay competitive in today’s beverage alcohol market.

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.”

Califia Farms, Los Angeles, announced the acquisition of Uproot Inc., a plant milk dispenser system for foodservice. 

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.

Natural and organic retailers anticipate certain consumer trends for the year.

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.

The Slurpee drink is “an exciting spin on the fan-favorite Coca-Cola Slurpee, combining the classic taste of a crisp and fizzy Coca-Cola with flavorful, OREO sandwich cookie-inspired hints,” the company notes.

The performance of the convenience store channel is ever-changing, thanks to consumer trends and economic factors.

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.