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.

Gopuff, Philadelphia, announced the launch of Powered by Gopuff, a logistics and technology platform that enables brands to offer affordable delivery from their owned and operated online stores in as fast as 15 minutes.

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.

The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated consumer interest in vitamins and minerals. Experts note that more of today’s consumers are awakening  to “better-for-you” (BFY) beverage trends as they continue to seek drinks that provide fortification

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.

As more consumers are recognizing the link between immune-health and overall health, experts note that the demand for functional beverages that support immunity has never been higher.

As consumers become increasingly aware of their sugar intake, beverage-makers must deliver drinks that are sweet with natural sweeteners.

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) returned to McCormick Place for the IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo where exhibitors were presented with an array of ingredient samples, interactive demos and product tastings.

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

As wellness trends have taken hold in the beverage space, experts highlight how natural and organic trends are impacting color choices used in the 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. 

Natural sweeteners are looking to deliver sweet solutions while accommodating consumer demands for less sugar content.

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.

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.

When it comes to trends influencing the beverage market, consumers’ preferences for various sweeteners is being expressed through their drink purchases.

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