With no shortage of contributing factors for Americans’ rising stress levels, ingredient suppliers are turning to holistic ingredients that promote relaxation and stress relief to help beverage-makers meet consumers’ growing need states.

As consumers more closely scrutinize beverage labels, recognizable, from nature hydrocolloids have become an essential part of beverage development.

Classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry allow beverage-makers to appeal to consumer nostalgia.

As beverage-makers increasingly turn to plant proteins to meet consumer trends, experts highlight some key considerations to take into account when formulating with these ingredients.

As consumers cope with stress and anxiety, they are turning to beverages to induce relaxation and support healthy sleep cycles.

As functional beverages remain in demand, experts highlight how masking ingredients are essential in formulations by enhancing a beverage’s overall drinking experience.

Experts share insights on which fruit blends are currently popular among consumers and why.

Paulaner USA, White Plains, N.Y., announced that Steve Hauser, president and CEO, will be stepping down at the end of the year. Hauser has helped grow the importer from a two-brand, on-premise focused portfolio to a multi-brand, multi-channel business, the company says.

Food and Beverage Marketing Experts at THP took a gaze into their culinary crystal ball to forecast the ingredients, flavors, and culinary techniques chefs, brands, and industry leaders from around the globe will be leveraging in the year to come!

From an operations perspective, safety is an important investment in the warehouse.

As many consider tequila to be more of a vibe than just a drink, retail company Fashion Nova recently dove into finding out consumers’ tequila habits and preferences, surveying more than 3,000 Americans across all 50 states.

A recent report from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) shows that consumers were more intrigued by store brands in the past year.

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.

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.

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.

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

Although safety is a top priority when it comes to labeling, trends in beverage labeling materials — mainly sustainability — also are greatly impacting labeling equipment. 

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, impacting filler technology, experts highlight how technological advancements work to address issues from sustainability to product safety.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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. 

Through its new global brand platform and U.S. ad campaign, White Claw is inspiring even more people to seek out genuine, real-world connections — and “Grab Life By The Claw.” 

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.

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.

Jones Soda Co., Seattle, announced the launch of Mary Jones Hemp Delta-9 (HD-9) Shooters. The new product joins the brand's HD-9 craft sodas and gummies, featuring the same pure cane sugar formulation and classic taste of Jones Soda, adapted for HD-9.

Chobani LLC, New Berlin, N.Y., launched its first-ever shelf-stable low-fat dairy milk: Chobani Super Milk. This latest product innovation is nutrient rich and is made specifically to be donated to support people impacted by disasters as well as help some of the most vulnerable in Chobani’s hometowns, the company says.

In partnership with 20th Century Studios, International Delight is teaming up with film favorite “Home Alone” to give consumers a nostalgic taste this holiday season.

Mooala, a leading organic plant-based milk brand, announced the launch of its Organic Barista Blend Oatmilk. 

Lifeway Foods Inc., a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, announced the release of 10 new innovative flavors to its on-the-go 8-ounce line of organic kefir.