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.

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

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

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.

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.” 

In conjunction with National Iced Tea Month, Bethesda, Md.-based JUST ICE Tea announced its summer campaign: Tea Marks the Spot. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Califia Farms unveiled its Organic Almond Creamers, made with simple ingredients and no gums or oils. 

This year’s State of the Industry report on dairy drinks and alternatives notes that total milk, comprised of dairy, plant and all other milks, looks to stabilize volume declines.

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.

Health-Ade announced two new kombucha flavors joining its lineup of gut-healthy offerings: Orange Creamsicle and Pomegranate Blueberry.

Athletic Brewing Co., Milford, Conn. and San Diego, is teaming up with Arsenal, becoming the club’s first Official Non-Alcoholic Beer Partner. Starting this August, the partnership will see cans of Athletic’s award-winning Run Wild IPA available at Emirates Stadium, London, for all men’s and women’s matches.

Forca Foods announced the launch of MILKish Watermelon Seedmilk, a new plant-based milk made from watermelon seeds.

Global technology and engineering company Emerson recently launched a compact valve position indicator.

In beverage warehouses, the rise of automation has prompted conveyor manufacturers to continue to make advancements to ensure that the speed and pace are in sync and processes are running efficiently.

Global technology and software company Emerson unveiled the new PACSystems IPC 2010 Compact Industrial PC (IPC).

Whether its addressing labor shortages, increasing productivity or accommodating a growing SKU portfolio the incorporation of palletizing and depalletizing systems has become vital for beverage warehouses.

As the Federal Reserve enacted its first interest rate cuts since the pandemic, an industry expert highlights how leasing enables operations to optimize costs and boost operational efficiency.

Teeling Whiskey and Notre Dame Athletics have collaborated on a special, limited-edition bottle featuring Teeling’s Small Batch whiskey.

Liquid Remedy announced a brand enhancement in its United States market, which includes updating its name, logo and packaging from Remedy Drinks to Liquid Remedy. 

19 Crimes partners with Universal Products & Experiences to release a limited-edition collection of highly sought after Halloween wines, featuring the classic Universal Monsters. 

The NFL season is in full swing, and 1800 Tequila continues its support for the NFL by launching a new commemorative limited edition LTO 1800 Blanco bottle for the Miami Dolphins.

Johnnie Walker is unveiling a limited-edition bottle design of Black Label with numbers ranging from 001-456, the number of players featured in the series “Squid Game,” which returns to Netflix on Dec. 26

Ingredient companies continue to advance operations with new product launches, facility expansions, as well as a diversified workforces.