As more Gen Zers reach the legal drinking age, experts highlight how this younger generation is driving variety and innovation in the beverage alcohol market.

Given the rise of ready-to-drink RTD cocktails, Upgraded Points recently released a study unveiling the most popular canned cocktails and mocktails in each U.S. state. 

A survey conducted by Dig Insights and released in partnership with the National Coffee Association (NCA) and Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) reveals that adult coffee consumption hit a two-decade high.

Honey has a rich history in beverage alcohol whether it’s with the creation of meads — a honey wine — or its addition to whiskey. Now the ingredient is finding itself in more spirits categories as brands look to differentiate.

Market research firm Circana released its report “Tapping Into the Global Consumer Well-Being Opportunity,” where it identified ways consumers pursue their well-being across various sectors, including hydration and increased energy.

Recent IWSR analysis highlights some key reasons millennials are the age cohort boosting the non-alcohol segment in the United States, noting that the generation is consuming non-alcohol products with greater frequency than other age cohorts.

In a video interview with Beverage Industry, Justin Solomon, category marketing director of alcoholic beverages at ADM, discussed what’s driving innovation in beverage alcohol not only in terms of the products but how consumers are approaching alcohol consumption. 

With Sober October kicking off, here are a few non-alcohol options to get in the spirit, sans spirit.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.