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.”

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Experts note how more and more consumers — not just athletes — are striving to live healthier lives and making conscious decisions about their 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.

Today’s performance beverages have evolved beyond providing energy, but also are supporting broader health and wellness goals.

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

Wynk, an award-winning cannabis seltzer, announced the launch of its newest limited-edition flavor: Cran-Blood Orange.

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.” 

From offering consumer insights, enhancing product development to supply chain optimization, experts weigh in on how AI solutions are transforming the beverage industry. 

The Arizona Bowl, which brings together teams from the Mountain West Conference and Mid-American Conference each year, announced a multi-year sponsorship deal, titling the event the “Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented by Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop,” to air at 2:30pm MST on Dec. 28. 

Idris Elba has revealed his latest track, the sky-high summer anthem '”Pushing On” to mark the launch of GREY GOOSE Altius, the new luxury vodka inspired by the rare natural luxuries of the French Alps.

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.

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.

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.

Piper-Heidsieck, Reims, France, announces the launch of its Twist the Script campaign, a tribute to the brand’s creativity and history, it says.

Mango Shotta, a brand of Sazerac, Louisville, Ky., announced its latest initiative, inspired by Arturo, the brand’s eerie skeleton dog mascot. In the spirit of Halloween fun and commitment to shelter dogs, Mango Shotta unveiled its search for the “Scariest Spokesb*tch."

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

Fable announced the nationwide launch of its signature line of premium THC/CBD-infused botanical cocktails.

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.

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

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

Shifts of consumption preferences from consumers in terms of dairy and dairy alternatives beverages, impact performance of category.

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.

The demands of today’s global markets are rigorous.

From SKU proliferation to employee safety and retention, experts highlight how lift truck solutions are working to transform beverage warehousing.

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. 

The Kraken Rum has partnered with Black Moon Cosmetics for a new lip combo. Available now, The Emperor Kraken Duo features a uniquely dark, liquid to matte metallic lipstick in a blackened olive gold shade, accompanied by a bottle of The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum.

Whole Moon announced the launch of its new product line that delivers creamy taste and whole protein through its proprietary whole ingredient process, it says.

Lifeway Foods Inc., Morton Grove, Ill., announced that its Board of Directors has rejected the unsolicited proposal made Sept. 23, by Danone North America PBC to acquire all the shares of Lifeway that it does not already own for $25 a share.

Ingredient suppliers release innovations to support immune health, plant-based food and beverages.

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

The regulatory approval marks a milestone in Sweegen opening new markets in countries where brands seek new generation stevia ingredients, the company says.

Ingredient companies announce coalitions, new hires and new ingredient solutions to support sugar reduction efforts.

Ingredient companies announced new hires as well as case studies detailing consumer trends influencing new product development.

SupplySide West, which took place Oct. 25-26 in Las Vegas, hosted more than 1,400 exhibitors, up 27% from 2022. Exhibitors showcased the latest developments in ingredients, formulation, manufacturing and packaging covering categories including dietary supplements, food, beverage, personal care and animal nutrition.

As beverage-makers seek out prebiotics and stevia solutions, ingredient suppliers are increasing production capabilities to support these needs.

Glanbia Nutritionals, Chicago, introduced OptiATP, a new optimized form of Adenosine 5-Triphosphate that is stable in low pH/high acid and high heat ready-to-drink beverage processing environments.

Ingredient suppliers are sharing the latest on safety opinions as well as announcing platform expansions and division sales.