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.

When it comes to recycling, studies show that consumers express concerns about recycling success in the United States, but companies are looking to change that through education, awareness and improved access.

With all baby boomers at least 65 or older by 2030, beverage-makers should consider what this demographic needs as their shopping habits evolve.

Salsify’s “2024 Consumer Research” report shows how budgeting efforts are shifting consumer shopping habits and pinpoints ways that brands can engage with shoppers.

The readers of Beverage Industry have selected their favorite new product released in January and the results are out.

Although John’s column will no longer be part of Beverage Industry, he left a legacy with us and you the readers that was just as impressive as his time on earth. 

A budding marketing opportunity for brand owners, NIL is gaining traction, but as beverage companies look to engage in this realm, it is important to understand the dynamics.

In the consumer packaged goods space there’s no shortage of celebrity-backed products, particularly beverages. Although proliferating across all segments, alcohol brands are seeing the most activity.

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.

With wine capturing high eCommerce user penetration in the past couple of years, experts examine the demographic factors and consumer behavior driving online wine purchases.

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.

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.

Consumers have the chance to win an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch the Green Bay Packers play the Chicago Bears on Nov. 17 with Simone Biles, whose husband plays for the Chicago Bears and formerly played for the Packers.

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.

With consumers demanding more from their beverages, brand owners are employing a myriad of concepts to help the next generation of new products succeed. 

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.

When it comes to beverage packaging operations, today’s diverse beverage marketplace necessitate can filling and seaming equipment that supports flexible, safe operations.

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

A five-axis Delta robot is the latest innovation in ABB’s FlexPicker portfolio.

Beverage operations are juggling SKU proliferation, varying pack sizes and a changing workforce. Packing machinery is helping these manufacturers minimize disruptions to those operations.

As beverage-maker’s need to do more with today’s filling equipment, original equipment manufacturers are prioritizing changeover speeds, safety and efficacy in their solutions.

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.

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

With market trends, SKU proliferation and more, experts highlight how flexible can filling and seaming equipment works to fill a variety of container sizes, while ensuring product safety.

As the retail market continues to drive demand for flexible case packing and wrapping equipment, experts highlight how these packaging systems work to meet beverage market trends.

With market trends, SKU proliferation, and more, impacting filler technology, experts highlight how technological advancements work to address issues from sustainability to product safety.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.