For beverage manufacturers looking to tackle the challenge of building a new facility, experts highlight the ins and outs of planning to get the job done, as well as current trends that are shaping the need to build or revamp a facility.

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.

The challenges of today’s labor market have made automated guided vehicles (AGVs) a growing solution for beverage warehouses.

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

As operational complexity increases in today’s beverage warehouses, experts highlight how voice picking and guided work solutions are helping to achieve goals in fast-paced environments.

The Finnish Long Drink released its new Midnight Sun Variety Pack. Inspired by the natural phenomenon occurring in northern Finland during the summer, where the sun never sets below the horizon for up to four months and remains visible at midnight, this pack showcases flavors that reflect the hues of the Finnish Midnight Sun. 

Gnarly Head wines and the Grateful Dead announced three new limited-release wine offerings packaged in eye-catching bottles that rock two of the band’s most beloved icons in shimmering holographic labels, the company says.

With Halloween lurking, Bacardí has reimagined its limited-edition bottle. Bacardí’s newest limited-edition mummified Halloween bottle features a mysterious glow-in-the-dark design.

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

Cooper & Thief, producers of a portfolio of spirits barrel-aged wines, unveiled its new bourbon barrel-aged wine: Cabernet Sauvignon. 

The signing of California AB-2316 and AB-418 have placed greater interest on natural color solutions as beverage manufacturers consider impact of state’s legislation.

This football season, Fireball Whisky, Louisville, Ky., is literally transforming tears into cheers by collecting human tears at big rivalry games to create a game-changing, limited-edition whisky: Crierball.

Setting out to create a canned cocktail suited for his personal lifestyle, Gen Zer Will Blum, CEO and co-founder of Bluebird Hardwater, highlights how the brand differentiates itself in a saturated market.

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.

The increasing interest in functional beverages often focuses on the attributes these ingredients can provide consumers. However, as these beverages and ingredients proliferate, the colors market is playing a vital role in supporting this trend.

BENEO, a functional ingredient manufacturer, has increased global capacity for its prebiotic chicory root fibers by 30%, while also reducing specific energy consumption by 35%.

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

Ingredient suppliers are making moves to aid today’s beverage-makers. Monin Americas released a Spicy Agave Sweetener, while Kyowa Hakko USA announced the launch of CENTR Enhanced sparkling water.  

The company notes that these functional beverages provide both energy and the “added benefit of mental focus.” The 12-ounce servings contain 100 mg of natural caffeine, as well as 100 mg of natural L-theanine.

Aspartame-sweetened foods and beverages are safe, according to a definitive new finding issued jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The WHO and FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) reviewed decades of high-quality evidence and real-world consumption data, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) at which aspartame can be safely consumed daily over the course of an entire lifetime.

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 announced new research on ingredients performance as well as company progress toward ESG.

Kyowa Hakko Bio President and CEO Yuki Kanzaki underscored the pivotal role of Cognizin in the company’s future success. 

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.

Ingredient suppliers are prioritizing sustainability with new hires and innovations.

At this year’s IFT First Annual Meeting and Expo in Chicago, PLT Health Solutions Inc., Morristown, N.J., will highlight its growing portfolio of beverage-friendly ingredients that provide a broad range of science-backed benefits for the burgeoning functional beverage market, it notes. 

Ingredient suppliers announce headquarter moves, while awareness of Uganda -sourced vanilla grows.

BENEO announces its new CEO while HOWTIAN introduces SoPure Andromeda.

Ingredient manufacturers launch new platforms to expand their capabilities to support the organic and natural beverage sectors.

Ingredient manufacturers announce facility expansions and openings.

Health considerations have impacted the beverage industry by way of fortified beverages. 

In the bottling world, companies recognize the importance of being proactive members of the communities they operate in and serve. For Buffalo Rock Company, Birmingham, Ala., the company’s culture is centered on investing in its people and communities.

With the countdown to summer officially on, MTN DEW wants everyone to celebrate the great outdoors by unveiling three new limited-time MTN DEW RED, WHITE & BLUE offerings.

Jones Soda Co. announced a charitable partnership with Folds of Honor. The partnership is launching with a 50% donation of the profits on all sales of a special Fourth of July red, white and blue 12-pack featuring the Folds of Honor's folded flag symbol on Jones 12-ounce bottle labels.

This year’s State of the Industry report on carbonated soft drinks explores how flavor and functionality innovations entice consumers. 

7UP, the lemon-lime flavored beverage, revealed its first total brand design refresh since 2014. 

Fanta, a brand of The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, and Warner Bros. Pictures announced a global partnership ahead of the release of the highly anticipated movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” which debuts in cinemas on Sept. 6. 

PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., has teamed up with award-winning singer Kelly Rowland to turn local restaurant regulars into hometown celebrities with a chance to be featured in a Pepsi ad and have their favorite menu item renamed in their honor.

Pepsi, Purchase N.Y., unveiled its Gladiator-themed campaign titled “Make Your Gameday Epic.” As a longtime NFL sponsor, Pepsi is celebrating the start of the 2024 NFL season and the anticipated theatrical release of Paramount Pictures’ “Gladiator II,” with a short-film that will electrify game days for cola-lovers and NFL fans alike.

Jones Soda, Seattle, released a limited-edition series of sodas designed to capture the Halloween spirit. 

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, announced the highly anticipated regional relaunch of Barrilitos, a cherished Mexican soft drink brand with a rich legacy dating back to 1938. 

Tilray Brands Inc., New York, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire four craft breweries from Molson Coors Beverage Co., Chicago. The acquisition includes Hop Valley Brewing Co., Terrapin Beer Co., Revolver Brewing and Atwater Brewery.

Angry Orchard, a brand of The Boston Beer Co., has brought back its Fireside Mix Pack, which contains fan-favorite Crisp Apple, Baked Apple Pie, Cinnful Apple, and Green Apple.

To kick off the fall season, Samuel Adams released its Beer Fest Variety Pack, containing OctoberFest, Jack-O, Flannel Fest and its flagship Boston Lager.

To make it easier than ever to rep your favorite teams, Bud Light has released its 2024 lineup of fan-favorite NFL team packaging, displaying full-bleed team colors and prominent team logos.

Dogfish Head announced the return of its highly acclaimed Punkin Ale.

Blake’s Hard Cider launched its new Fully Loaded Imperial Cider Variety Pack. The mixed 12-pack of 12-ounce cans now is available across Blake’s Hard Cider’s expansive distribution footprint.

At its 87th Annual Convention and Product Showcase, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) announced a combined $50,000 donation to support relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

The BHC recently joined forces with Austin Eastciders, Austin, Texas, and AVID Cider Co., Bend, Ore., to form BBC, an independent cider company with a distribution footprint spanning across 40 states.