Cover Story: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Thirty years ago, when Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, Calif., opened its doors, fewer than 50 breweries existed in the United States. Today, while consolidation has continued with large domestic brewers, more than 1,500 craft breweries are in operation.
Ingredient Spotlight: Vanilla Health-conscious consumers and new product development have helped vanilla hold its spot among the most popular beverage flavors.
AMI Brands expanded its line of Carpe Diem natural and functional kombucha products with Kombucha-Quince and Kombucha-Cranberry. The Quince flavor is part of the rose plant family, and has a taste similar to apple and pear, the company says. The Cranberry flavor contains antioxidants and is an infusion of steeped herbal tea, the company says.
Campbell Soup Co. introduced Cranberry Blackberry and Acai Mixed Berry Light V8 V-Fusion juices. An 8-ounce serving of Cranberry Blackberry contains a half-cup of vegetables and a half-cup of fruit, the company says. Acai Mixed Berry Light contains 50 calories per 8-ounce serving.
Honest Tea extended its line of Fair Trade and organic certified beverages with Half & Half, a blend of tea and lemonade. Half & Half combines U.S. Department of Agriculture certified organic black tea from India with lightly sweetened lemonade and a touch of organic cane sugar.
NAMA says industry changing to meet needs of a contemporary marketplace Revolutions begin with ideas, then discussion, followed shortly by action taken by those with vision and courage. The Board of Directors of the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) has declared a revolution of its own, and is encouraging its members and those from related industries to join them in the effort.
Bottled Water Reality Check Critics of the bottled water industry often claim “tap water is just as good” as bottled water and, since there is no difference between the two, the packaging and transportation of bottled water is a terrible waste of non -renewable resources.
