This spring, in order to better serve its customers, Coca-Cola United opened a new 781,000-square-foot production and distribution facility in Baton Rouge, La., for its Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Co. division.

Consuming healthier beverages and foods continues to be a popular consumer trend. Whether it includes a move toward natural, reducing calories or providing great taste, sweeteners continue to play a pivotal role in healthy beverage formulation and marketing.

Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Co. celebrated the grand opening of its new 781,000-square-foot production and distribution facility on 112 acres in Baton Rouge, La.

For most school kids, the beverage options available during school hours have dwindled over the past several years. National guidelines, as well as local regulations have limited the beverages sold in many schools to milk, juice and water. Not bad from a nutritional standpoint, but somewhat lacking in flavor and variety. The Switch, a 100 percent juice product with the bubbly appeal of a carbonated soft drink, is providing an alternative in many markets. And the good news for kids is that the brand is in expansion mode, making its way into new regions and new retail channels, as well.

Two recessionary trends — fewer new product introductions and consumers’ thinner wallets — are affecting beverage formulation overall, and the organic and natural beverage market in particular.

From the ever-increasing array of antioxidant-rich “superfruits” to stevia and — gasp! — the return of sugar, the following ingredients are topping beverage formulation trends and consumer headlines.

Jean-Charles Boisset, president of Boisset Family Estates, says audacity is a word he loves. That bold spirit is evident in his company’s innovative lineup of wine brands such as French Rabbit, Louis Bernard, Mommessin and Yellow Jersey, packaged in everything from Tetra Pak Prisma cartons to aluminum bottles, bag-in-box and PET.

The U.S. beverage container industry is an estimated $22.5 billion business.

Uncle Matt’s Organic, Clermont, Fla., started with three acres of orange groves in Founder and Chief Executive Officer Matt McLean’s father’s backyard. As the company celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, Uncle Matt’s Organic now boasts 1,000 acres that are capable of producing organic citrus between McLean-family holdings and 15 other groves the company manages.

Although athletes are the long-standing target consumers of sports drinks, more companies are broadening their options to meet the demands of “everyday athletes.”