With the onset of so many emerging categories in the industry — kombucha, coconut water, relaxation drinks — coupled with line extensions, the number of SKUs warehouses need to accommodate continues to grow.

Staying on top of what is new in the beverage industry can sometimes make you forget about its history. When watching the Ken Burns three-part PBS special “Prohibition,” I was surprised to learn that some of the founding fathers of the United States enjoyed fermented cider.

Better-for-you beverages continue to appeal to consumers, and beverage companies continue to find ways to address that trend. According to Chicago-based Mintel Group Ltd.’s “Juice and Juice Drinks” report, 5 percent of launches from January to June 2011 contained antioxidants, which represents a 1 percent increase from the previous period. The report adds that many launches sourced their antioxidant content from superfruits such as acai berries, blueberries, cranberries and pomegranates.

Joe Heron, president and chief executive officer of Crispin Hard Cider Co., says the Minneapolis-based company is not your traditional cider company. Whether it’s the company’s use of unpasteurized fresh-pressed juice or its historic and pop culture references in the names of its products, Crispin is seeking a point of differentiation in the hard cider market.

With more beverages introduced to the market every day, lab testing equipment suppliers are tasked with developing equipment to accommodate the growing marketplace.

As non-traditional grocery retailers see more competition from dollar store formats and wholesale club stores, mass merchandisers and supercenters are enlisting new ways to grow their consumer bases.

Updating or investing in automation for a warehouse can be a large capital expenditure, but it is an investment that many companies are willing to make.

As more beverage companies pop up on the radar, it can be fun and interesting to see where they are located. Having emerging and established companies in your backyard can allow for a sense of pride and connection with those brands.

Fresh out of college in 1991, Mark Rampolla ventured to Latin America as a Peace Corps. volunteer in Costa Rica. He also spent time in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Brazil. During his travels, Rampolla was enlightened by many things within the Latin American culture, including a popular regional drink: coconut water.

Whether it’s for suppliers or finished beverages, trade shows can provide an eye-opening experience about what trends are on the horizon. At this year’s National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show, the Cool New Products section was a great introduction to what innovations companies were showcasing. And on the show floor there was no shortage of emerging brands and categories.