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Celebrity-centric blog spots have led to a proliferation of rumors — whether true or not — surrounding those in the public eye. Although this sort of proliferation usually is met with disdain and resistance, SKU proliferation within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) market is fueling a marketplace full of choices.

After three years of planning, Ninkasi Brewing Co. opened its expanded Eugene, Ore., brewery and brewed its first batch of beer in the facility in late March. The brewery worked with ecoReal Solutions, Portland, Ore., to add numerous sustainability features to the brewery, setting it on the path to reach Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, the company says.

Upon entering the century-old F.X. Matt Brewing Co. offices in Utica, N.Y., visitors are greeted with Victorian-era furnishings, including an old bank teller counter with a slanted bottom to accommodate women’s hoop skirts. Historic furnishings like this continue throughout the 400,000-square-foot campus. However, despite its historical appearance, the facility offers many modern touches.

Although many people think of the automotive industry first when they hear the phrase “aftermarket parts,” almost every industry has some form of aftermarket presence, and the beverage industry is no exception, says Joseph Stroup, director of business development for FBN Inc., Plainwell, Mich.

Accumulating 130 additional SKUs within the last five years to reach nearly 500 total SKUs, Beverage Industry Bottler of the Year Swire Coca-Cola USA was pressed to find a warehousing solution to accommodate this proliferation.

As beverage-makers continue to expand their brands with new variations and launch new products into the marketplace, lab testing equipment retains its ever-important role in the industry.

American retailer Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. has made millions by allowing children to create their new best friend in-store. However, the fun, frivolity of kids “stuffing” their fuzzy companions sometimes can result in toys that are busting at the seams.

Before finalizing new beverage product concepts, beverage-makers need to consider the capabilities of the contract manufacturers and packagers (co-packers) with which they work, according to experts.

Just like Rosie the robot maid from the 1960s cartoon “The Jetsons” helped the Jetson family with the housework and sometimes the parenting to ease the pressures of home life, robots in the beverage industry are helping to make industrial life a bit easier.

Distribution centers are losing an average of nearly $390,000 every year due to mis-picks, according to a study conducted by Everett, Wash.-based Intermec Inc.