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The beverage aisle has become one of my favorites when I’m at the grocery store. I’ve become known by the cashiers for purchasing a basket full of various ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, as I like to find something new to try on each trip and restock on my favorites.

Smiley faces have been recognized for decades for their ability to communicate happiness without words. When Harvey Ball drew the first one in 1963 for an insurance company’s internal moral campaign, which paid him a meager $45, he certainly didn’t expect it would become a cultural phenomenon lasting through the decades.

The maintenance function in beverage facilities is, and always will be, a major contributor to success and profitability. The operational activities within the entire beverage supply chain, from processing raw materials to finished product delivery, usually require the maintenance function to perform effectively, efficiently and economically at the highest possible levels.

With summer finally here, I have adopted a “no excuses” mantra in my quest to shed some weight and get healthy. I’ve been munching carrots instead of chips, drinking more water and resuming my regular walking routine. And when my son uses the “D” word, as in “diet,” I tell him it’s not about diet and deprivation but, rather, it’s about adopting a healthier overall lifestyle.

The craft beer market has a range of different consumers. There are the avid beer consumers who are tapped into the latest styles and trends, but there also are the ones who lean on their friends for suggestions. But no matter which type of consumer an individual is, he or she is not at a loss for some new, unique beers as the segment continues to grow.

Nearly every beverage brand faces some challenges when reaching out to consumers. For many, educating consumers can be essential to success, especially as craft trends continue to rise. Recently, Tequila Herradura took on the challenge and embarked on its Casa Herradura tour, which brought the Tequila Herradura hacienda to several cities across the country.

Technological changes in beverage processes, machinery and manufacturing methods constantly are evolving into new or different designs, improved methods and procedures, faster and more flexible configurations, cost-effective projects, and in response to consumer preferences or agency regulations.