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As the new year begins, most of us reflect back on the past year and look to the future with anticipation. The same rings true in the beverage industry as beverage-makers launch new products to engage consumers while paying attention to the latest trends.

Walking through the retail marketplace, observing the myriad beverage packages and visualizing the process that created what now is being observed, the magnitude and complexity of the process becomes evident.

While the new year is a good time to plan for the future, it also provides an opportunity to look back at the accomplishments of the past year. At the end of 2016, Just Capital and Forbes released their inaugural “Just 100 List,” which ranks publicly traded companies in the United States that best perform the priorities of American consumers.

It’s crazy to believe that 2016 is almost at a close. Although there still is much to accomplish before 2017 arrives, the latest trends already are popping up. In the beverage market, much attention usually is given to the finished products because, as many will tell you, taste is king. However, one must not overlook the upcoming trends in packaging attributes.

Although I regularly use Facebook, like many baby boomers, I am not currently immersed in Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms that increasingly are being used by beverage companies to communicate and connect with consumers in real time.

Every segment in the beverage industry experiences constant change syndrome (CCS) at various times during product processing, packaging production, warehousing, pre-distribution and distribution as the supply chain unfolds each operating day.

With my college roommates getting married next year, I have made it my bridesmaids’ duty to help the bride-to-be get in shape before her big day. We’ve been using our FitBit app to help each other stay motivated and exercise, but cutting back on calories consumed also has been an important part of my personal goal. However, this has been more challenging than I anticipated, as I often desire a mid-day refreshing kick of energy.

At the end of September, Beverage Industry’s parent company BNP Media acquired Beverage World as well as its successful and well-attended BevOps Fleet Summit. Through this acquisition, the BNP Media Events team now will manage and produce the BevOps Fleet Summit, while Beverage World’s digital and print properties ceased operations, with October being the final print publication.