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Throughout the supply chain, materials movement (logistics) is a vital and operating-cost consuming issue. This is especially true in the beverage market because once a case of a beverage is packaged, it is actually available for the consumer; however, realistically, the case is handled many times before it reaches its final destination on store shelves. There is no value added by any movement beyond being placed in storage or loaded directly for delivery.

It’s an exciting time for those who love technology. As new advancements are released, it’s also exciting to see how they are impacting marketing. Alcohol and non-alcohol brands, alike, have been utilizing various digital platforms to educate, communicate and market to consumers. Recently, one particular effort caught my eye.

It’s October, which is by far the best sports month of the year in my opinion. Baseball playoffs are in full swing, the weekends are packed with collegiate and professional football games, and basketball and hockey start off their seasons. If you are like my husband and I, getting family and friends together for sporting events is a common weekend activity. Although we enjoy having people at our home or going to their homes, once in a while, it is nice to watch games at restaurant or sports bar among so many other sports fans.

During a first-time visit to St. Louis in late August, my family and I had the opportunity to sample many beverages. We tried Bitt’s Cold Press, a cold-brew coffee that is brewed and bottled at St. Louis-based Arthouse Coffees, cooled off at an old-fashioned soda shop, and attended “beer school.”

From an operations perspective, a warehouse is more than just bricks and mortar or metal siding; it’s a day-to-day activity that handles zillions of beverage cases. But what does it cost to do that?

More and more companies are embracing corporate social responsibility (CSR) and recognizing the ways in which it resonates with various consumer demographics. CSR initiatives can vary, and many beverage companies have engaged in one program or another. These can include monetary donations based on sales, partnerships and the donation of products or services during times of need.

When it comes to food and beverage development, healthy usually is among the top considerations. In Beverage Industry’s 2016 New Product Development Outlook report published in the January issue, only 14 percent of respondents listed convenience a low need/interest.

When I go out to dinner, typically I order water with lemon because I want to avoid excess calories and save a few dollars. However, when I want to indulge, a traditional Margarita on the rocks is my go-to drink.