Articles by Jessica Jacobsen

Readers must have brains on their brain. In Beverage Industry’s December Readers’ Choice Product of the Month poll, Fairfield, Conn.-based Focus Now Solutions LLC’s Focus+ took home the honor after garnering 31 percent of the vote. 

St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch (AB), a division of AB InBev, hosted media members at its headquarters during the fourth quarter of 2014.

On the drive through Crenshaw County in Alabama, motorists will see a number of small towns, vast woodlands and maybe a few deer. But as drivers pass the handful of restaurants and general stores throughout the county, they might also notice something else: the Pepsi logo.

If the groundhog’s ability to predict the end of winter held true on an annual basis, it would make planning the last six weeks of winter much easier for many people. Although not as temperamental as the weather, many beverage-makers probably wish they had an ability to see into the beverage market future to predict the latest trends.

A trip to the local retail store can be an enlightening experience. Because of the considerable amount of SKU proliferation, a retail shelf might look quite different from one month to the next.

U.S. consumers have shown how enthusiastic they are about Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Rum Cream. The import brand of Rochester, N.Y.-based Fishbowl Spirits that was created and owned by country music star Kenny Chesney announced that the limited-edition variety sold out nationwide.

Whether it’s from your family physician or it’s used as a tag line in a national commercial, many consumers have heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.”

Social media channels have allowed many of us to make connections that previously weren’t possible. For instance, my Swedish penpal from when I was in third and fourth grade found me on Facebook a few years ago, allowing us to make the international connection once again.

In the sea of beverages on the retail shelves, consumers definitely have no shortage of options from which to choose. When you take into account the number of new SKUs out there, it can get even more intriguing.

It’s that time of year where homes and businesses get in the holiday spirit with decorations, festive music and tasty treats. The consumer packaged goods (CPG) market is no stranger to this holiday inspiration including limited-edition products and packaging. However, adding these seasonal items to a retailer’s merchandising plans adds a special consideration during this time of year.