Articles by Jessica Jacobsen

Among the iconic, long-standing TV programs that Americans tune in to, one factor can be vital to their longevity: evolution. In “The Simpsons,” Lisa goes from always wanting a pony as a pet to being a vegetarian and a mini-activist, whereas Walter White went from being a desperate chemistry teacher to a drug lord in “Breaking Bad.”

Whether overcoming residuals from the economic recession or more immediate factors, the foodservice channel has faced its share of challenges in recent years.

Although the term mixologist is commonly referenced in association with alcohol products, innovations within the drink mix category are allowing consumers to become mixologists in the non-alcohol arena.

As the weather warms up, it looks as though people are finding favor with iced varieties to give themselves a little pick me up. In Beverage Industry’s May New Products poll, readers voted Verve MoJoe as the top release posted on www.bevindustry.com during the month.

For many people, getting “inked” is a way to express their individuality. Although not quite the same as tattoos, inks and coatings in the beverage industry can be an important element to help brand owners set their products apart on the store shelf.

Consumers’ desires for choices have no doubt had impacts on the beverage marketplace. SKU proliferation has altered the look of the everyday shopping trip.

As craft brewers continue to churn out new and exciting products, they also are tasked with developing relationships with wholesalers who can support the growth of their brands. Recognizing the popularity of craft beer, many distributors are bolstering their portfolios as they foster partnerships with these entrepreneurs.

In sports, coaches and managers aren’t afraid of some healthy competition. The same can be said for the craft beer market. However, these brewers take healthy competition a step further to camaraderie.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has come a long way from the early days when Ken Grossman, founder of the Chico, Calif.-based craft brewery, first began experimenting with homebrewing. After 34 years in business and countless expansions, the company is on the heels of completing its latest adventure: an East Coast facility.

Flashing back to arts and crafts projects from childhood, a common instruction from parents and teachers was to “use what you have.” Shaun Roberts took that concept a step further when he developed KonaRed juices.