Articles by Jessica Jacobsen

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.

The old saying goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but consumers also are turning to beverages such as tea to support their health.

As the “Field of Dreams” saying goes, “If you build it, he will come.” Beverage Industry gave those words their own spin when it launched its first monthly new product poll to let readers tell us what was their favorite new product. Garnering 31 percent of the votes and taking the honor for April was American Born Moonshine.

Celebrity-centric blog spots have led to a proliferation of rumors — whether true or not — surrounding those in the public eye. Although this sort of proliferation usually is met with disdain and resistance, SKU proliferation within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) market is fueling a marketplace full of choices.