Jessica Jacobsen

Whether it’s the tortoise and the hare, David versus Goliath or small-market sports teams versus large-market franchises, many Americans have a soft spot for the “little” guy. The same could be said for the U.S. beer market in this year's beer report. According to Chicago-based Mintel’s January 2016 report “Beer – US,” craft beer’s market share of U.S. volume sales nearly doubled from 2010 to 2015 — 5.2 percent vs. 10.2 percent, respectively.

It seems as though U.S. consumers are having a love affair with import beer, based on analysis in this year's beer market report. According to Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI), dollar sales for import beer were $5.4 billion — an 11.7 percent increase — for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 27, 2015, in U.S. supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchandisers, gas and convenience stores, military commissaries, and select club and dollar retail chains. Case sale gains were just shy of 10 percent during that time period.

As Dorothy told audiences, “There’s no place like home.” Aside from being a memorable movie quote, this notion has taken on a deeper meaning in the food and beverage industries as local-buying trends and farmers markets are being celebrated by more and more consumers.

Whether it’s from their friends and family, doctors or TV personalities, Americans have numerous outlets from which to receive advice on how to live a healthy lifestyle. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are hoping to make it easier for American consumers to make smart food and beverage choices.

Sherwood Schwartz’ 1970s sitcom “The Brady Bunch” was among the first TV programs to address blended family dynamics. Tackling the growing pains of a newly formed family, the Brady’s eventually no longer were “steps” but a functioning family unit.

With awards-show season upon us, many consumers are eagerly awaiting to hear which shows, movies, actors, directors and more will take home the coveted prizes. For the readers of Beverage Industry, the wait is over. 

At an annual wellness appointment, most doctors will preach about living a healthy lifestyle to help prevent the development of illnesses. As more consumers embrace this proactive approach, beverage-makers are seeking ingredients that can support this health-and-wellness trend.