Barbara Harfmann

Barbara Harfmann, managing editor of Beverage Industry, visits beverage companies for cover stories and facility tours, and writes and edits for the magazine’s print and online components. She also represents the magazine at trade shows and events. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications and Public Relations from Illinois State University.

Packaging Materials

Intelligent packaging takes brands to new heights

AR, QR codes give consumers access to videos, contests

Barbara Harfmann

April 28, 2022

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Packaging design is advancing in innovative ways, with smart labeling, art-inspired labels, AI and even virtual tastings to engage consumers.

Operations

Conveyors focal point of beverage operations

Diversity of packaging impacts conveyors

Barbara Harfmann

April 26, 2022

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In the wake of SKU proliferation, smaller batches and more frequent changeovers, beverage conveyors not only have to handle a plethora of packaging shapes and sizes, but original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) need to ensure that their conveyors are outfitted for the present and the future.

Distribution

Carts, hand trucks indispensable in last mile delivery

Maneuvering loads in tight retail spaces key for carts, hand trucks

Barbara Harfmann

April 22, 2022

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In beverage distribution operations, hand trucks and carts are indispensable pieces of material handling equipment that help transport heavy, bulky cases of beverages from delivery trucks to point-of-sale at retail stores.

Up Close With

Agua Plus innovates with All-Scratch! Technology

Reduce waste, stay healthy brand’s mantra

Barbara Harfmann

April 21, 2022

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Agua Plus, a brand of Plus Brand Industries, is a pH9+ alkaline water that features All-Scratch! Technology, a patented scratch technology that allows consumers to scratch their name, initials or image directly on the label.

Between Drinks

Managing Editor Barbara Harfmann bids adieu to Beverage Industry

A reflection on some of stories that resonated

Barbara Harfmann

April 18, 2022

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After seven years with Beverage Industry, Managing Editor Barbara Harfmann is moving on to Dairy Foods. She reflects on some of the stories she was privileged to tell, including BodyArmor and Goose Island, and the chance to highlight women-founded brands such as Hint and Lone River Beverage Co.

Distribution

DSD provides high-tech solutions, improve accuracy and sales

Optimizing efficiency and data key for DSD

Barbara Harfmann

March 28, 2022

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Moving a burgeoning amount of SKUs from point A to point B has only gotten more complicated. Direct-store delivery (DSD) software and hardware solutions not only increases product traceability and sales, but provides on-demand simplicity and better customer service.

R&D Feature

Sports recovery, bone and joint health meets needs of mindful consumer

Sports nutrition market due to reach $47B by 2027

Barbara Harfmann

March 23, 2022

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The overall sports nutrition industry is expected to reach a global value of $47.5 billion at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2022-2027. Beverage manufacturers are releasing supplements and beverages designed to give athletes and everyday consumers better bone and joint health.

Between Drinks

Celebrities use their status to elevate own alcohol brands

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, CÎROC using status to amplify Black and Brown Americans

Barbara Harfmann

March 15, 2022

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Celebrities like Ryan Reynolds and Terry Bradshaw are among the many celebrities inviting consumers to “sip like a star” while imbibing in tequila, bourbon, gin, vodka and more.

Cover Feature

Lone River Beverage Co. invites hard seltzer fans to ‘Follow It West’

“Yellowstone” actor Ryan Bingham becomes face of Lone River’s TV campaign

Barbara Harfmann

March 4, 2022

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With distribution help from Diageo, Lone River Beverage Co. went from startup to acquisition to national distribution in under 18 months. Founder and CEO Katie Beal Brown notes that the brand’s ranch water hard seltzers are rooted in authenticity with a blend of tequila, agave nectar and lime juice.

R&D Feature

Nature-made sugar reduction ingredients having a ‘sweet’ time

Stevia represents 6% of new product beverage launches in 2021

Barbara Harfmann

February 22, 2022

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As health-and-wellness innovations proliferate in the beverage industry, stevia, monk fruit, allulose and erythritol are seeing increased usage in U.S. beverage new product launches.