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.

Channel Strategies

No-touch cashless systems offer convenience, speed and security

Beverages account for 34 percent of vending machine revenue in 2020

Barbara Harfmann

May 27, 2020

No Comments

The vending machine industry continues to evolve. The use of no-touch cashless systems has provided greater convenience, speed and security for customers and operators, particularly important in the wake of COVID-19. Soft drinks generate the most sales, followed by non-carbonated products like bottled waters, teas and energy drinks.

Category Focus

Tea market experiences small pockets of growth

Consumer demand enables companies to charge more for unique blends

Barbara Harfmann

May 26, 2020

No Comments

According to the New York-based Tea Association of the USA Inc., Americans consumed more than 84 billion servings of tea in 2019. The tea category offers a “rainbow of options,” including bagged, bottled, loose-leaf, hot, iced and cold brew.

Ingredient Spotlight

Nostalgic taste of vanilla shines as perennial favorite

Ingredient suppliers offer cost-stable vanilla in several formats

Barbara Harfmann

May 7, 2020

No Comments

Whether its dairy milks, ready-to-drink (RTD) hot and iced coffees, meal replacement drinks or protein powders, vanilla is one of the most universally accepted flavor profiles around the world. In fact, vanilla is so well-known that its very name means “common.”

Between Drinks

Beverage companies step up amid COVID-19 pandemic

All hands on deck to direct critical resources to first responders, food banks

Barbara Harfmann

May 6, 2020

No Comments

During this unprecedented time in history, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on the supply chain, causing bars, restaurants and retailers to close, tradeshows to be shuttered, and living rooms to turn into workplaces and schools.

Up Close With

Numi Organic Tea sources the right spices worldwide

Company helps tea farmers build wells through Together for H2OPE project

Barbara Harfmann

May 5, 2020

No Comments

Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Ahmed Rahim, his older sister Reem Hassani and their family fled to Cleveland when they were ages three and five, respectively, to escape the social injustice of Saddam Hussein.

Packaging Materials

Innovation abounds with production of lighter packaging materials

PepsiCo testing recyclable alternative to plastic rings

Barbara Harfmann

April 23, 2020

No Comments

How a beverage is packaged and deciding the type of packaging material — glass, aluminum or plastic — is a critical part of the equation for beverage-makers. Among the factors that should be considered is sustainability, smaller packaging sizes, and lightweighting.

Distribution

Carts and hand trucks adapt to complex demands

Manuverate Hand Cart delivers heavy kegs without kegs touching the ground

Barbara Harfmann

April 23, 2020

No Comments

Increased SKU counts, tight warehouse and in-store spaces, and delivery personnel who manage heavy cases and kegs are driving innovation of new mobile carts and hand trucks that are designed to improve ergonomics and enable warehouse workers to safely and efficiently stack, retrieve and deliver products.

Category Focus

Sports and protein drinks experience modest growth

Brands release low- and no-sugar options to keep up with trends

Barbara Harfmann

April 21, 2020

No Comments

Although the sports and protein drinks category isn’t necessarily hitting it out of the park, the category nevertheless is “rounding the bases” with modest growth.

Between Drinks

Bartenders have power in on-premise alcohol brand recommendations

Patrón named best overall spirit in bar influencer study

Barbara Harfmann

April 12, 2020

No Comments

When dining out, consumers that “belly up to the bar” might ask their bartenders for recommendations on a particular brand or cocktail.

Ingredient Spotlight

New plant-based beverages increase 58% in marketplace

Ingredient suppliers release new protein solutions

Barbara Harfmann

April 12, 2020

No Comments

The plant-based trend has evolved from niche to mainstream as plant-based ingredients from soy and almonds to newer options like pea, chickpea, oat and rice are being used in a multitude of products.

Lightweight PET dispensing systems are a quick and easy way to reduce your operating costs and achieve your sustainability goals. In a time of financial challenges and shifting market demand “lightweighting” is an ideal opportunity for senior leaders and operations managers to save money and adapt to consumer needs.

In this webinar, you will learn how craft brewers and distillers are evolving to accommodate the strong demand for locally crafted beer and spirits as well as where cannabis infusions will fit into the future.

Beverage Industry Magazine

2020 June

In the June 2020 issue of Beverage Industry the publication highlights how the pandemic has fast-tracked the digital alcohol delivery market. Also featured in this issue is the annual Top 100 Beverage Companies Report, a look at the U.S. tea market, the latest flavor trends driving formulations and much more.

View More Create Account

ARTICLES