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.

2020 Innovations of the Year

Beverage brands launch new products that they hope will become classics

Barbara Harfmann

December 3, 2020

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Many beverage manufacturers are “shooting for the moon” in hopes of giving consumers innovative new products that also will become classics within the beverage industry. See Beverage Industry’s Top 5 innovative products.

Packaging Materials

The Best Packages of 2020

Beverage Industry picks Top 5 packaging design winners

Barbara Harfmann

December 1, 2020

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Sustainability is the No. 1 attribute of this year’s top packaging designs. Artistic collaborations also are helps brands stand out on store shelves.

Up Close With

OXIGEN bubbles over with growth

NBA’s Stephen Curry, LPGA golfer Michelle Wie West face of the brand

Barbara Harfmann

November 23, 2020

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Founded in 2014 by Blair Bentham, OXIGEN has grown 300 to 400 percent year-over-year. It recently closed on $15 million in Series B funding, which will help the oxygenated water brand build brand awareness and scale national distribution.

Cover Feature

Craft beer focus shifts during COVID-19

Craft beer volume down 8%

Barbara Harfmann

November 18, 2020

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Due to COVID-19, the independent craft beer market is seeing product volume declines of around 8 percent. Yet, craft brewers have been able to invest in new platforms and modes of selling. Those utilizing eCommerce and offering enhanced to-go offerings and food are reinventing themselves to drive growth.

Between Drinks

Beck Flavors names 2021 Flavors of the Year

Yuzu, Cherry Blossom highlighted for versatility

Barbara Harfmann

November 17, 2020

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During a Nov. 10 webinar over Zoom, I learned what flavors Beck Flavors chose as their 2021 Flavors of the Year.

Category Focus

Plant-based products see continued success in dairy alternatives market

Oat milk surpasses soy milk in plant-based category

Barbara Harfmann

October 30, 2020

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For the past several years, dairy milks have been on a downward trajectory. Yet, the pandemic and consumers working from home has reinvigorated the $16.3 billion dairy milks category. In the plant-based dairy alternative market, almond milk is No. 1, but oat milk has surpassed soy milk.

Beverage industry ups game in fight to save the planet

BrewDog sustainable investments bring operations to carbon negative

Barbara Harfmann

October 22, 2020

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To create a circular economy while healing the planet, beverage wholesalers, supply chains and consumers all must do their part. This includes adopting zero-waste initiatives, recycling waste and running facilities on solar power.

Between Drinks

Bespoken Spirits sustainably matures spirits in days instead of years

BrewDog now carbon negative zero

Barbara Harfmann

October 19, 2020

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The process for aging premium spirits is undergoing a new twist. Co-founded by Stu Aaron and Martin Janousek, Bespoken Spirits has developed a new proprietary process for sustainably maturing spirits in a matter of days, rather than years.

Ingredient Spotlight

Functional CBD brings calming effect to waters, teas

Consumer usage of CBD products on upswing

Barbara Harfmann

October 12, 2020

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Cannabidiol (CBD) is helping consumers “mellow out” with an all-natural, functional ingredient designed to help alleviate pain, stress and anxiety. Twenty-eight percent of consumers are interested in trying CBD beverages, according to Mintel.

Category Focus

Flavored, enhanced waters contribute to growth in bottled water category

Bottled water generates sales of $18.5 billion in U.S. multi-outlets, IRI reports

Barbara Harfmann

September 21, 2020

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The bottled water category continues its premium turn, as beverage-makers experiment with new ways to improve water’s hydrating ability and add extra health benefits.

Beverage Industry Magazine

2020 December

Beverage Industry’s December issue highlights five beverages brands that are “shooting for the moon” in terms of innovation. Also in this issue, we spotlight the premiumization of the private-label beverage market, the latest trends impacting the use of tea ingredients in beverages, the growth of beverage sales in the eCommerce platform, and much more!

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