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.

Cover Feature

Business interest in $30B cannabis market up 140%

Canopy Growth inks partnership with Southern Glazer’s to expand distribution of its CBD-infused waters to seven states

Barbara Harfmann

May 5, 2021

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Some 50 years removed from the Hippie Movement of the ‘60s and ’70s, medical and recreational marijuana, pain-relieving edibles like gummies and tinctures are being used by a diverse consumer base in a growing $30 billion cannabis market.

Between Drinks

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s tequila brand gifts up to $1M of “Guac on the Rock”

Drink gifting app @Get_GYDO connects people, facilitates buying of drinks

Barbara Harfmann

May 4, 2021

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In celebration of Cinco de Mayo and May birthday of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the actor and beverage entrepreneur gifted up to $1 million of “Guac on the Rock” with purchase of his Teremana tequila. A new drink gifting app, “Get Your Drink On,” enables users to socially gift a drink to someone in the same bar or in a location across the country.

Channel Strategies

Technology playing larger role in merchandising executions

Eye-catching visuals, brand messaging can facilitate high payout for beverage-makers

Barbara Harfmann

April 29, 2021

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To drive up basket rings in-store, merchandisers are creating point of sale (POS) and point of purchase (POP) displays. In-store success relies a number of factors including location of the display, uniqueness, and the ability to link to QR codes to win cash and prizes.

Packaging Equipment

Filling machines require increased output, fast changeovers

Digitalization manages changeovers, decreases stoppages

Barbara Harfmann

March 31, 2021

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To keep pace with more SKUs and the need to handle diverse beverages in diverse packaging with high hygienic standards, equipment suppliers are adapting to trends and “filling a need” in a changing beverage market.

Beverage R&D

Summer Olympics brings awareness to hydration, keeping bones, joints in top shape

Sports nutrition market due to reach $31B by 2025

Barbara Harfmann

March 26, 2021

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The sports nutrition market is expected to reach $31 billion by 2025. Beverage manufacturers are releasing supplement powders, shots, sticks and beverages designed to give athletes and everyday consumers better bone and joint health.

Special Report: CSDs

Beverage-makers unveil new CSDs crafted for ‘sizzle and pop’

Cream soda sees triple-digit growth

Barbara Harfmann

March 23, 2021

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The $30 billion carbonated soft drinks category continues to innovate by offering consumers more flavor choices and mixed variety packs. Up-and-coming flavors include blood orange and cucumber.

Between Drinks

Regular sleep important for better health

Natural, sleep-restoring beverages, supplements promote restorative sleep

Barbara Harfmann

March 16, 2021

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To fuel up for busy days, at least seven to nine hours of sleep is recommend each night. Several companies are releasing products to help consumers achieve restful sleep.

R&D Feature

Ingredient suppliers expand arsenal of ‘sweet solutions’

Consumers seeking beverages with reduced added sugars and calories

Barbara Harfmann

March 10, 2021

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With consumers paying more attention to their overall health by curtailing sugar, consumers’ positive perceptions of natural, non-GMO plant-based sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit have contributed to $5 billion in sweetener category growth.

“America’s Oldest Brewery,” D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. innovates for the future

Yuengling beers to be available in Texas through joint venture with Molson Coors

Barbara Harfmann

March 4, 2021

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Founded in 1828, D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. has transitioned from a small family operation to a nationally recognized brand that produces more than 2 million barrels of beer. The now sixth generation family owned and operated company is expanding distribution to Texas through a joint venture with Molson Coors Brewing Co.

Category Focus

Digestive health benefits drive double-digit growth for kombucha

Kombucha market grows at CAGR of 52%

Barbara Harfmann

February 26, 2021

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The kombucha market is trending high as consumers seek functional foods and beverages to fulfill a healthier, more tailored lifestyle. The kombucha market is growing at a CAGR of 52 percent from 2016-2020, reports Innova Market Insights.

In light of the widespread use of rPET in the beverage market, the quality control of preforms is a useful activity that is experiencing increasing importance today. Together with the players of this market, we think the purpose of controls isn't just to detect defects but their prevention through process correction.

This webinar will focus on the benefits of implementing a true data infrastructure, and the challenges that organizations will face along this journey.