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.

Books on bourbon chronicle history of Kentucky distilling

Fermentation Kitchen offers how-to recipes

Barbara Harfmann

September 20, 2021

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Fall is the right time for reading a book, trying a new hobby or perfecting the perfect kombucha recipe. Several new books about bourbon showcase the art of distilling in Kentucky.

Channel Strategies

Alcohol, non-alcohol beverage sales booming at convenience stores

Hard seltzers, CSDs driving sales within convenience channel

Barbara Harfmann

September 1, 2021

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In addition to purchasing gas, consumers head to their local convenience store to satisfy immediate consumption needs in an easy-to-navigate space. Sales of both alcohol and non-alcohol beverages are up, with hard seltzers and carbonated soft drinks top performers.

Category Focus

Flavors, ready-to-drink varieties ‘brewing up’ expanded coffee occasions

Coffee market generates 11% growth, Mintel reports

Barbara Harfmann

August 30, 2021

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Whether hot, iced, cold brew, nitro, ground or in pods, coffee and RTD coffee are “brewing up” expanding drinking opportunities in a hot market.

Seltzer centric spirits look to unseat hard seltzers

With growth up 184%, spirits seltzers ‘shake things up’

Barbara Harfmann

August 24, 2021

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Ready-to-drink seltzer centric spirits, generally made from a vodka or tequila base, and RTD premixed cocktails are exploding in size and innovation, as consumers seek convenient, on-the-go options.

Up Close With

OLIPOP brings digestive health benefits, less sugar and ‘pop’ to the industry

Barbara Harfmann

August 23, 2021

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Co-founded by beverage entrepreneurs Ben Goodwin and David Lester, OLIPOP is a functional low-calorie, low-sugar beverage that combines the benefits of prebiotics, plant fiber and botanicals in a “New Kind of Soda” that promotes digestive health.

Between Drinks

Canned cocktails steal some of seltzers thunder

Ready-to-drink share growing 15% on Drizly

Barbara Harfmann

August 16, 2021

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How and where consumers are purchasing their alcohol continues to shift, with eCommerce continuing to drive sales. Although hard seltzers have been king of the beverage industry the past three years, ready-to-drink canned cocktails now are outpacing the category.

Packaging Materials

Labeling materials prompt purchasing behavior

ACTEGA releases new premium label decorating solution

Barbara Harfmann

August 5, 2021

2 Comments

Premium beverage brands are adopting premium labels with thinner materials and brighter designs to attract buyers. In June, ACTEGA released a new “no label” decorating solution designed to reduce waste by 50%: Signite.

Distribution

Automated guided vehicles optimize supply chain distribution

Advanced AGV sensors put vehicles on programmable path

Barbara Harfmann

July 29, 2021

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Based on a severe worker shortage, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are enabling companies to rethink the deployment of their workforce. Designed to run on the warehouse floor and handle repetitive tasks, some AGV models can reach and retrieve pallets with or without an operator.

Cover Feature

Hard seltzers comprise 7% of total beverage alcohol

Large and small companies invest in hard seltzers

Barbara Harfmann

July 27, 2021

One Comment

Hard seltzers are sizzling hot in the beverage marketplace, now comprising 7% of total beverage alcohol. Brands that want to succeed will need to entice consumers with flavor and formulation innovation and convenient RTD packaging.

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Cover Feature

Oliver Winery’s one-of-a-kind wines win with consumers

Indiana winery a one-of-a-kind tourist destination

Barbara Harfmann

July 8, 2021

One Comment

Founded in 1972 in Bloomington, Ind., Oliver Winery & Vineyards now is the 29th largest winery in the United States, crafting more than 40 varietals of wine. Its claim to fame lies in its award-winning sweet red wines and its flavored Moscato wines including Cherry, Blueberry and its new, 6.8% ABV Lemon Moscato, billed as a “lemon shakeup for grown-ups.”