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.

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 seeking out 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.

Between Drinks

Budweiser champions resilience of America, opts out of Super Bowl ad

Budweiser uses media spend for COVID-19 vaccine awareness with Ad Council

Barbara Harfmann

February 17, 2021

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The Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo and Budweiser are among the big brands not advertising in the Super Bowl. An advertiser for 37 years, Budweiser will be using part of its media spend to help support recovery in the on-premise channel through COVID-19 vaccine awareness, access and education.

Special Report: Health & Wellness

Healthy, functional drinks dominate market

Immunity products with healthy attributes on the rise

Barbara Harfmann

February 3, 2021

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In the midst of COVID-19, consumers are even more interested in functional beverages that support immunity, digestive health and contain less sugar without sacrificing on taste.

Category Focus: Wine

Online sales drive 55% of wine growth

Red wine, red blends are No. 1

Barbara Harfmann

February 2, 2021

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Analysts highlight that the coronavirus pandemic is causing ripple effects in the CPG market. The good news for wine is that it already had the biggest online sales presence, driving 55% of wine growth.

Up Close With

Loverboy experiences exponential growth, benefits from national TV exposure

Loverboy Founder Kyle Cooke markets RTD craft cocktails on “Summer House”

Barbara Harfmann

February 1, 2021

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Reality star Kyle Cooke conceptualized Loverboy on Bravo TV’s “Summer House” in Season 3. This year, he expects his line of low-alcohol RTD canned teas and spritz’s to grow 500 percent.

Between Drinks

Foundations providing emergency grants for essential hospitality workers

USBG National Charity Foundation disburses $9.6M to help 32K hospitality workers

Barbara Harfmann

January 20, 2021

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The National Restaurant Association reports that nearly 100,000 restaurants are in danger of permanently closing. Yet, some foundations are “sharing the love” with much-needed financial help.

Cover Feature

2021 Bottler of the Year: Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED

Southeast bottler nearly quadruples in size, embraces team mentality

Barbara Harfmann

January 7, 2021

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Founded in 1902, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED has grown to be the second largest privately owned bottler in North America. Under the leadership of its CEO John H. Sherman, the company has nearly quadrupled in size, going from 50,000 customers to 150,000, 20 facilities to 60 production and sales and distributions center and grew its revenue to $3 billion.

Category Focus

Functional benefits, coronavirus offer reset for juice, juice drinks

At-home consumers drive double-digit growth in category

Barbara Harfmann

December 23, 2020

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In the past, the high sugar content of juice and juice drinks and its association with breakfast time had the category floundering, Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic and at-home consumers seeking healthful, immune-supporting benefits has led to double-digit growth in juice and juice drinks.

Up Close With

Lifestyle bottled water company takes hydration to the next level

VOSS+ Aquamin uses Icelandic seaweed to create extra-hydrating water

Barbara Harfmann

December 18, 2020

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Recognizing global health-and-wellness trends, VOSS expanded its portfolio to include a new enhanced water lineup: VOSS+ Aquamin, VOSS+ Vitamin D and VOSS+ Collagen. The line gives consumers functionality “beyond hydration.”

Between Drinks

Check value, premiumization rises on-premise

Nearly two-thirds of consumers have increased tip amounts

Barbara Harfmann

December 16, 2020

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Many of us are more than ready to bid adieu to 2020, but experts note the following on-premise trends: check values are higher; wait staff are earning higher tips; and consumers are “treating” themselves to more premium cocktails and spirits.

The Non-Alcohol Beverage Market, the analysts at Beverage Marketing Corporation will dive into the beverage patterns of 2020 and prognosticate whether those patterns will continue in the years ahead.

In Beverage Industry’s annual State of the Beverage Industry: The Beverage Alcohol Market, the analysts at Beverage Marketing Corporation will discuss what fueled the categories performance and what challenges lie ahead.