Barbara Harfmann

Operations

High-pressure processing enhances food safety, extends shelf life

Food, beverage processing equipment market to reach $76B by 2026

February 18, 2022

With consumers’ growing preference toward functional beverages, beverage manufacturers are adopting new processing equipment designed to churn out healthier beverages including juices that have undergone high-pressure processing (HPP).

Between Drinks

Coffee, tea markets continue to thrive

Tea market offers many varietals to sip and savor

Barbara Harfmann

February 14, 2022

Consumers differ on how they get their morning caffeine, but regardless of what beverage you start your day with, the coffee and tea market is expected to stay piping hot.

Functional beverages containing probiotics trend upwards

44% of consumers consider using probiotics, Kerry global survey discovers

Barbara Harfmann

February 2, 2022

Probiotics within a variety of beverages are addressing consumers’ need states, including improving gut health and immunity, promoting weight loss, enhancing cognitive function, and even improving libido.

Beverage R&D

Beverage-makers innovate with new products to boost brain power

Growth potential for science-back ingredients within beverages high

Barbara Harfmann

January 28, 2022

Preventing Alzheimer’s disease and improved clinical research on functional ingredients are among the trends boosting the use of cognitive health and energy ingredients within beverages and supplements.

Special Report: Health and Wellness

More options enable health and wellness products to proliferate

Plant-based products among segments fueling health and wellness trends

Barbara Harfmann

January 27, 2022

From bone broths, plant-based beverages to ready-to-drink coffees and teas, functional beverages that support immunity, digestive health and overall health and wellness are thriving.

Bioengineered used instead of GMO as new labeling rule takes effect

Sales of Non-GMO Project Verified products exceed $26B

Barbara Harfmann

January 18, 2022

Along with the United States, many countries require genetically modified foods to be labeled. Effective this year, the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard requires manufacturers in the beverage industry to label products using the term “bioengineered” instead of “GMO.”

Packaging Equipment

Flexibility vital for can filling and seaming equipment

Quality control, safety important on filling lines

Barbara Harfmann

December 30, 2021

Can fillers and seamers have adapted to handle the influx of SKUs flooding the beverage market to keep operations running smoothly.

R&D Feature

Weight management coincides with healthier lifestyle

Suppliers aiding weight management through innovations in sugar reduction, functionality

Barbara Harfmann

December 27, 2021

Beverage trends including gluten free, non-GMO, plant-based and low- or no-sugar are resonating in the marketplace as consumers are looking for more than a “diet” to help them manage their weight.

Novembal Novactive 28 non-spill sports cap by SmartSeal

Packaging Materials

Caps, closures provide protection, premiumization

Intelligent packaging to reach $46B by 2031

Barbara Harfmann

December 23, 2021

Tasked with protecting the contents of beverages, caps and closures also are seeing trends that impact sustainable measures as well as incorporating smart technology.

Between Drinks

No alcohol trend rising in prominence

A third of Gen Z consumers don’t drink alcohol

Barbara Harfmann

December 15, 2021

Trends indicate that no alcohol is trending not just in “Dry January” but throughout the year. As a result, beverage manufacturers are stocking shelves with plenty of non-alcohol beer, wine and spirits.