Articles by Barbara Harfmann

As consumers strive for healthy, natural beverages, clean labels and products with simple, recognizable ingredients, natural flavors and colors are dominating the beverage aisle. Yet, expert note the term “clean label” can mean different things.

Sports and protein drinks, particularly for non-athletes, will continue to drive the market, but beverage-makers should be aware of consumers’ wellness goals, including the need for organic products and high transparency.

Hot or cold, bottled or bagged, tea is one of the most recognizable, widely consumed beverages in the world due to its healthy halo, premium options and flavor innovations.

Having enough energy to get through the day has fueled consumer interest in the energy drinks and energy shots category, which is steadily growing, experts say.

As consumers turn to products with less sugar, some traditional beverage categories have seen the effects.

As consumers thirst for the hydrating benefits of water, they also are reaching for new flavors, varietals and types of bottled water, experts say.

Today, beverage manufacturers are singing the praises of this versatile, functional vegetable that is being blended into cold-pressed juices, kombuchas, shrubs, lattes and even cocktails.

Once an emerging technology, telematics and logistic support has dramatically increased in the past few years to keep pace with SKU proliferation, the need to move products faster, multiple deliveries and even last-minute deliveries that require immediate action, experts note.