Barbara Harfmann

Its rich history, diversified portfolio and commitment to providing best-in-class service to its customers are among the reasons that Grey Eagle Distributors is Beverage Industry’s 2017 Wholesaler of the Year.

As more consumers take a back-to-nature approach to their health and nutrition, recognizable, plant-based botanical ingredients like green tea, guarana, turmeric, acai, vanilla and ginger are adding functionality, healthy hydration, natural caffeine and clean-label appeal to a variety of beverages.

Forklifts have long been a staple in beverage warehouses. Yet, demand for new, sustainable technologies, like electric lift trucks, as well as the incorporation of the right combination of slotting and storage strategies to increase capacity and picking efficiency are driving the market.

The familiarity and fresh-from-the-vine natural goodness of citrus fruits have been resonating with consumers for decades. Used as a single, recognizable ingredient in orange juice or lemonade, citrus ingredients are adding a refreshing, good-for-you boost to a wide variety of products and can be used alone or in combination with other flavors to deliver differentiated taste experiences. Experts note that citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, pineapples and grapefruits are a staple in juices, and also are proliferating in still and sparkling waters, sports beverages, energy drinks, ready-to-drink (RTD) teas, coffee, and beer. They also are used in combination to add a refreshing twist to even more beverage applications including spirits, mocktails and low-proof alcohol beverages, they add.

Although automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated guided carts (AGCs) have been in the market for more than 40 years, a renewed interest has emerged in “true robotic systems” that consistently and predictably transport loads of materials to places that might otherwise be serviced by manually driven forklift trucks, conveyors or manual cart transport, experts say. “Interest is soaring,” says Laura McConney, marketing coordinator at JBT Corp., Chalfont, Pa. “Customers no longer wonder whether they should install AGVs. They know they need them and just want to develop the best implementation plan. Customers are well beyond considering beta site testing and have moved onto enterprise-wide deployments.

With its red, white and blue packaging and USA-CERTIFIED label from Made in USA Industries, a third-party verification company, Salute American Vodka’s patriotic perspective runs deeper than a business mantra. Founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Pete Kelly as a means of “paying it forward” to U.S. veterans struggling with unemployment, homelessness and post-traumatic stress, the self-titled brand and company donates the first dollar of every bottle sold to nonprofit organizations that provide programs and services for veterans and other American heroes.

There’s an old adage that says not to judge a book by its cover. Yet, when it comes to beverage brands looking to stand out on store shelves, beverage-makers want consumers to do just that.