Sarah Graybill

Returning to her roots in Chicago after writing and marketing in California’s wine country, Sarah Graybill covers everything from beverage brand creative and innovation in packaging, to responsible manufacturing and products simply too good not to buzz about. Sarah has two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Public Relations and English from Drake University, but has been writing since age 8. Sarah’s favorite aspects of her role as associate editor are the dynamic industry wavemakers she gets to know, and the journeys and stories that make their products noteworthy.

Closure Systems International 28mm Twist and Flip closure

Packaging Materials

Innovative closures boost nutrition, sustainability

Caps and closures help beverage brands deliver on goals, promises

Sarah Graybill

January 6, 2021

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As consumers demand nutrition, ease of use and recyclability from their beverages, brands are seeking innovative caps and closures that help preserve functionality and promote sustainability.

Ingredient Spotlight

Antioxidants, superfoods provide functionality for new age beverages

Stressors prompt consumers to seek beverages that body, mind

Sarah Graybill

January 5, 2021

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The functional properties of antioxidants and superfoods are gaining traction lately as consumer interest in health and wellness grows as the result of the pandemic.

recyclable and reusable textured glass bottle

Operations

Sustainable supply chain vital to beverage market

Suppliers invest in resources to reduce waste, boost sustainability

Sarah Graybill

January 4, 2021

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The need for reusable packaging is one shared through the entire chain from consumers to brands and manufacturers. As such, creating a sustainable supply chain and maintaining ongoing implementation of reusable packaging solutions is likely to continue.

Last Drop

What you sip your drink from matters

How container size/shape, material impacts a beverage

Sarah Graybill

December 15, 2020

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Whether consumers are drinking directly or pouring into a glass to enjoy, product packaging can affect pour consistency, temperature and even flavor profile.

Contract packing industry pivots, grows from challenges

Diverse beverage market encourages modernization of contract packing

Sarah Graybill

December 2, 2020

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With the pandemic conditions impact on supply chains, contract packers have had to innovate in search of ways to meet trending demands while also adapting, improving and growing.

vitamin-infused cold-brew shot: Ojai Valley

R&D Feature

Immunity-conscious consumers seek fortified beverages

Consumers seek improved health, on-the-go nutrition

Sarah Graybill

November 30, 2020

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Consumers’ increased focus on health and performance has been exacerbated by the pandemic’s influence on immunity-focused consumers. Meanwhile, beverage-makers are innovating ways to fortify beverages in ways that also deliver on taste and texture.

Channel Strategies

Pandemic conditions boost eCommerce, beverage sales

Beverage category, alcohol sales thrive in 2020

Sarah Graybill

November 24, 2020

One Comment

Already on the rise, eCommerce purchasing is proliferating during the pandemic. The beverage market has pulled ahead as an emerging leader as alcohol brands embrace online platfoms.

Ingredient Spotlight

Consumers demand beverages with protein boost

Beverages with plant-, animal-based proteins seeing growth

Sarah Graybill

November 18, 2020

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Demand for protein-enriched beverages are on the rise. Although whey proteins have dominated the market, plant-based applications of protein are gaining popularity.

Last Drop

Bacardi offers at-home cocktailing experience

Customized group event includes class, mixology kit

Sarah Graybill

November 16, 2020

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This holiday season, you can bring the tastes of tropical paradise home with a personalized virtual mixology class hosted by rum experts from Puerto Rico’s Casa Bacardi.

Channel Strategies

Mass merchandisers capitalize on ease, convenience

Strategic product placement, eCommerce complements are driving sales

Sarah Graybill

October 29, 2020

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As eCommerce shopping rates are on the rise, experts note that mass merchandisers that capitalize on strategic product placement, variety, and ease of locating and purchasing product will come out on top.