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.

Packaging Equipment

Coding technology keeps pace with innovation

Interactivity, traceability among impactful trends

Sarah Graybill

August 6, 2021

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When it comes to traceability and interactivity, a package’s coding is of utmost importance. As such, equipment that can keep up with these trending demands is essential, and must continue to adapt to meet the evolving needs of packaging.

Arpac Model 45TW-28 Tray Shrink Wrapper and Heat Tunnel

Operations

Revamped equipment saves beverage manufacturers time, money

Pandemic contributes to demand for refurbished equipment

Sarah Graybill

August 2, 2021

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Consumers’ demands have caused manufacturers to need updated equipment capabilities. However, halted manufacturing due to the pandemic caused a roadblock. Enter refurbished equipment, a lower-cost, more quickly available solution.

Last Drop

Tequila Cazadores offers immersion experience

History, sustainability among immersion’s highlights

Sarah Graybill

August 2, 2021

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In the midst of the launch of several new products, Tequila Cazadores offers an immersion experience highlighting the brand’s history, sustainability practices and the standards that go into its premium status.

Barcode plant-based, adaptogen-rich performance beverage

R&D Feature

Immune health drives beverage innovation

Functional ingredients impact formulation, flavor

Sarah Graybill

July 30, 2021

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Consumer demand for immune-supporting ingredients is on the rise, leading beverage brand and ingredient companies to innovate with immune-health-focused ingredients that push the envelope.

Up Close With

LIFEAID launches functional drinks to boost post-workout recovery

From sleep-aid to fitness, new products see success

Sarah Graybill

July 28, 2021

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LIFEAID Beverage Co. has hit the ground running post-pandemic with two recent product launches and a return to in-person tastings. On the road ahead, consumers can expect to see more functional offerings and “exciting” news in 2022.

Packaging Materials

Consumers, trends impact secondary packaging

Sustainability, smart technology influence packaging design

Sarah Graybill

July 6, 2021

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Shifts in commerce, along with shifts in consumers’ focus on factors such as product safety, sustainability and more are influencing the secondary packaging market. In addition, as technology progresses, packaging is seizing opportunities to offer efficiency and other capabilities.

State of the Beverage Industry: Wine, spirits markets grow in traditional, premium offerings

Sparkling wine, seltzer-centric spirits drive beverage alcohol categories

Sarah Graybill

July 1, 2021

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In both wine and spirits markets, everyday occasions are driving consumption, along with premium offerings. Whiskey leads the way in spirits, with table wines being among the favorites in the wine category, notched by sparkling wines.

2021 State of the Beverage Industry: Weight control, sports beverages growing steadily

Most fitness beverage subcategories see notable growth

Sarah Graybill

July 1, 2021

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The sports drinks category saw a 15.6% growth over the year prior, which experts note likely is due to increasing consumer focus on health and wellness in recent years.

2021 State of the Beverage Industry: Dairy category outpaced by alternative options

Almond milk grows, along with other plant-based categories

Sarah Graybill

July 1, 2021

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While the dairy category as a whole remains fairly stable, various sub-segments demonstrate a slowdown, including in traditional milk and soy-based milks. Almond milk and other alternatives, however, are seeing an upward trajectory.

2021 State of the Beverage Industry: RTD cold brew leads coffee category growth

RTD segment booms, single-cup remains largest segment

Sarah Graybill

July 1, 2021

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Experts note the pandemic likely contributed to at-home coffee consumption, making single-serve the largest segment of the category. However, growth driven by convenience and consumers’ premium preferences also drove notable growth in the RTD category.