Articles by Sarah Graybill

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.