As the functional and flavorful capabilities of domestic and exotic fruits continue to be experimented with, a healthy mix of traditional and emerging combinations are on the horizon for beverages, experts note.

Historically an upcycled byproduct within the coffee production process, coffee fruit’s sustainable characteristics and health benefits could present opportunities in beverage development.

With consumers and brands demanding more sustainability from packaging, manufacturers are innovating stretch and shrink labels to rise to the demand, incorporating creativity and even technology into the labels.

Mtn Dew and Burton Snowboards recently announced One World, a partnership surrounding the One World project that features a full-length feature film and a limited-edition collection of goods created with rPET Polartec and 12 episodes of digital content celebrating the love of snowboarding, the environment, and the desire to discover what's next, the brands say.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.