Lauren Sabetta

With no shortage of contributing factors for Americans’ rising stress levels, ingredient suppliers are turning to holistic ingredients that promote relaxation and stress relief to help beverage-makers meet consumers’ growing need states.

As more and more consumers learn about the gut microbiome and its role in overall health and wellness, experts highlight how incorporating fiber and biotic solutions can help beverage-makers meet consumers’ various need states.

As physical fitness remains top of mind for those seeking healthier lifestyles, experts note that today’s consumers not only are turning to sports drinks to deliver on recovery, but also seek such drinks to help meet overall wellness goals.

Despite inflationary concerns, consumers are seeking out treat experiences as experts note that the on-premise channel continues to bounce back.

With increased SKUs, retailers need to have broader product availability, and wholesalers want to have the ability to service those retailers more efficiently, as such, DSD solutions that aid with inventory, merchandising and forecasting automation are hot topics in the beverage industry.

As sustainability has grown in importance to shoppers with environmental concerns, more beverage brands are using post-consumer recycled (PCR) content to support a circular economy.

Growing urbanization, changing lifestyles are some pivotal factors influencing the demand for instant coffee, especially among youngsters, around the world, expert note. 

With mindfulness trends blowing behind it, Athletic Brewing is set to push the non-alcohol category forward for years to come.

With more consumers seeking reduced-sugar or sugar-free drinks, experts note that beverage-makers are turning to sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, monk fruit and allulose to deliver products without sacrificing on taste.

As consumer behavior has changed significantly since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation is having a momentous impact on drug and dollar store channels, experts note.