Following multiple years of downturn, the foodservice industry has demonstrated perseverance and is making a comeback.

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, announced the launch of Coca-Cola Freestyle 8100, a new back-of-house dispenser developed specifically for the crew-serve occasion. The new dispenser’s advanced technology streamlines drink pouring for foodservice crews, helping reduce drive-thru wait times for diners while providing the beverage quality and variety they crave, according to the company. 

As consumer diets drive the need for clean label, gluten-free and functional ingredients, suppliers take the steps to make it easier for beverage-makers.

GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific LLC, introduced a new dispensing solution for foodservice patrons: the GP PRO Automated Sealer. 

The National Restaurant Association, Washington, D.C., released a mid-year supplement to the 2021 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, which illustrates the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry. 

Kerry recently released new dairy-free flavors in its Big Train product family of hot and cold beverage mixes for use by foodservice operators. 

Chicago-based Technomic has released the beverage category sizing report exploring how COVID-19 impacted foodservice beverages. This report is a deliverable of the Away-From-Home Beverage Navigator program, which offers a comprehensive assessment of both hot and cold beverage categories, including market sizing, historical tracking, predicted growth, consumer insights, operator responses, major trends and market dynamics.

To reinforce consumers love for food, Pepsi, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, is upending what consumers expect of the food delivery world, with the launch of Pep’s Place, where the cola comes first. Consumers are invited to first pick their Pepsi beverage of choice, which then prompts curated food items based on that beverage, to enhance the overall meal experience. Pep’s Place is available in select locations around the country for delivery only available through PepsPlaceRestaurant.com and major food aggregators (Uber Eats, Door Dash and Grub Hub).