For many Americans, the morning doesn’t start until their first sip of coffee. According to experts, the coffee category faces only a few unique trends impacting it.

McDonald’s and Kraft Foods, Northfield, Ill., are giving coffee lovers a new way to enjoy their favorite cup of java in the comfort and convenience of their own homes McCafé packaged coffee is available in grocery, mass merchandise, club and drug retail locations across the United States. 

Country Time, a lemonade brand of Kraft Foods Group Inc., is helping make lemonade preparation easier this summer with the release of its Country Time Lemonade Starter multi-serve liquid concentrate, it says.

Pittsburgh-based H.J. Heinz Co. and Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft Foods Group Inc. announced that they have signed a definitive merger agreement to form The Kraft Heinz Co., which would make the new company the third-largest food and beverage company in North America and the fifth largest in the world, the companies report. 

Iced Coffee Concentrates meet new trend demand

Waterbury, Vt.-based Keurig Green Mountain Inc. and Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft Foods Group Inc. announced a multi-year licensing, manufacturing and distribution agreement for Kraft's branded coffees in Keurig portion pack formats compatible with Keurig consumer and commercial brewing systems in the United States.

Kraft Foods Group Inc., Northfield, Ill., reported a 0.7 percent increase in net revenue to $4.7 billion for the second quarter of 2014, which ended June 28, compared with the prior-year period.

Although the term mixologist is commonly referenced in association with alcohol products, innovations within the drink mix category are allowing consumers to become mixologists in the non-alcohol arena.

Maxwell House, a coffee brand of Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft Foods Group Inc., is redefining its 121-year-old brand to re-ground America in what is truly good about coffee, the brand says. As consumers seek products and experiences that are described as “awesome,” “amazing,” or “incredible,” Maxwell House is aiming to make itself more relevant to a new generation of coffee consumers by reminding people just how good “Good” is, it says.

Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft Foods Group released its 2014 Innovations Hot List infographic. The infographic details trends and new products from the company including the new Mio Energy Acai Berry Storm and Tropical Fusion flavors.