As the industry continues to navigate a new “normal,” major beverage players are finding innovative ways to weather the storm. Among those players are operators, who tactfully are expanding on existing beverage facilities or building brand-new ones to ensure continued efficiency.

Refresco, Rotterdam, Netherlands, entered into an agreement with The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, to acquire three of its production locations in the United States. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

While experts note new facility builds have decreased slightly, many beverage businesses still are expanding or constructing facilities to meet demands of growth and expansion.

Komax Systems Inc. announced the creation of a world-class turnkey solution designed to improve processing in the food and beverage industry. 

Komax Systems Inc. announced the creation of a world-class turnkey solution designed to improve processing in the food and beverage industry. 

Edgewater Products Co. offers its new antimicrobial copper laminate film to help protect against COVID-19. 

National Chemicals Inc. launched a non-caustic beverage system cleaner, Vantage Synergy. 

Charles Ross & Son introduces its new skid system: the Model VSL-400. 

In the midst of COVID-19, the beverage industry faces important production, economic, market and environmental challenges. Corporate goals to address water usage, multi-tiered sanitizing solutions and sustainability present new operational challenges, particularly as plant and food safety rises in importance.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the beverage market had seen a lot of mergers and acquisitions among beverage wholesalers as well as continuous SKU proliferation from beverage manufacturers. Because of these trends, many beverage operations are turning to new facility builds to ease the pain.