Beverage Industry Magazine

Cover Feature

Wholesaler of the Year: Andrews Distributing

Texas beer distributor wins with great offense, customer-centric focus

September 2, 2020

Founded in 1976, Andrews Distributing has been selected as BI’s 2020 Wholesaler of the Year because of its rich history; its strong customer-centric philosophy and use of emerging technology to elevate the needs of retailers and its shoppers; a commitment to sustainability; and a willingness to go the extra mile to help its customers and community.

Category Focus

Pandemic bolsters in-home coffee consumption

Hybrid beverage trends driving RTD coffee innovation

Jessica Jacobsen

September 2, 2020

No Comments

As the U.S. coffee market is adjusting to an increased work-from-home culture and a reduction of foodservice selections, in-home coffee consumption remains strong.

Category Focus

Hard coffee dollar sales see 11,000% growth since 2019

Consumers’ affinity for coffee, alcohol boosts segment’s success

Sarah Graybill

September 3, 2020

No Comments

As off-premise alcohol sees strong performance, and coffee and alcohol remain leaders in beverage, the success of hard coffee comes as little surprise. Growth in the category has boomed, and performance indicates a steady outlook.

Packaging Equipment

Labeling equipment fosters the need for speed

Equipment handles diverse needs of beverage-makers

Barbara Harfmann

August 27, 2020

No Comments

Labeling equipment must be fast, accurate and be able to handle unique bottle designs. Customers also are seeking tamper-evident labels to ensure product safety.

Operations

High-pressure processing’s popularity grows in beverage processing

HPP suppliers develop modular, in-bulk solutions for beverage-makers

Jessica Jacobsen

August 19, 2020

No Comments

The fresh approach has become the safe and healthy approach as more beverage manufacturers turn to high-pressure processing for their operations.

Guardian LLC’s Guardian Athletic Rehydration beverage

R&D Feature

Sugar reduction trends hold steady in beverage development

Better-for-you trends continue to drive sweetener innovation

Sarah Graybill

August 26, 2020

No Comments

Low- and no-sugar beverages continue to resonate with health-minded consumers, prompting beverage-makers to seek new age sweeteners for today’s beverages.

Ingredient Spotlight

Botanicals a boon for beverage

Botanicals’ flavor, function enhances beverages

Sarah Graybill

August 24, 2020

No Comments

Consumers seeking better-for-you beverages, along with those with interesting taste profiles are drinking up botanicals. Adding flavor and function, botanicals are experiencing wide adoption and success in the beverage market.

Up Close With

La Fête du Rosé promotes inclusiveness

Rosé wine brand invites all to join the party

Barbara Harfmann

August 21, 2020

No Comments

On the market since last summer, La Fête du Rosé, which literally means “The Rosé Party,” has set out to be the go-to rosé wine that speaks to multicultural consumers with a zest for travel, food, wine and life — the same attributes that speak to the heart and soul of La Fête Founder and Chief Executive Officer Donae Burston.

Supplemental Marketing

Virtual tastings, events and go-to online marketing engages consumers

Beverage brands drive sales through website, DTC

Barbara Harfmann

September 4, 2020

No Comments

For wineries and independent craft spirit and beer producers, taprooms, tasting rooms and tours have long encouraged trial and experimentation, helping these entrepreneurs become beacons of community and camaraderie. Yet, to drive sales during the past six months, beverage brands have been forced to pivot and use other avenues such as eCommerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping with overall positive results.

Supplement: Special Report

Expanding business through new product development

What to consider when assessing new product expansions

September 7, 2020

No Comments

With the right processes in place, new product development is a highly effective way to scale your business.

Warehouse

Automation places pressure on lift trucks

Forklifts employ telematics, key safety measures

Jessica Jacobsen

September 2, 2020

No Comments

As automation becomes a bigger component of warehouse operations, forklifts adjust to this new environment with software solutions.

Distribution

Should you buy or lease your beverage trucks?

Leasing more attractive in financial uncertainty

Jeff Cioletti

August 31, 2020

No Comments

In fleet management, the decision to buy or lease trucks or equipment is an important decision dependent on many factors including maintenance schedules and financial climate.

Packaging Equipment

Labeling equipment fosters the need for speed

Equipment handles diverse needs of beverage-makers

Barbara Harfmann

August 27, 2020

No Comments

Labeling equipment must be fast, accurate and be able to handle unique bottle designs. Customers also are seeking tamper-evident labels to ensure product safety.

Beverage Beat

Study shows consumers eager to return to restaurant dining

Patronage will hinge new expectations for digital support

Jessica Jacobsen

August 26, 2020

No Comments

According to a study released by Oracle Food and Beverage, consumers are hopeful about visiting restaurants again, but these visits might require more efforts from operators.

Channel Strategies

Sales shifts prompt changes within convenience channel

Despite dip in overall beverage sales, various categories performing well in c-stores

Sarah Graybill

August 25, 2020

No Comments

In the midst of the pandemic, consumer-purchasing patterns have shifted, impacting convenience stores sales and product offerings. Despite these changes, the channel is harnessing opportunities for future success.

Between Drinks

Beverage companies boost revenue through virtual events

Digital marketing crucial in current business climate

Barbara Harfmann

August 25, 2020

No Comments

As the COVID-19 shutdown continues to wreak havoc on the economy, beverage companies are getting creative when it comes to boosting revenue and connecting with consumers.

The Last Drop

Buddha’s Cup Kona coffee benefits from sustainable practices

Combination of low-tech, high-tech methods promote coffee bean growth

Sarah Graybill

August 24, 2020

No Comments

Buddha’s Cup’s 100-acre plantation in Holualoa has adopted both low-tech and high-tech growing and harvesting methods that optimize the success of the Kona coffee crops, while also having minimal impact on the local ecosystem.

In recent years, the beverage industry has seen a huge trend towards more SKUs, shorter production runs and more frequent design conversions. To solve these challenges and take advantage of these opportunities, a new breed of mid-volume systems is playing a vital role for established and emerging producers alike.