Beverage Industry Magazine

Beverage Industry’s September issue features our 2021 Wholesaler of the Year recognition of Republic National Distributing Company. This issue also features an update on the U.S. coffee market as well as insights on the performance of the convenience store channel. Also in this issue are articles on sweeteners solutions, botanical and adaptogens as well as the annual New Product Development Supplement.

Cover Feature

2021 Wholesaler of the Year: Republic National Distributing Company

RNDC deepens mission to be distributor of choice for suppliers, customers

Jessica Jacobsen

September 3, 2021

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As a premier wine and spirits wholesaler, Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) has built an organization that supports not only the needs of its suppliers and customers, but also the communities it serves.

KST-55 steam tunnel with an integrated boiler

Labeling equipment tackles speed, flexibility need states

Thinner label materials, pack sizes evolutions among trends impacting OEMs

Jessica Jacobsen

August 19, 2021

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In the beverage market, the diverse need states of consumers is encouraging original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) within the labeling division to ensure that their machines are able to be just as flexible and versatile.

Automation, SKU proliferation create a need for advanced lift trucks

Forklifts equip warehouses with the ability to overcome space constraints

Taylor Karg

August 31, 2021

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As automation, SKU proliferation and technology continue to impact the beverage industry, these forklifts have evolved to keep stride.

Category Focus

Flavors, ready-to-drink varieties ‘brewing up’ expanded coffee occasions

Coffee market generates 11% growth, Mintel reports

Barbara Harfmann

August 30, 2021

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Whether hot, iced, cold brew, nitro, ground or in pods, coffee and RTD coffee are “brewing up” expanding drinking opportunities in a hot market.

Operations

HPP advancements spark beverage innovation

In-bulk HPP opens up technique to new packaging formats

Jennifer Storelli

August 26, 2021

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For more than 20 years, high-pressure processing (HPP) has helped beverage-makers bring fresh, healthy and functional beverages to store shelves. Now, pioneering engineering efforts are working to bring this processing technique to even more applications.

Beverage Beat

Probiotics usage, awareness continues to increase, survey shows

Beverage-makers find new ways to deliver digestive health ingredients

Jessica Jacobsen

August 25, 2021

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Across the globe, consumers are more engaged with consuming probiotics, according to a survey from Kerry ProActive Health’s division. Beverage-makers are taking an active role in helping fulfill this growing need state.

Seltzer centric spirits look to unseat hard seltzers

With growth up 184%, spirits seltzers ‘shake things up’

Barbara Harfmann

August 24, 2021

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Ready-to-drink seltzer centric spirits, generally made from a vodka or tequila base, and RTD premixed cocktails are exploding in size and innovation, as consumers seek convenient, on-the-go options.

Consumers investing in health with sugar reduction trends

Natural, less processed sweeteners driving beverage innovations

Jessica Jacobsen

August 24, 2021

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As consumers focus on their health, many are looking to reduce sugar intake. However, because they still desire the sweet profile, beverage-makers are turning to more natural, less processed sweeteners.

Up Close With

OLIPOP brings digestive health benefits, less sugar and ‘pop’ to the industry

Barbara Harfmann

August 23, 2021

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Co-founded by beverage entrepreneurs Ben Goodwin and David Lester, OLIPOP is a functional low-calorie, low-sugar beverage that combines the benefits of prebiotics, plant fiber and botanicals in a “New Kind of Soda” that promotes digestive health.

Sustainability influencing future beverage packaging plans

Pandemic alters preferred beverage packaging options

Jessica Jacobsen

August 18, 2021

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Sustainable packaging has become important to more consumers; however, a better understanding of recycling and materials will help connect shoppers with beverage brands adopting this packaging attribute.

Ingredient Spotlight

Plant-based extracts fill the need for health, functionality amid pandemic

Stress management fueling increased demand for adaptogens

Stephanie Cernivec

August 17, 2021

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The numbers don’t lie — botanical ingredients are gaining favor in the food and beverage market. Interest in botanicals is on the rise for various reasons, which has only been boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic, experts note.

Should you buy or lease your beverage trucks?

Distribution

Urban landscape tricky to navigate for beverage distribution

Battery-electric trucks useful in urban areas

Jeff Cioletti

September 2, 2021

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When delivering to accounts in the city, beverage delivery trucks must navigate heavier traffic, narrow streets and pedestrians. To save on carbon emissions, battery-electric trucks serve as a solution in urban areas.

Channel Strategies

Alcohol, non-alcohol beverage sales booming at convenience stores

Hard seltzers, CSDs driving sales within convenience channel

Barbara Harfmann

September 1, 2021

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In addition to purchasing gas, consumers head to their local convenience store to satisfy immediate consumption needs in an easy-to-navigate space. Sales of both alcohol and non-alcohol beverages are up, with hard seltzers and carbonated soft drinks top performers.

Between Drinks

Canned cocktails steal some of seltzers thunder

Ready-to-drink share growing 15% on Drizly

Barbara Harfmann

August 16, 2021

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How and where consumers are purchasing their alcohol continues to shift, with eCommerce continuing to drive sales. Although hard seltzers have been king of the beverage industry the past three years, ready-to-drink canned cocktails now are outpacing the category.