Beverage Industry Magazine

Through its diverse portfolio of lemonades, limeades and teas, King Juice Co. Inc. is refreshing consumers as its Calypso portfolio brings the “Taste of the Islands” to consumers’ homes.

2020 State of the Beverage Industry

July 1, 2020

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Beverage Industry provides an in-depth look into the performances and trends in the alcohol and non-alcohol categories within the last year.

CLEAN Cause sparkling, low-sugar, organic caffeine from yerba mate

R&D Feature

Clean label finds its roots in nature

Reduced sugar sports drink present clean-label opportunity

Jessica Jacobsen

July 13, 2020

“Real” ingredients from nature are helping beverage-makers deliver clean-label solutions.

Packaging Equipment

Inspection equipment innovation expedites output, reduces error

Advancements in technology, efficiency improve beverage production processes

July 1, 2020

Projected to be a $774 million market by 2024, according to Markets and Markets, inspection equipment is ensuring a beverage’s successful journey to consumers by employing technological advancements that reduce errors and drive efficiency.

Packaging Materials

Secondary packaging enhances marketing, sustainability efforts

Suppliers release new can carriers using less plastic

July 1, 2020

As beverage manufacturers strive to unlock the power and potential of secondary packaging, they have a plethora of options from which to choose, including shrink-wrap, paperboard and corrugated packaging.

Distribution

The cooler side of refrigerated truck bodies, trailers

Fleet suppliers design trailers, systems that support today’s refrigerated beverage needs

Jeff Cioletti

June 26, 2020

As refrigerated beverages proliferate the retail channels, suppliers are upgrading their refrigerated truck and trailer options for beverage distribution.

Operations

Automated palletizer systems optimize manufacturing, save time

Increased efficiency, space utilization improve operations

June 26, 2020

Among the factors pushing the automated palletizer industry to a predicted $3.27 billion market by 2025 are SKU-mixed cases; the need to save space, time and money; and streamlining processes when it comes to a limited workforce and optimizing equipment collaboration.

Ingredient Spotlight

THC usage slowly growing as intoxicant ingredient

Edibles market grows 80%

June 25, 2020

Despite regulatory challenges, the use of THC in beverages is seeing a slight uptick. Nielsen suggests that consumers often turn to marijuana products because it doesn’t cause a hangover and is low- or zero-calorie.

Up Close With

Neuro Brands fills void in lifestyle beverage space

Brand offers eight SKUs to promote immunity, digestive health

June 25, 2020

Founded in 2009, Neuro Brands LLC was created by Sanela Diana Jenkins to promote the health of both the body and mind. The company offers a line of eight low-calorie functional beverages to help promote sleep, aid digestion and reduce stress in low-calorie, great-tasting beverages, it says.

Channel Strategies

Consumer-focused foodservice venues find ways to rebound

Perks, experience will be key to recovering from slow-downs

June 23, 2020

As businesses reopen, digital engagement with consumers will be more important than ever before for keeping restaurants top-of-mind and personalized, experts note.

Category Focus

Plant waters innovate to expand beyond niche market

Processing, functionality trends drive coconut and other plant waters

Jessica Jacobsen

June 23, 2020

Although sales for the coconut and other plant waters market might be down for the five-year period of 2014-2019, brands are innovating their lines to help bring the category more mainstream.

Beverage Beat

Euromonitor releases themes on evolving consumer markets

Report predicts various practices developed during COVID-19 will continue through markets

July 8, 2020

In Euromonitor International’s report “How Will Consumer Markets Evolve After Coronavirus?,” the market research firm identifies six COVID-19 themes impacting the consumer mindset.

Operations Perspective

Automation adoption impacts staffing challenge for beverage operations

Changes to materials, equipment additional factors in staffing needs

John Peter Koss

July 10, 2020

Although automation has altered staffing needs for beverage operations, it has not eliminated the challenges that beverage manufacturers and distributors need to address.

Supplier's Marketplace

Larson Electronics offers KN95 masks to halt spread of COVID-19

Masks trap virus particles before they can become airborne

July 11, 2020

Larson Electronics is offering KN95 respirators as a form of source control because they prevent an infected person with or without coronavirus symptoms from spreading COVID-19, the company says.

Supplier's Marketplace

Atlas Molded Products’ polystyrene foam cooler folds flats for easy reuse

Shape molded container ideal for cold-chain solutions within beverage

July 10, 2020

Atlas Molded Products recently released the DuraTherm Fold Flat, a space-saving molded polystyrene foam cooler that folds flat for transportation, storage and reuse.

Supplier's Marketplace

Ball Corp. partners with Acosta to launch sustainable aluminum cup

Reusable cup to debut in retail and on-premise outlets in 2021

July 10, 2020

Through a national, exclusive distribution partnership with Acosta, Ball Corp. will unveil a new sustainable aluminum cup in retail and on-premise outlets in 2021.

Last Drop

GrapeStars highlights celebrities wine and spirits brands

Online marketplace offers direct-to-consumer purchasing

July 11, 2020

GrapeStars launched its online marketplace app where celebrities can directly promote their wine and spirits brands to fans.

Last Drop

Pabst Blue Ribbon launches online creative community

Beer brand’s initiative encourages artistic expression

July 11, 2020

Pabst Blue Ribbon continues its commitment to celebrating creativity, working with 1,000 creatives that encompass the diversity of Pabst Blue Ribbon’s community.

Last Drop

DISCUS unveils podcast series

Spirited Advocate podcast highlights industry issues and more

July 10, 2020

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) recently launched a Spirited Advocate podcast, which features lively discussions of industry issues and more with DISCUS President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chris Swonger and Scotch Whisky Association CEO Karen Betts.

Last Drop

Silver Eagle, Bud Light host virtual concert series

Companies pledge to match donations to aid those impacted by COVID-19

July 9, 2020

In April, the San Antonio River Walk Association announced a charitable partnership with Silver Eagle Beverages to present the Bud Light River Walk Relief Concert Series.

Between Drinks

IRI releases 2019 New Product Pacesetters report

Six beverage brands earned more than $100 million in multi-outlet channels

July 9, 2020

In Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI’s) 2019 New Product Pacesetters report, the market research firm reports the return of the $100 million product launch brands, and notes that both David and Goliath can win when it comes to successful new product launches in the food and beverage industries.

Supplier's Marketplace

Brewery PAK ensures breweries have adequate insurance coverage

Drone service provides risk assessment, survey data of brewery operations

July 8, 2020

Brewery PAK has announced the expansion of the Insurance Risk Assessment Drone (iRAD) service for breweries. Through iRAD, brewery owners can receive a comprehensive risk assessment of their property from a bird’s eye view in high definition.

Last Drop

St. Germain hosts Stay-at-Home Drive-In Movie Club

Brand offers discount to Drizly as part of campaign

July 8, 2020