2022 July

Beverage Industry’s July 2022 issue spotlights how Swoon, the zero sugar beverage company, is redefining sweet nostalgia as it turns to monk fruit for its Lemonades, Iced Teas, Simple Syrups and Mixers. Also featured in this issue is the annual State of the Industry report, a look at the evolving plant-based waters market, how the food industry is making a comeback, the influence clean labeling is having on new product development and much more.

2022 State of the Beverage Industry

Jessica Jacobsen

July 6, 2022

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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. The report includes update statistics from Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI) as well as industry trends and forecasts into what’s next.

Robotic palletizers, depalletizers enhance worker safety, increase efficiency

Craft beer, energy drinks driving need for automated palletizing operations

Lauren Sabetta

June 30, 2022

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As the pandemic has had unforeseen impacts on beverage manufacturing, experts note that advanced palletizing systems have helped warehouse operations increase efficiencies while bringing returns on investment.

Distribution

Pandemic prompts fleet managers to rethink long-term operational practices

Parts, staff shortages alter how fleet managers approach operations

Jeff Cioletti

June 30, 2022

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The lessons the COVID-19 era have taught delivery fleets are numerous and likely will help fleets work smarter in the years to come.

Packaging Equipment

Beverage inspection advances improve integrity

Automation offers accurate picture for beverage operations

Jamie Popp

June 29, 2022

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Spoilage, leakage or packaging damage can impact a brand’s reputation and sales. Add consumer safety and quality concerns, and beverage and package integrity inspections are critical.

R&D Feature

Consumer awareness of clean label drives demand for ingredient solutions

Suppliers for sweeteners, colors and more develop solutions to support clean label trends

Jessica Jacobsen

June 28, 2022

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With health and wellness driving consumer purchases, beverage-makers are finding clean label and non-GMO a growing priority for today’s shoppers.

Plant waters continue to be fueled by wellness, functional beverage trend

Flavor innovations provide consumers with relevant options

Lauren Sabetta

June 27, 2022

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As more consumers are embracing foods and beverages that support health and wellbeing, experts note that plant-based waters’ various benefits have been driving the category’s proliferation.

Ingredient Spotlight

Functional, health trends call for masking agents

Masking ingredients and bitter blockers address off-notes

Stephanie Cernivec

June 23, 2022

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Current trends for health-and-wellness, plant-based, reduced-sugar and functional beverages, for example, easily can affect the taste, mouthfeel and overall beverage experience. Thus, beverage formulators engage masking ingredients to fight off any unwanted effects.

Packaging Materials

Sustainability is driving secondary pack innovations for beverage-makers

Fiber-based solutions help support holistic, premium approaches by brands

Jessica Jacobsen

June 22, 2022

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Beverage-makers looking to reduce the amount of single-use plastic for their products are adapting their secondary packaging approach.

Category Focus

Lemonade fusions add appeal to other beverage categories

Familiar category offers opportunities to introduce new flavors to consumers

Jennifer Storelli

June 16, 2022

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Given today’s inflationary climate, experts note that consumers are more likely to reach for flavor profiles they know they will enjoy, as such, Lemonade, the longtime star of summertime beverage consumption, is leveraging its appeal to help other beverages shine.

Up Close With

Swoon brings nostalgia, sweetness without any sugar

Company turns to monk fruit for Lemonades, Iced Teas, Simple Syrups and Mixers

Lauren Sabetta

June 15, 2022

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With a mission to take sugar out of society, Swoon, the zero-sugar beverage company, believes that healthy living starts by consumers replacing their favorite sugary drinks — without sacrificing sweetness.

Channel Strategies

Foodservice industry regains footing after multiple years of decline

New, innovative offerings play key role in beverage’s performance within the channel

Taylor Karg

June 21, 2022

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Following multiple years of downturn, the foodservice industry has demonstrated perseverance and is making a comeback.

Operations Perspective

The interface of manufacturing and marketing

Team efforts vital when deciding product, packaging changes

John Peter Koss

June 20, 2022

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When melding the manufacturing and marketing efforts of production, the interface of these operations are vital to ensure a cost-effective and successful beverage.

Beverage Beat

IRI names 2021 New Product Pacesetters

Beverages account for 6 of Top 10 in food, beverage category

Jessica Jacobsen

June 17, 2022

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There are not too many announcements that garner the same attention as when Information Resources Inc. (IRI) announces its list of New Product Pacesetters. In its 27th year, the 2021 list of these top new food, beverage and nonfood product launches have served as a benchmark of where consumers are spending their dollars.