2026 February

Exotic fruits connect with consumers’ bold flavor interests

Adventure seekers, natural trends contribute to tropical fruit usage in beverages

January 27, 2026

The positive connotations associated with exotic fruits are helping these ingredients to influence innovation within the beverage market.

This is a can of Slice Apple Healthy Soda

Beverage-makers tap into prebiotic, probiotic craze

Gut health awareness prompts innovation across categories

Lauren Sabetta

January 28, 2026

With growing interest in gut health and the benefits of pre- and probiotics, beverage brands are launching an array of drinks across categories.

The image features a bottle of Decoy Featherweight Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine popularity ebbs and flows among generations

Category performance impacted by shifting consumer trends, economic factors

Chloe Alverson

January 26, 2026

The wine industry has fluctuated with a range of factors contributing to its recent performance.

This is a can of Accelerator Citrus Freeze Active Energy Drink

Beverage-makers remain focused on energy support, cognitive health

Busy lifestyles, weight management trends prompt market growth

Lauren Sabetta

January 20, 2026

When it comes to the market for cognitive and energy support, experts note that the market’s sustained growth speaks to the depth of consumer demand and the essential role energy beverages now play in daily routines.

The image captures a moment of warehouse workers taking a break in a warehouse setting

Diverse labor pool, automation help operations close workforce gap

Training, workforce culture can improve employee retention

Lauren Sabetta

January 22, 2026

As operations continue to experience labor challenges that impact their ability to hire and retain skilled workers, experts highlight that today’s facility managers are developing a deeper appreciation for a more diverse labor pool.

Storage solutions aid complex SKU dynamics

Automation supports increased storage density, throughput in beverage warehouses

Jessica Jacobsen

January 19, 2026

As beverage warehouses contend with a diverse SKU makeup, operations are turning to storage that can support these demands, including through automation.

Get loose with Psilly Goose

Beverage brand aims to provide plant-powered uplifting, intentional buzz

Chloe Alverson

January 12, 2026

Psilly Goose comes in two varieties: Euphoria (with 5 mg THC) and Silly. Both offerings are available in the flavor Passionfruit Mango.

Professional driver shortage prompts interest in non-CDL vehicles

Vehicles can help fleets attract, retain a broader workforce

Jeff Cioletti

February 3, 2026

Associations have highlighted the dearth of professional drivers, which is part of the reason fleets continue to integrate more light- and medium-duty vehicles that don’t require a CDL to operate.

a person drinking from a reusable insulated water bottle

IBWA highlights the importance of staying hydrated during winter months

Hydration improves mood, energy and cognition

Lauren Sabetta

January 14, 2026

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) highlights how proper hydration is critical during winter months, especially because people are less likely to feel thirsty at this colder time of year.

Pure Genius protein shots in three flavors: Blueberry Lemonade, Strawberry Guava, and Pineapple

Survey shows consumers pay attention to protein in diets

Numerator survey finds whole foods top protein source, but RTD shakes and fortified beverages offer appeal

Jessica Jacobsen

January 16, 2026

A Numerator survey finds 78% of U.S. households surveyed reported paying some attention to protein in their diets. To support protein needs, beverage-makers are offering more ways to deliver the macro nutrient.

Decoy Featherweight Cabernet Sauvignon

January 6, 2026

Decoy announced the launch of Featherweight Cabernet Sauvignon, the first red wine in Featherweight’s low-calorie, low-alcohol offerings.

Celt Salt HydroCelt

January 7, 2026

Celt Salt introduced HydroCelt, an electrolyte drink mix designed to redefine clean hydration, it says.

Empress 1908 Gin

June 30, 2017

Victoria Distillers announced the U.S. launch of Empress 1908 Gin.

C4 Performance Energy Cereal Killer

December 23, 2025

C4 Performance Energy unveiled its Cereal Killer flavor, inspired by the colorful chaos of a childhood breakfast bowl.

Mfused Super Fog Burzt

December 30, 2025

Mfused announced the launch of Super Fog Burzt, a flavor-forward cannabis-infused lemonade beverage, marking the brand’s entry into the beverage space.

AUTOFOCUS

January 5, 2026

Productive Health Co. announced the launch of AUTOFOCUS, a functional beverage designed to deliver clean, sustained energy and mental clarity.

ROW 94 Full Proof Bourbon

December 22, 2025

Country music superstar Dierks Bentley introduced ROW 94 Full Proof Bourbon, the third expression to join the ROW 94 lineup.

Arden’s Garden FOCUS+

December 29, 2025

Arden’s Garden, a premium cold-pressed juice and wellness company, announced the launch of its newest functional beverage: FOCUS+.

This image shows a man examining the label of a canned beverage in a store.

Stretch, shrink labels aid beverage brands in communicating with consumers

Labels offer sustainability, customization benefits

Chloe Alverson

February 2, 2026

Demand for shrink and stretch sleeve labels from beverage-makers remains strong, particularly with brands focused on premium positioning, functional products, and limited-edition offerings.

On Demand In Beverage Industry’s annual State of the Industry: The Alcohol Beverage Market, analysts at S&D Insights LLC delve into these trends and how they’re shaping the industry.

In this webinar, Black Swan Data will explore what Gen Z will be drinking (and not drinking) in 2026 and beyond. From emerging alcohol trends to new frontiers for functional sodas, this content will unpack the needs, behaviors and passions shaping the next generation of drinks.

Beverage Industry Magazine

Features

Exotic fruits connect with consumers’ bold flavor interests

Beverage-makers tap into prebiotic, probiotic craze

Wine popularity ebbs and flows among generations

Beverage-makers remain focused on energy support, cognitive health

Diverse labor pool, automation help operations close workforce gap

Storage solutions aid complex SKU dynamics

Get loose with Psilly Goose

Columns

Professional driver shortage prompts interest in non-CDL vehicles

IBWA highlights the importance of staying hydrated during winter months

Survey shows consumers pay attention to protein in diets

New Products

Decoy Featherweight Cabernet Sauvignon

Celt Salt HydroCelt

Empress 1908 Gin

C4 Performance Energy Cereal Killer

Mfused Super Fog Burzt

AUTOFOCUS

ROW 94 Full Proof Bourbon

Arden’s Garden FOCUS+

Packaging News

Stretch, shrink labels aid beverage brands in communicating with consumers

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