2026 August

This month’s issue of Beverage Industry explores the rise of dirty soda, mushrooms by the glass, and much more, highlighting the latest trends, innovations and developments shaping today’s beverage industry.

a cherry-flavored dirty soda served in a tall glass with a straw, accompanied by fresh cherries on the side

Dirty sodas are coming home

Customizations, flavor exploration help beverage trend reach more consumers

Jessica Jacobsen

August 12, 2026

Dirty soda’s market strength is being attributed to awareness, customization trends, and flavor exploration.

a MoveComponents® palletizing system utilizing a JAKA collaborative robot arm

Palletizer, depalletizer equipment help warehouses adjust with beverage market

Machinery helping address labor concerns

Jessica Jacobsen

July 23, 2026

To accommodate shifts in the beverage market, operations need palletizing and depalletizing equipment that keeps product flowing.

Yale Relay automated lift truck designed for vertical pallet positioning and load management in warehouses

AGVs allow for easier adoption in beverage operations

Shifting warehouse workflows, operational efficiency call for AGVs

Chloe Alverson

August 7, 2026

AGVs are making beverage operations easier for warehouse workers for various reasons.

functional mushroom products from the FungiFuse line, featuring Lion's Mane, Chaga, and Cordyceps

Functional mushroom beverages are moving beyond novelty

Mushrooms see more opportunities with new categories

David Feder RDN

July 28, 2026

Beverages featuring functional mushrooms continue to grow and are seeing interest beyond coffee and tea formats.

clear glass bottles with stainless steel lids are commonly used for storing homemade juices

Preventative health puts spotlight on immune support

Beverage-makers expand beyond traditional ingredients for immune health

Jessica Jacobsen

August 6, 2026

As immune support is now a year-round health goal, beverage-makers are expanding the ingredients they utilize to support those attributes.

Avaline releases limited-edition label with artist Marcelo Gomes

Staff Beverage Industry

July 1, 2026

Avaline’s French Rosé debuted a limited-edition label featuring a photograph by Paris-based artist Marcelo Gomes.

Labeling materials balance functionality with sustainability

Protection, performance remain priority for labeling materials

Chloe Alverson

August 5, 2026

Like many industries, the beverage packaging materials segment is affected by sustainability practices. Experts note that brands must balance sustainability with functionality.

2-liter PET bottle containing a bright yellow beverage, consistent with carbonated soft drinks like Mountain Dew

Coding and marking solutions keep pace with evolving packaging trends

AI to play broader role in equipment, operational efficiency

Lauren Sabetta

August 4, 2026

With packaging trends having an impact on coding equipment, experts highlight how coding and marking solutions are adapting to evolving trends.

a woman shopping for supplies in a home improvement store

Consumers value club stores for quality, monetary savings

Technological advancements enhance convenience

Lauren Sabetta

August 3, 2026

Although club stores face competition from mass merchandisers and grocery chains, experts note that club memberships foster loyalty as consumers turn to the channel for quality and savings.

a lineup of ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails

Growth in RTD cocktails presents wide range of opportunities for spirit brands

Nuanced strategies can help brands stand out in crowded market

Lauren Sabetta

July 27, 2026

Although beverage alcohol is experiencing a growth slump, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails remain the bright spot in the market giving spirits brands a wide range of opportunities to take advantage of this trend.

RTD cocktails, seltzers prove to be prominent

RTD cocktails, seltzers use innovation, convenience to appeal to consumers

Chloe Alverson

July 30, 2026

The ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail and seltzer category remains popular with consumers for factors such as convenience and flavor, experts share.

GHOST Energy x 7UP Lemon Lime energy drink

Consumers turn to energy drinks for more than a pick-me-up

Functional attributes prompt performance category growth

Lauren Sabetta

July 29, 2026

As the energy drink market continues on its upward trajectory, today’s consumers are turning to the category for more than just a quick pick-me-up, prompting innovations that meet consumers’ broader health and wellness needs.

The vehicle shown is a Chevrolet Low Cab Forward (LCF) series commercial box truck

Top OEMS update their cabover options for urban environments

Jeff Cioletti

August 11, 2026

Trucks have continued to maintain their niche in America as a preferred option for urban delivery, with many top OEMs offering low-cab-forward options.

Digital platforms take beverage labels to next level

SmartLabel seen in 1 in 5 shopping carts, Nielsen data shows

Jessica Jacobsen

July 24, 2026

Consumers thirst for more information is seeing beverage labels take on a bigger role than branding. Associations and manufacturers are implementing digital tools to keep consumers in the know.