| Beverage Industry

This month’s issue of Beverage Industry features the 2026 Wholesaler of the Year, Gulf Distributing Co., along with insights on the evolving coffee and tea market, the latest energy beverage trends, women’s influence on beverage R&D, and exciting new product launches.

the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Gulf Distributing Company headquarters at their newly renovated facility in downtown Mobile, Alabama

2026 Wholesaler of the Year: Gulf Distributing Company

Third-generation, family-owned business embraces history, innovation

Jessica Jacobsen

September 9, 2026

Representing more than 1,000 brands and employing more than 1,300 people across Alabama, Florida and Mississippi, Gulf Distributing Company has developed a family-owned business that embraces history and innovation.

a Hiperbaric High Pressure Processing (HPP) industrial machine used for non-thermal food and beverage preservation

High-pressure processing expands beyond juice

HPP helps beverage-makers deliver on clean label, shelf stable expectations

Chloe Alverson

September 3, 2026

Experts within the high-pressure processing (HPP) industry share how beverage manufacturers can utilize the technology for more applications than cold-pressed juice.

a yellow and black Yale automated lift truck / reach truck

Forklifts and lift truck technologies cater to specific needs of beverage warehouses

Safety, automation among factors impacting the forklift market within the beverage industry

Chloe Alverson

September 2, 2026

Experts share how beverage operations are utilizing forklifts and lift truck technologies, and how those have evolved in recent years.

a glass of herbal tea next to a vibrant purple milk thistle

Masking solutions ensure quality taste in functional beverages

Beverage-makers turn to various masking solutions to balance flavor, functionality

Chloe Alverson

August 28, 2026

With the increased popularity of functional beverages, formulators utilize masking ingredients to balance off-notes.

a refreshing purple cocktail in a faceted highball or champagne flute glass, garnished with citrus ribbons and served with ice and a lemon wedge on the side

IFT FIRST addresses top issues in food science

Energy, natural colors and sugar reduction influence prototypes

Jessica Jacobsen

September 1, 2026

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) returned to McCormick Place for the IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo where exhibitors featured an array of ingredient literature as well as prototypes featuring these solutions.

Sweetener systems evolve to meet consumer preferences

Label scrutiny, sugar reduction trends prompt innovative solutions

Lauren Sabetta

August 31, 2026

With rising interest in natural ingredients and clean label, experts highlight that the sweeteners market is being shaped by more than a broad desire to consume less sugar.

PACK EXPO International 2026 spotlights sustainability

Tradeshow expected to draw 48,000 attendees

August 27, 2026

Taking place Oct. 18-21 at McCormick Place in Chicago, PACK EXPO International 2026 will feature 2,600 exhibitors and 48,000 attendees from 40-plus vertical markets. The event gives attendees access to machinery, materials, automation, and sustainability-focused solutions in action.

an advertisement for Gatorade's "Body of Science" campaign

Gatorade addresses disparities in how women hydrate

Additional research underway expanding into various life stages

Lauren Sabetta

August 21, 2026

The Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) recently presented findings from its first “Body of Science” study, highlighting several disparities in how women hydrate and fuel their bodies.

medium-to-dark roasted coffee beans alongside metal scoops filled with finely ground coffee

Coffee and tea habits evolve

Coffee, tea rituals reimagined as consumers redefine quality, wellness and value

Jess Ryall

August 26, 2026

Coffee and tea have long been embedded in daily life, but the expectations surrounding these everyday staples are undergoing change.

a person holding a can of Gorgie Protein Energy Drink in the Rocket Pop flavor next to a blue-and-white striped beach towel

Beverage-makers find fitting solutions to support women’s health

From gut health to beauty, specific beverage formulations back women’s health

Chloe Alverson

August 20, 2026

Beverage formulations that support women’s health appeal to women at all stages of life, offering benefits that range from mood and energy to skin health.

Vive Organic cold-pressed energy wellness shots

Consumers turn to wellness shots for functional attributes

Cognitive, digestion health prompt innovation

Lauren Sabetta

August 19, 2026

Broader shifts toward social media-driven wellness trends and growing demand for clean, transparent ingredients have created conditions for wellness shots to take off.

Chocolate Lava Cake and Cinnamon Roll coffee

Convenience, customization keeps coffee market stable

Added functional benefits presents opportunity for growth for coffee category

Lauren Sabetta

August 25, 2026

Despite inflation and a shift in consumer preferences, experts note that the U.S. coffee and RTD coffee market remain stable.

Nestlé and Platinum Equity to create joint venture

Peranel will be dedicated to Nestlé’s waters and premium beverages business

Staff Beverage Industry

July 29, 2026

Nestlé and Platinum Equity announce a plan to create Peranel, a 50:50 joint venture for Nestlé’s waters and premium beverages business, designed to establish a dedicated player with strengthened focus to drive growth in a dynamic category

Insights on proper tire maintenance, safety for fleets

Tire Industry Association chief technical officer details ways to support tie lifecycles

Jeff Cioletti

September 8, 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.

Huel Strawberry Lemonade and Pink Grapefruit

July 23, 2026

Huel has expanded its Daily Greens ready-to-drink (RTD) lineup with the launch of two new flavors: Strawberry Lemonade and Pink Grapefruit.

Destilería Serrallés Don Q Reserva, Don Q Reserva Especial

July 30, 2026

Destilería Serrallés, producer of Don Q, introduced Don Q Reserva and Don Q Reserva Especial, two new expressions that expand its premium rum portfolio.

REIGN Liberty & Justice for Apple

July 27, 2026

REIGN Total Body Fuel (TBF), a performance energy drink designed to fuel athletes, competitors and high-performers, announced the launch of its newest limited-edition flavor: Liberty & Justice for Apple.

Riboli Family Wines Hugo Spritz

July 28, 2026

Riboli Family Wines announced the expansion of its premium ready-to-serve brand, Spritz Del Conte, with the launch of Hugo Spritz.

Organic Valley Protein Plus Ultra-Filtered Milk

July 21, 2026

Organic Valley introduced Organic Valley Protein Plus, a new line of ultra-filtered, pasture-raised organic milk.

Korbel Blackberry Brandy

July 24, 2026

Korbel California Brandy announced the launch of its bold new flavored spirit: Korbel Blackberry Brandy.

Pop & Bottle Matcha Coconut Water

July 29, 2026

Pop & Bottle announced it is expanding into hydration with the launch of a new Matcha Coconut Water product line.

Popsicle Hard

July 20, 2026

Tilray Brands announced teaming up with The Magnum Ice Cream Co. with the launch of Popsicle Hard.

In this webinar, hear from experts as they highlight the insights and trends that are fueling new product development, but also what to be on the lookout for in the year to come.

Today, growth opportunities are emerging across the beverage packaging value chain by engineering PET performance instead of changing packaging platforms.

Beverage Industry Magazine

2026 September

Cover Story

2026 Wholesaler of the Year: Gulf Distributing Company

Features

High-pressure processing expands beyond juice

Forklifts and lift truck technologies cater to specific needs of beverage warehouses

Masking solutions ensure quality taste in functional beverages

IFT FIRST addresses top issues in food science

Sweetener systems evolve to meet consumer preferences

PACK EXPO International 2026 spotlights sustainability

Gatorade addresses disparities in how women hydrate

Coffee and tea habits evolve

Beverage-makers find fitting solutions to support women’s health

Consumers turn to wellness shots for functional attributes

Convenience, customization keeps coffee market stable

Nestlé and Platinum Equity to create joint venture

Columns

Insights on proper tire maintenance, safety for fleets

New Products

Huel Strawberry Lemonade and Pink Grapefruit

Destilería Serrallés Don Q Reserva, Don Q Reserva Especial

REIGN Liberty & Justice for Apple

Riboli Family Wines Hugo Spritz

Organic Valley Protein Plus Ultra-Filtered Milk

Korbel Blackberry Brandy

Pop & Bottle Matcha Coconut Water

Popsicle Hard

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