Coronavirus Coverage

Immune health benefits help probiotic beverages appeal to diverse consumer groups

Sabettal@bnpmedia.com (Lauren Sabetta) — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

As COVID-19 brought heightened awareness of immunity and a shift toward self-care, interest in probiotic beverages has spiked considerably, experts note.

The future of DTC brands

Tue, 24 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

With the pandemic, as the eCommerce market hit its stride and many consumers turned to direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, experts note that the beverage industry stands to benefit from DTC’s continuous growth.

Beverage supply chains, consumer trends continue to evolve as pandemic continues

jacobsenj@bnpmedia.com (Jessica Jacobsen) — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Following two years of significant change, the term pivot has resonated throughout the beverage industry to signify how nimble manufacturers, suppliers and distributors can adjust during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Milk, bulk still water top in private-label sales

harfmannb@bnpmedia.com (Barbara Harfmann) — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

During the pandemic, consumers looking to save money turned to private-label products. With nearly 50% of market share, refrigerated private-label dairy products had dollar sales of $7.3 billion, slightly less than the $7.9 billion notched for national brands.

Foodservice closures impact tea sales

harfmannb@bnpmedia.com (Barbara Harfmann) — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

The tea and RTD tea category offers diverse options for every style and taste, including bagged, bottled, hot, iced and cold brew along with black, green, herbal and kombucha varietals.

Pandemic forced on-premise market to pivot

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

On-premise outlets still are weathering the challenges of being one of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic. As the channel pivots, experts note to-go beverage alcohol might be here to stay.

2021 Beer Report: Hard seltzers continue to drive FMB market

jacobsenj@bnpmedia.com (Jessica Jacobsen) — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

With growth outpacing all other beer segments, flavored malt beverages have been the success story of the beer market thanks to the strong performance of hard seltzers.

2021 Beer Report: Beer market in state of flux as consumer preferences change

jacobsenj@bnpmedia.com (Jessica Jacobsen) — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. beer market remains in a state of flux as consumers move away from historical strongholds for more premium offerings. As a result, domestic beer sees its super-premium sector outpacing the segment.

Discount, drug stores offer savings, convenience amid pandemic

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

With the outbreak of COVID-19, retailers have worked hard to adapt by making their stores as safe and convenient as possible for consumers. In the limited-assortment stores category, drug stores and discount retailers are finding where they fit in this eCommerce evolution.

Online sales drive 55% of wine growth

harfmannb@bnpmedia.com (Barbara Harfmann) — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Analysts highlight that the coronavirus pandemic is causing ripple effects in the CPG market. The good news for wine is that it already had the biggest online sales presence, driving 55% of wine growth.

How integrated is the beverage supply chain?

bossole2@gmail.com (John Peter Koss) — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Beverage producers in all segments must re-evaluate how procedures, practices and methods are coping with some unprecedented operating conditions.

Omnichannel adoption propels supermarket channel

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

As pandemic conditions prompt many consumers to grocery shop from home, supermarkets have adopted omnichannel platforms to maintain sales. As a result, major players are directing capital expenditures to solutions that drive future growth for the channel.

Functional benefits, coronavirus offer reset for juice, juice drinks

harfmannb@bnpmedia.com (Barbara Harfmann) — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In the past, the high sugar content of juice and juice drinks and its association with breakfast time had the category floundering, Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic and at-home consumers seeking healthful, immune-supporting benefits has led to double-digit growth in juice and juice drinks.

On-premise, foodservice embrace new dynamics

jacobsenj@bnpmedia.com (Jessica Jacobsen) — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

On-premise and foodservice operators are embracing the new dynamics brought on by the pandemic in order to engage with consumers.

Check value, premiumization rises on-premise

harfmannb@bnpmedia.com (Barbara Harfmann) — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Many of us are more than ready to bid adieu to 2020, but experts note the following on-premise trends: check values are higher; wait staff are earning higher tips; and consumers are “treating” themselves to more premium cocktails and spirits.

Immunity-conscious consumers seek fortified beverages

Graybills@bnpmedia.com (Sarah Graybill) — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Consumers’ increased focus on health and performance has been exacerbated by the pandemic’s influence on immunity-focused consumers. Meanwhile, beverage-makers are innovating ways to fortify beverages in ways that also deliver on taste and texture.

2020 Craft Beer Report:Craft beer focus shifts during COVID-19

harfmannb@bnpmedia.com (Barbara Harfmann) — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:20:00 -0500

Due to COVID-19, the independent craft beer market is seeing product volume declines of around 8 percent. Yet, craft brewers have been able to invest in new platforms and modes of selling. Those utilizing eCommerce and offering enhanced to-go offerings and food are reinventing themselves to drive growth.

Lubricants support product safety measures through NSF H1 solutions

jacobsenj@bnpmedia.com (Jessica Jacobsen) — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In beverage warehouses, operations have a broad checklist to ensure safe beverage production, but today’s lubricant manufacturers are doing their part to take worry off their minds.

Beverage leaders exhibit agility, resilience

jacobsenj@bnpmedia.com (Jessica Jacobsen) — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

When day-to-day life changed throughout the United States in March, beverage market leaders had to step into action to protect their frontline workers while preserving business operations.

Study shows COVID-19 has shifted supplement market

jacobsenj@bnpmedia.com (Jessica Jacobsen) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

According to a study released by MarketPlace, the pandemic has prompted consumers to turn to supplements to boost immunity.

Virtual tastings, events and go-to online marketing engages consumers

harfmannb@bnpmedia.com (Barbara Harfmann) — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

For wineries and independent craft spirit and beer producers, taprooms, tasting rooms and tours have long encouraged trial and experimentation, helping these entrepreneurs become beacons of community and camaraderie. Yet, to drive sales during the past six months, beverage brands have been forced to pivot and use other avenues such as eCommerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping with overall positive results.

Study shows consumers eager to return to restaurant dining

jacobsenj@bnpmedia.com (Jessica Jacobsen) — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

According to a study released by Oracle Food and Beverage, consumers are hopeful about visiting restaurants again, but these visits might require more efforts from operators.

Allied offers protective gear to keep employees, plants safe

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Allied Electronics & Automation offers pre-assembled bundles of its private-label RS Pro by Allied products aimed at helping commercial, office and manufacturing companies restart on-site operations.

Jack Daniel’s announces virtual music festival

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 11:30:00 -0400

Jack Daniel’s, a brand of Brown-Forman Corp., Louisville, Ky., is bringing artists straight to living rooms everywhere with “Crash the Couch,” a virtual music festival streaming Aug. 14-15 at 8 p.m. ET in support of musicians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes, Cold War Kids and Nathaniel Rateliff will headline.

Club stores pivot in pandemic climate

Graybills@bnpmedia.com (Sarah Graybill) — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

In the pandemic climate, club stores are adapting to include healthier in-store offers, along with technological advancements.

Loyalist help energy drinks continue growth patterns

jacobsenj@bnpmedia.com (Jessica Jacobsen) — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

The functional benefits associated with energy drinks have helped it attain the status it has today, but experts note diversification will take the category further.

Coca-Cola provides quarterly update

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0400

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, reported second quarter 2020 results and provided an update on strategic actions that are positioning the system to emerge stronger from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Coca-Cola system remained agile in the second quarter, with a focus on maintaining a safe environment for employees while also providing necessary products and services to consumers, customers and communities during this unprecedented time, the company says.

Coca-Cola Freestyle unveils contactless solution

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 11:00:00 -0400

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to reshape the world around us and shift consumer behavior, The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, is rolling out a new pouring option to meet consumer needs with its latest Coca-Cola Freestyle technology innovation — contactless, mobile pouring from a smartphone.

Euromonitor releases themes on evolving consumer markets

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Consumer-focused foodservice venues find ways to rebound

Graybills@bnpmedia.com (Sarah Graybill) — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400

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