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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.