With no shortage of contributing factors for Americans’ rising stress levels, ingredient suppliers are turning to holistic ingredients that promote relaxation and stress relief to help beverage-makers meet consumers’ growing need states.

As consumers more closely scrutinize beverage labels, recognizable, from nature hydrocolloids have become an essential part of beverage development.

To meet consumers’ preferences for functional beverages and lower sugar content, experts note that beverage-makers are turning to solutions using advanced high-intensity sweeteners, flavor modifiers and maskers to deliver functional beverages without compromising on taste.

With rising consumer demand for drinks made with natural ingredients, experts note that beverage-makers are turning to fruit and vegetable ingredients to deliver functional drinks that meet consumers’ growing need states.

As consumers rapidly switch to healthier alternatives and embrace prevention as a tool for living a better lifestyle, experts note that interest in botanicals and adaptogens is on the rise. 

Experts note that beverage-makers are interested in using CBD, THC and/or hemp ingredients in product formulations. 

Experts suggest that beverage brands can further innovate their portfolios by offering plant-based protein-fortified alternatives within various beverage categories. 

Given the popularity of the tea market, suppliers note that ingredients are just as much in demand as the natural, functional benefits that resonate with consumers.

Classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry allow beverage-makers to appeal to consumer nostalgia.

As health and wellness trends continue to be a driving factor in the beverage industry, experts highlight how exotic fruits’ functional attributes and unique flavor profiles have growing appeal.

Coffee trends are prompting beverage-makers to adapt to new consumer demands for the staple American beverage. However, as consumers seek out organic, functional attributes in coffee solutions, experts see more opportunities beyond the traditional coffee category.

As beverage-makers increasingly turn to plant proteins to meet consumer trends, experts highlight some key considerations to take into account when formulating with these ingredients.

As consumers cope with stress and anxiety, they are turning to beverages to induce relaxation and support healthy sleep cycles.

Although hydrocolloids do not provide specific health benefits, experts note that their functional attributes make many of the trendy, health-forward drinks possible.

As functional beverages remain in demand, experts highlight how masking ingredients are essential in formulations by enhancing a beverage’s overall drinking experience.

Experts share insights on which fruit blends are currently popular among consumers and why.

As consumers continue to demand more than hydration from their beverages, manufacturers are turning to new ways to deliver on functionality and clean label preferences.

The natural energy solutions market is growing as consumers turn to healthy and clean label alternatives for energy.

Consumers’ perception of protein continues to evolve with the use of protein-fortified drinks extending beyond traditional sports occasions.

With many people following different diets such as gluten-free or dairy-free, NCSolutions conducted a survey to know how consumers are embracing new lifestyle-friendly dishes this holiday season.

Aimed at celebrating and supporting creativity, the initiative highlights the brewery’s commitment to fostering creativity, innovation and passions of its community.

Paulaner USA, White Plains, N.Y., announced that Steve Hauser, president and CEO, will be stepping down at the end of the year. Hauser has helped grow the importer from a two-brand, on-premise focused portfolio to a multi-brand, multi-channel business, the company says.

The winner will be selected based on submissions scored on authenticity, originality and desperation for a true vacation away from family drama, the company says.

This white paper includes data-driven insights, and actionable tips to enhance your business' shipping operations.

Food and Beverage Marketing Experts at THP took a gaze into their culinary crystal ball to forecast the ingredients, flavors, and culinary techniques chefs, brands, and industry leaders from around the globe will be leveraging in the year to come!

With the price of Oktoberfest brews higher than other beers, Oktoberfest beers, festivities bring big sales opportunities that many operators can capitalize on.

Experts note that advanced robotics, AI technologies can transform warehouses, making beverage operations more dynamic, agile, responsive and safe.

Shedding light on beverage alcohol sponsorships, SponsorUnited, a sports and entertainment platform, released its inaugural “Alcohol Beverages Marketing Partnerships 2023” report, which analyzes sponsorship trends and spend across various alcohol brands.

Experts suspect that the future is bright for both the energy drink and sparkling water market, Phocus is looking to be the go-to solution for consumers seeking both.

From an operations perspective, safety is an important investment in the warehouse.

As younger adults consume less wine, baby boomers dominant wine consumption, in part because they’re still the largest generation by population.

From an operations perspective, constant change syndrome has impacted how asset utilization is fulfilled in warehouses today, with engineers striving to keep the percentage high.

One thing that seems to be disrupting the traditional beverage alcohol market is innovators who are finding new avenues to deliver alcohol to imbibing consumers.

As many consider tequila to be more of a vibe than just a drink, retail company Fashion Nova recently dove into finding out consumers’ tequila habits and preferences, surveying more than 3,000 Americans across all 50 states.

When it comes to recycling, studies show that consumers express concerns about recycling success in the United States, but companies are looking to change that through education, awareness and improved access.

With all baby boomers at least 65 or older by 2030, beverage-makers should consider what this demographic needs as their shopping habits evolve.

Looking forward, Drizly highlights which drinks trends are poised to have the biggest impact on the beverage alcohol industry, surveying 1,000 adults about the drinks they plan to purchase most in 2024.

Salsify’s “2024 Consumer Research” report shows how budgeting efforts are shifting consumer shopping habits and pinpoints ways that brands can engage with shoppers.

Colangelo & Partners and Wine Opinions conducted its second annual wine survey, this year honing in on U.S. wine drinker attitudes and behaviors, as well as trends related to beverage alcohol consumption and health.

The readers of Beverage Industry have selected their favorite new product released in January and the results are out.

A recent report from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) shows that consumers were more intrigued by store brands in the past year.

As demand for energy drinks continues to rise across the globe, Mintel highlights how evolving consumer trends are impacting the global market.

As more Gen Zers reach the legal drinking age, experts highlight how this younger generation is driving variety and innovation in the beverage alcohol market.

Although John’s column will no longer be part of Beverage Industry, he left a legacy with us and you the readers that was just as impressive as his time on earth. 

A budding marketing opportunity for brand owners, NIL is gaining traction, but as beverage companies look to engage in this realm, it is important to understand the dynamics.

Given the rise of ready-to-drink RTD cocktails, Upgraded Points recently released a study unveiling the most popular canned cocktails and mocktails in each U.S. state. 

This year marked the 29th iteration of the New Product Pacesetters report from Circana. The 2023 New Product Pacesetters garnered a $6.1 billion in combined year-one sales across food, beverage and nonfood products, which was slightly less than the $7 billion achieved by 2022 Pacesetter sales.

In the consumer packaged goods space there’s no shortage of celebrity-backed products, particularly beverages. Although proliferating across all segments, alcohol brands are seeing the most activity.

A survey conducted by Dig Insights and released in partnership with the National Coffee Association (NCA) and Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) reveals that adult coffee consumption hit a two-decade high.

Honey has a rich history in beverage alcohol whether it’s with the creation of meads — a honey wine — or its addition to whiskey. Now the ingredient is finding itself in more spirits categories as brands look to differentiate.