With the functional beverage space growing dramatically, experts note that consumer interest in botanicals and adaptogens is on the rise.

More consumers are engaging in the active nutrition community, offering more opportunities for protein fortification. Suppliers are developing animal- and plant-based protein solutions to meet this growing demand. 

Clean label and better-for-you trends have elevated tea ingredients as beverage-makers look to deliver these attributes to consumers.

As health and wellness remains top of mind, brands are turning to exotic fruits to deliver exciting, unique flavor options.

Consumers are seeking out plant-based products for a variety of reasons, but the two most popular factors being that such options are better for their health and better for the planet, experts note.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Three Chord Bourbon announced the highly anticipated release of its 2024 Backstage Series with The Allman Brothers Band, a blend of straight bourbon whiskey finished with toasted peach wood.

Consumers have the chance to win an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch the Green Bay Packers play the Chicago Bears on Nov. 17 with Simone Biles, whose husband plays for the Chicago Bears and formerly played for the Packers.

When it comes to beverage manufacturing and packaging practices, OEMs are creating the machinery necessary to help beverage-makers conserve and reduce their energy output. For plastic bottle manufacturing, it’s not just the increasing adoption of rPET plastic bottles, but also reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that it takes to power these machines, experts note.

The latest addition to EndFlex’s lineup of case and tray packing machines is the PKR modular pick and place cell with delta robot. 

A five-axis Delta robot is the latest innovation in ABB’s FlexPicker portfolio.

Beverage packaging and manufacturing operations have married speed and accuracy to inspect and protect today’s beverages through a variety of applications and environments.

As the beverage industry works toward tackling environmental degradation, experts highlight how sustainable packaging efforts are having an impact on plastic bottle manufacturing.

Packaging machinery manufacturer Deitz Co. has produced a neck banding machine that automatically applies tamper-evident shrinkbands onto tiny bottles. 

Given the high interest in sustainability from consumers, today’s plastic bottle manufacturers are taking the steps to ensure their business aligns with what consumers are looking for.

Experts note how the direct-to-consumer channel is impacting beverage categories and sales.

Califia Farms, Los Angeles, announced the acquisition of Uproot Inc., a plant milk dispenser system for foodservice. 

Experts note how more and more consumers — not just athletes — are striving to live healthier lives and making conscious decisions about their health.

REBBL announced the return of its Protein Spiced Pumpkin Pie functional beverage, available for a limited time. 

Fireball, a brand of Sazerac Co., Louisville, Ky., is set to gallop into this year's classic horse racing events with bespoke, fiery hats dubbed “Hot Lids,” bringing a dash of cinnamon spice to the typical race day experience.

In conjunction with National Iced Tea Month, Bethesda, Md.-based JUST ICE Tea announced its summer campaign: Tea Marks the Spot. 

As brands look to employ creator-generated content as part of their advertising campaigns, understanding how consumers engage and receive this influencer content can be vital to support their brands.

Mango Shotta, a brand of Sazerac, Louisville, Ky., announced its latest initiative, inspired by Arturo, the brand’s eerie skeleton dog mascot. In the spirit of Halloween fun and commitment to shelter dogs, Mango Shotta unveiled its search for the “Scariest Spokesb*tch."

Jones Soda Co., Seattle, announced the launch of Mary Jones Hemp Delta-9 (HD-9) Shooters. The new product joins the brand's HD-9 craft sodas and gummies, featuring the same pure cane sugar formulation and classic taste of Jones Soda, adapted for HD-9.

Fable announced the nationwide launch of its signature line of premium THC/CBD-infused botanical cocktails.

Launched in 2020, Chlorophyll Water provides more than just hydration. The water is loaded with chlorophyll and vitamins, supplying plenty of potential health benefits while valuing sustainability.

This year’s State of the Industry report on dairy drinks and alternatives notes that total milk, comprised of dairy, plant and all other milks, looks to stabilize volume declines.

When it comes to beverage operations, the incorporation of automation is laying the ground work to make a case for implementation of robotics.

Teeling Whiskey and Notre Dame Athletics have collaborated on a special, limited-edition bottle featuring Teeling’s Small Batch whiskey.

The Mozart Distillerie announced the introduction of Mozart Chocolate Cream Liqueur, Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur and Mozart White Chocolate Liqueur for the first time in a 375-ml format. 

The Busker Irish Whiskey unveiled its new premium bottle designs for its Single Collection: Single Malt, Single Grain, and Single Pot Still. These new designs now are available and highlight the quality of The Busker's highly-awarded whiskey single expressions, the company says. 

With Halloween lurking, Bacardí has reimagined its limited-edition bottle. Bacardí’s newest limited-edition mummified Halloween bottle features a mysterious glow-in-the-dark design.

The NFL season is in full swing, and 1800 Tequila continues its support for the NFL by launching a new commemorative limited edition LTO 1800 Blanco bottle for the Miami Dolphins.

Johnnie Walker is unveiling a limited-edition bottle design of Black Label with numbers ranging from 001-456, the number of players featured in the series “Squid Game,” which returns to Netflix on Dec. 26

Ingredient suppliers release innovations to support immune health, plant-based food and beverages.

Travis Betters, founder and CEO of Brothers, will be leading the combined business, but Brothers and Hosh will continue to operate under their respective names and operate in their current areas. 

Ingredient companies announced new hires as well as case studies detailing consumer trends influencing new product development.

Ingredient suppliers announce acquisitions and pinpoint consumer trends driving color concepts.

In the bottling world, companies recognize the importance of being proactive members of the communities they operate in and serve. For Buffalo Rock Company, Birmingham, Ala., the company’s culture is centered on investing in its people and communities.

MUG Root Beer, a new sponsor of the World’s Ugliest Dog contest, has upped the ante this year. Wild Thang, the 2024 winner, will be featured on limited-edition cans of MUG Root Beer.