As the official spirits partner of Universal Pictures’ “WICKED,” in theaters Nov. 22, Absolut is toasting to the power of friendship and inclusivity by offering “WICKED” consumers mystifying cocktail recipes.

With consumers demanding more from their beverages, brand owners are employing a myriad of concepts to help the next generation of new products succeed. 

As beverage-maker’s need to do more with today’s filling equipment, original equipment manufacturers are prioritizing changeover speeds, safety and efficacy in their solutions.

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.

As sustainability is a driving force for change in labeling materials for beverage packaging, experts highlight how labeling equipment is evolving to support these trends.

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.

Natural and organic retailers anticipate certain consumer trends for the year.

Natural sweeteners are looking to deliver sweet solutions while accommodating consumer demands for less sugar content.

Through its new global brand platform and U.S. ad campaign, White Claw is inspiring even more people to seek out genuine, real-world connections — and “Grab Life By The Claw.” 

Malibu, a brand of Pernod Ricard, New York, unveiled its new summer campaign in partnership with TV personality Paige DeSorbo to bring the vacation anytime, anywhere. 

Seagram's 7 Crown, a brand of Diageo North America, New York, is toasting timeless American staples with an icon in America – the 7&7— with the launch of its new ad campaign, Timeless Taste.

Consumers have hit the road and air this summer, creating more eyeballs on out-of-home ad campaigns. Clear Channel Outdoor offers insights on how beverage brands can create campaigns to help support their summer sales goals.

Piper-Heidsieck, Reims, France, announces the launch of its Twist the Script campaign, a tribute to the brand’s creativity and history, it says.

Aplós announced the launch of Aplós Cocktails, a lineup of ready-to-drink non-alcohol canned cocktails.

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

The Los Angeles-based THC beverage brand Nowadays offers alternatives to alcohol with similar buzz.

Shifts of consumption preferences from consumers in terms of dairy and dairy alternatives beverages, impact performance of category.

CAS Dataloggers announced the availability of the V5C cold chain data logger manufactured by Frigga.

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. 

Now, after five years on the market, Tip Top’s portfolio has grown, now with 16 offerings. Its most recent offering is the Whiskey Sour, which launched earlier this month.

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

Ingredient suppliers are prioritizing sustainability with new hires and innovations.

Ingredient suppliers are prioritizing sustainability and new facilities.

Pepsi, Purchase N.Y., unveiled its Gladiator-themed campaign titled “Make Your Gameday Epic.” As a longtime NFL sponsor, Pepsi is celebrating the start of the 2024 NFL season and the anticipated theatrical release of Paramount Pictures’ “Gladiator II,” with a short-film that will electrify game days for cola-lovers and NFL fans alike.

Mountain Dew, a brand of PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y., announced that it is taking on a brand-new visual identity, reclaiming the mountain with a new logo and visual identity. The official rollout of the new visual identity will debut next summer, with packaging hitting shelves as early as May 2025.  

Mingle Mocktails announced the release of its new Sparkler Pack. The festive new variety pack will feature a selection of best-selling flavors from the female-founded mocktail brand.

Spoetzl Brewery, the family-owned and independent craft brewer of Shiner Bock, released a new slim 12-ounce can for Shiner Light.

TailGate Brewery announced the return of its Peanut Butter Milk Stout, available for a limited time only this fall and winter.

Seattle-based Starbucks announced that Brian Niccol has been appointed chairman and chief executive officer (CEO). Niccol will start in his new role Sept. 9.

Death Wish Coffee Co. announced the return of its most demanded seasonal blend: Pumpkin Chai. 

To kick off summer, 5-hour ENERGY shots unveiled Main Character Energy, a Watermelon Chili Lime flavor, co-created with Jamie Varon, influencer and author of “Main Character Energy.”

With so many consumers turning to convenience stores for their energy drink purchases, CELSIUS is working with operators to drive success not only for the brand, but the convenience channel.

Red Bull revealed the anticipated 2024 Red Bull Winter Edition Iced Vanilla Berry, a new seasonal offering that delivers Red Bull Energy Drink with the taste of blueberry and vanilla. For the first time in the Red Bull Editions lineup, this Winter Edition will be available with and without sugar.

Austin, Texas-based Nutrabolt, owner of C4, is shaking up the active nutrition landscape as it announced the rebrand of its C4 pre-workout powders, including new, innovative formulations; an updated look and feel of the product; and the We Hit Harder brand equity platform. 

NBPure, in partnership with influencer, bestselling author and mom Andrea Hannemann, announced the launch of Earthy Andy Hawaiian Hydration.

Nutrabolt’s C4 unveiled its C4 x Hawaiian Punch collaboration with the launch of its Hawaiian Punch flavor C4 Pre-Workout Powders and C4 Energy drink.

PACK EXPO International 2024, taking place Nov. 3-6 at McCormick Place in Chicago, to feature more exhibitors and experiences for attendees. Making its PACK EXPO International debut, Sustainability Central will explore packaging sustainability and what it means to brands.

EXIAR now is offering the 1/8 NPT FloodStream Liquid Atomizing Spray Nozzle for spraying processes where space is at a premium.

In June, Swoon brought Barbiecore to the beverage aisle with the limited-edition release of Barbie x Swoon Pink Lemonade. That partnership led to the zero-sugar brand experiencing its highest monthly volume sales.

Ocean Spray introduced an all-new line of Cocktail Mixers to make hassle-free cocktails at home.  

Tropicana introduced “Tropcn,” a new limited-edition packaging with the letters “AI” removed from their name to celebrate the orange juice brand’s natural ingredients.

Outshine Fruit & Yogurt Smoothies is giving fans an “oh so squeezy” reason to elevate their cocktails (or mocktails) by combining the fruity blends of a smoothie with their beverage of choice.

Revl Fruits, a brand of Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., Lakeville-Middleboro, Mass., is giving consumers a chance to win a cushy summer job: Global VP of Water Park Inflatables.

Welch’s Zero Sugar hits shelves on Sept. 1. The juice line is available in two refrigerated flavors ― Passion Fruit and Grape ―as well as three shelf-stable flavors ― Tropical Punch, Strawberry and Concord Grape ― in multi-serve and single-serve formats. 

Lytx Inc., revealed its Weather Hazard Alerts. The artificial intelligence (AI)-powered geospatial technology is available to all Lytx clients as a project within the Lytx Lab tab in their accounts.

In regards to beverage delivery, there are many facets of AI that most fleets are probably already using without even realizing it.

An expert weighs in on the challenges and possibilities for beverage operation employee recruitment and retention.

DashTrack is offering a cost-effective, streamlined one-stop solution for restaurant management through an all-encompassing platform.

Beverage wholesalers are utilizing DSD technology to streamline orders, browse new products to gain a better understanding of evolving, complex beverage market.