Beverage operations are juggling SKU proliferation, varying pack sizes and a changing workforce. Packing machinery is helping these manufacturers minimize disruptions to those operations.

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 retail market continues to drive demand for flexible case packing and wrapping equipment, experts highlight how these packaging systems work to meet beverage market trends.

With market trends, SKU proliferation, and more, impacting filler technology, experts highlight how technological advancements work to address issues from sustainability to product safety.

Experts weigh in on the various forms of packaging inspection equipment used in the beverage industry.

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.

As consumers’ purchasing behaviors continue to impact the U.S. on-premise, experts note that the channel remains resilient amid fluctuating trends.

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

The Slurpee drink is “an exciting spin on the fan-favorite Coca-Cola Slurpee, combining the classic taste of a crisp and fizzy Coca-Cola with flavorful, OREO sandwich cookie-inspired hints,” the company notes.

As consumers today work to pay their bills and buy groceries, data shows that mass merchandisers are serving as a go-to channel to stretch their dollars. 

Experts note that convenience, drinkability and protein content are key drivers of the performance beverage market.

With consumers’ wellness approach toward weight management, experts highlight how demand for nutritious drinks that support overall well-being is transforming the industry. 

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

Today’s performance beverages have evolved beyond providing energy, but also are supporting broader health and wellness goals.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), Burlington, Mass., and Frisco, Texas, has teamed up with Soccer United Marketing (SUM) to unveil a new multi-year partnership with the Federación Mexicana de Futbol (FMF), making Keurig Dr Pepper an official partner of the U.S. tours for the Mexican Men’s and Women’s National Teams.

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

Chobani LLC, New Berlin, N.Y., launched its first-ever shelf-stable low-fat dairy milk: Chobani Super Milk. This latest product innovation is nutrient rich and is made specifically to be donated to support people impacted by disasters as well as help some of the most vulnerable in Chobani’s hometowns, the company says.

From SKU proliferation to employee safety and retention, experts highlight how lift truck solutions are working to transform beverage warehousing.

As operational complexity increases in today’s beverage warehouses, experts highlight how voice picking and guided work solutions are helping to achieve goals in fast-paced environments.

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

The Kraken Rum has partnered with Black Moon Cosmetics for a new lip combo. Available now, The Emperor Kraken Duo features a uniquely dark, liquid to matte metallic lipstick in a blackened olive gold shade, accompanied by a bottle of The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum.

Cooper & Thief, producers of a portfolio of spirits barrel-aged wines, unveiled its new bourbon barrel-aged wine: Cabernet Sauvignon. 

On The Rocks Premium Cocktails unveiled its latest offering: the Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour, a limited-edition cocktail now available in select markets nationwide.

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.

BENEO, a functional ingredient manufacturer, has increased global capacity for its prebiotic chicory root fibers by 30%, while also reducing specific energy consumption by 35%.

With this acquisition, it is expected that Brenntag’s product portfolio in Life Sciences, especially in Nutrition, will be complemented and expanded. 

Ingredient suppliers are prioritizing sustainability and new facilities.

Ingredient manufacturers announce facility expansions and openings.

PepsiCo’s Pepsi, Purchase N.Y, and Little Caesars, Detroit. Mich. announced the return of the fan-favorite Pepsi Pineapple, available exclusively at Little Caesars for a limited time only.

PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., has teamed up with award-winning singer Kelly Rowland to turn local restaurant regulars into hometown celebrities with a chance to be featured in a Pepsi ad and have their favorite menu item renamed in their honor.

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.

Jones Soda Co., Seattle, has captured the essence of the favorite campfire dessert with its new limited-edition Jones S’mores Soda. The S’mores Soda is the latest in a series of Jones SPECIAL RELEASE beverages that showcase the company’s unique soda flavors.

Health-Ade announced the addition of a new flavor to its SunSip prebiotic soda line: Peach.

Blake’s Hard Cider launched its new Fully Loaded Imperial Cider Variety Pack. The mixed 12-pack of 12-ounce cans now is available across Blake’s Hard Cider’s expansive distribution footprint.

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

Copper Moon Coffee announced the launch of its new Brew-Over-Ice Coffee Pods. 

Peet’s Coffee unveiled its Bright Collection, featuring two new blends: Sun Catcher and Off the Grid.

Red Bull is commemorating the 20th anniversary of Oracle Red Bull Racing with the introduction of two initiatives: the exclusive Special Edition 2024 Red Bull Racing Can and the Red Bull All Terrain digital game.

With the continued blurring of lines in the functional beverage space, experts highlight how the energy drink category can rise above the clouds by expanding on wellness attributes, variety and accessibility.

Yerbaé Brands Corp., a plant-based energy beverage company, announced the launch of two additions to its zero-calorie, zero-sugar energy lineup: Peachy Mimosa Twist and Raspberry Sorbet.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), Burlington, Mass., and Frisco, Texas, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire GHOST Lifestyle LLC and GHOST Beverages LLC (collectively GHOST). 

DripDrop announced the launch of three new offerings for its Zero Sugar lineup: Zero Sugar Peach, Zero Sugar Watermelon, and a four-flavor Zero Sugar Variety Pack.

PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., announced that it reached its 2025 global goal of a 25% improvement in operational water-use efficiency in high water-risk areas, two years ahead of schedule, based on 2023 data versus a 2015 baseline.

Crown Equipment Corp. announced the availability of the Crown SP 1500 Series order picker.

Pepperl+Fuchs launched a new tablet for professional use in hazardous areas in Zone 2/22, Division 2.

Uncle Matt's Organic is adding a new functional juice-based beverage to its portfolio: Uncle Matt's Organic Superfruit Punch.

Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Co. announced the introduction of two tomato-centric blends: Red Tomato Reishi and Green Tomato Lion's Mane. 

Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks announced the expansion of its beverage collection with the launch of Sanpellegrino Zero Grams Added Sugar.

This year’s State of the Industry report on juice and juice drinks highlights how juice manufacturers are taking a proactive approach to meet consumers’ health and wellness goals.

Welch Foods Inc. announced the launch of Welch's Grape’ade, a new juice beverage made with crisp Niagara green grapes and no added sugar.