With more consumers seeking reduced-sugar or sugar-free drinks, experts note that beverage-makers are turning to sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, monk fruit and allulose to deliver products without sacrificing on taste.

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

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

Uncle Nearest Inc., the makers of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, announced the arrival of Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey. 

From offering consumer insights, enhancing product development to supply chain optimization, experts weigh in on how AI solutions are transforming the beverage industry. 

The Arizona Bowl, which brings together teams from the Mountain West Conference and Mid-American Conference each year, announced a multi-year sponsorship deal, titling the event the “Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented by Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop,” to air at 2:30pm MST on Dec. 28. 

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

The highly anticipated Season 3 of FX’s “The Bear” is just days away, and Stella Artois is returning for its starring role at the dining table.

Chicago-based Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. is partnering with actor Lamorne Morris to host an interactive pop-up event: Mike’s Jobstacle Course. This immersive experience will prove that every job has its hard days. And a hard day deserves a refreshing-tasting Mike’s Hard Lemonade, the company says.

With all the current buzz around brand collaborations, experts highlight some of the opportunities, challenges, and factors to consider when embarking on a licensing partnership.

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.

With its complex formulas helping consumers further their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, the functional beverage market has thrived. Detox drinks have benefited from this interest, but is not without its challenges.

Califia Farms unveiled its Organic Almond Creamers, made with simple ingredients and no gums or oils. 

Caribe Juice, makers of WTRMLN WTR, announced the launch of WTRMLN ADE, a clean cold-pressed ultra-hydrating lemonade that harnesses the superpower of real watermelon.

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.

Following the launch of Complete, Califia Farms announced the launch of Complete Kids, a nutritious plant-based milk for kids.

Athletic Brewing Co., Milford, Conn. and San Diego, is teaming up with Arsenal, becoming the club’s first Official Non-Alcoholic Beer Partner. Starting this August, the partnership will see cans of Athletic’s award-winning Run Wild IPA available at Emirates Stadium, London, for all men’s and women’s matches.

Mooala, a leading organic plant-based milk brand, announced the launch of its Organic Barista Blend Oatmilk. 

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

Founded in 1885 in Angers, France, Giffard Liqueurs, a fifth-generation, family-owned company, announced the launch of its non-alcoholic liqueur line.

Manufacturer of both pre-engineered standard and custom-designed conveyor solutions Multi-Conveyor recently built a new series of conveyor technologies.

High-brightness LED lights designer and manufacturer Smart Vision Lights recently revealed the RHI200-DO Lightgistics series light.

For beverage manufacturers looking to tackle the challenge of building a new facility, experts highlight the ins and outs of planning to get the job done, as well as current trends that are shaping the need to build or revamp a facility.

Whether its addressing labor shortages, increasing productivity or accommodating a growing SKU portfolio the incorporation of palletizing and depalletizing systems has become vital for beverage warehouses.

The challenges of today’s labor market have made automated guided vehicles (AGVs) a growing solution for beverage warehouses.

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

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

The Finnish Long Drink released its new Midnight Sun Variety Pack. Inspired by the natural phenomenon occurring in northern Finland during the summer, where the sun never sets below the horizon for up to four months and remains visible at midnight, this pack showcases flavors that reflect the hues of the Finnish Midnight Sun. 

Lewis Cellars unveiled a new look, with a new logo and varietal updates that will help wine lovers discover Lewis, it says. Lewis also launched its first-ever wine club, Lewis Insiders, and a new website elevating the customer experience.

Gnarly Head wines and the Grateful Dead announced three new limited-release wine offerings packaged in eye-catching bottles that rock two of the band’s most beloved icons in shimmering holographic labels, the company says.

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. 

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.

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

Setting out to create a canned cocktail suited for his personal lifestyle, Gen Zer Will Blum, CEO and co-founder of Bluebird Hardwater, highlights how the brand differentiates itself in a saturated market.

Campbell’s V8 and Grillo's Pickles joined forces to create a fresh take on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail with the launch of V8 Grillo’s Dill Pickle Bloody Mary Mix.

SupplySide West and Food ingredients North America (FiNA), produced by Informa Markets, celebrated its 25th anniversary. More than 1,100 exhibitors and 15,850 registered attendees gathered Oct. 31-Nov. 4 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas to focus on what’s next in the industry.

ADM unveils global consumer trends outlook report while NutriLeads announced a new clinical research paper regarding its BeniCaros ingredient.

Aspartame-sweetened foods and beverages are safe, according to a definitive new finding issued jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The WHO and FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) reviewed decades of high-quality evidence and real-world consumption data, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) at which aspartame can be safely consumed daily over the course of an entire lifetime.

Ingredient companies announce coalitions, new hires and new ingredient solutions to support sugar reduction efforts.

Ingredient companies announced new research as well as new solutions for today’s cocktail creations.

Ingredient suppliers announce headquarter moves, while awareness of Uganda -sourced vanilla grows.

BENEO announces its new CEO while HOWTIAN introduces SoPure Andromeda.

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.

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.

This year’s State of the Industry report on carbonated soft drinks explores how flavor and functionality innovations entice consumers. 

Fanta, a brand of The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, and Warner Bros. Pictures announced a global partnership ahead of the release of the highly anticipated movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” which debuts in cinemas on Sept. 6. 

Nixie introduced its new Organic Zero Sugar Soda line with the launch of three varieties: Classic Cola, Root Beer and Ginger Ale.  

Barritt’s Ginger Beer, from Barritt’s Beverages International Ltd, is celebrating 150 years of its ginger beer with the launch of a vibrant new mixer line, as well as a brand refresh inspired by Bermuda’s pastel-colored houses.

Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co. will discontinue production of Spiced, a permanent flavor that was introduced in February of this year.

Zevia, a zero sugar beverage company, announced the launch of its new Salted Caramel Soda, a limited-edition flavor sold only on Amazon and Zevia.com.