With consumers’ brains in overdrive, many are turning to beverages that support their mental well-being.

As physical fitness remains top of mind for those seeking healthier lifestyles, experts note that today’s consumers not only are turning to sports drinks to deliver on recovery, but also seek such drinks to help meet overall wellness goals.

As more and more consumers learn about the gut microbiome and its role in overall health and wellness, experts highlight how incorporating fiber and biotic solutions can help beverage-makers meet consumers’ various need states.

As more consumers are recognizing the link between immune-health and overall health, experts note that the demand for functional beverages that support immunity has never been higher.

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) returned to McCormick Place for the IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo where exhibitors were presented with an array of ingredient samples, interactive demos and product tastings.

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

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

Experts note that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how prioritizing gut health impacts the immune system and mental health.

As beverage-makers look to align taste profiles with the growing demands on health-and-wellness products, suppliers are crafting solutions that support those goals.

Experts share insights on why consumers are drawn to clean label and non-GMO beverages, as well as what beverage-makers can do to appeal to such preferences.

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) returned to McCormick Place for the IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo where exhibitors were presented an array of ingredient literature as well as prototypes featuring these solutions.

When it comes to trends influencing the beverage market, consumers’ preferences for various sweeteners is being expressed through their drink purchases.

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

Breckenridge Brewery, a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, unveiled its Oktoberfest Lager.

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

Espolòn Tequila introduced Flor de Oro, a limited-edition Reposado tequila infused with natural extract from the marigold flower.

Bruichladdich Distillery announced the release of its next Octomore series: Octomore 15. 

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

In partnership with 20th Century Studios, International Delight is teaming up with film favorite “Home Alone” to give consumers a nostalgic taste this holiday season.

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.

Global technology and engineering company Emerson recently launched a compact valve position indicator.

In beverage warehouses, the rise of automation has prompted conveyor manufacturers to continue to make advancements to ensure that the speed and pace are in sync and processes are running efficiently.

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.

The demands of today’s global markets are rigorous.

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.

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

India’s NV Group and SMOKE LAB Vodka announced the debut of SMOKE LAB Classic Vodka in two new formats: 1 and 1.75 liter. The new 1-liter size has been developed specifically for on-premise establishments, while the 1.75-liter size will help increase the brand’s shelf presence in retail establishments.

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. 

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

Hennessy announced new designs for the packaging for Hennessy Very Special (V.S). The updates, which represent the greatest evolution to the V.S packaging in a decade, the company says.

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 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. 

19 Crimes partners with Universal Products & Experiences to release a limited-edition collection of highly sought after Halloween wines, featuring the classic Universal Monsters. 

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

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.