As we move into 2022, here’s a look back at some of the top stories of 2021. While many began experiencing “Covid fatigue” in the news, many of our top stories featured news about the pandemic.

In mid-December, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released their annual report on fatalities and injuries in the workplace. The report details specific data from the year prior.

There were 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2021, an 8.9 percent increase from 4,764 in 2020.

Investing in the mental and emotional well-being of employees is not just a compassionate approach but a strategic imperative for any organization.

Rather than just reacting to workplace injury issues, we can take proactive steps to prevent them.

Scheduled to premiere in May 2023 during AIHce EXP, AIHA’s annual conference, the series aims to introduce the public to the key role the occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) profession plays in creating healthier workplaces and communities.

For one price, safety professionals receive 12-month access to an online library of content featuring more than 100 courses presented by industry experts.

While the presence of risk is unavoidable, it’s how your business addresses hazards that really makes a difference. 

Workplace mental health and well-being are critical in every industry and company. Unfortunately, not all companies take the need for mental health support and resources seriously. The manufacturing industry, in particular, has been deemed one of the worst for mental health and wellness support.

Another way of feeling safe on your job is in terms of psychological safety. This is mental and emotional safety. Do you feel it’s safe for you to put it out there — opinions and ideas?

Employees were using a forklift to take stone slabs off a storage rack when the slab became unsecured and struck the worker. OSHA investigators find it could have been prevented. 

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. 

With the price of Oktoberfest brews higher than other beers, Oktoberfest beers, festivities bring big sales opportunities that many operators can capitalize on.

When it comes to recycling, studies show that consumers express concerns about recycling success in the United States, but companies are looking to change that through education, awareness and improved access.

A budding marketing opportunity for brand owners, NIL is gaining traction, but as beverage companies look to engage in this realm, it is important to understand the dynamics.

Honey has a rich history in beverage alcohol whether it’s with the creation of meads — a honey wine — or its addition to whiskey. Now the ingredient is finding itself in more spirits categories as brands look to differentiate.

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.

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

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.

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

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."

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

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.

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

As beverage-makers seek out prebiotics and stevia solutions, ingredient suppliers are increasing production capabilities to support these needs.

Glanbia Nutritionals, Chicago, introduced OptiATP, a new optimized form of Adenosine 5-Triphosphate that is stable in low pH/high acid and high heat ready-to-drink beverage processing environments.

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.

The Coca-Cola and OREO brands have teamed up as “besties” to create two exclusive and limited-edition products: OREO Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookie and Coca-Cola OREO Zero Sugar Limited Edition. 

Tilray Brands Inc., New York, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire four craft breweries from Molson Coors Beverage Co., Chicago. The acquisition includes Hop Valley Brewing Co., Terrapin Beer Co., Revolver Brewing and Atwater Brewery.

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) wrapped up its 87th Annual Convention and Product Showcase in San Diego, naming Alabama’s Rebecca Maisel as its new board chair.

Videojet Technologies launched the new Videojet 9560 PL pallet labeling system.

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

Naked Brand, a brand of Tropicana Brands Group, Chicago, is launching a new range of lower sugar smoothies just in time for the busy, on-the-go summer season. 

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.

Technology is playing a greater role when it comes to calculating insurance costs for fleets, particularly as some look into adding electric vehicles to the mix.

Sojo Industries recently launched a track and trace platform for food and beverage brands.

Electric vehicle deployment for leasing of commercial vehicles are increasing, however, diesel vehicles still dominate the market. But experts note that as the gap narrows in terms of costs, so too will the market share.

Compared with last year, summer fuel prices for gasoline and diesel has remained stable. Alternative markets competition still coming from emissions versus price with traditional fuels.

Valentine's Day is an important holiday for Sugar Daddies and Sugar Babies. SugarDaddyMeet has suggestions on how to make the day a special one.

The three-part book series release coincides with Chronic Disease Day

Learn How To Get Rid Of Autumn Seasonal Allergies

Video series aims to educate victims on what to do after being injured in a car accident to protect their legal rights

German Cabieses is recognized for his expertise as the managing director for Alina Residences of FirstService Residential

The company is announcing its featured listing for Southern California, focusing on serviced and furnished apartment opportunities.

Modmo Technologies, producers of high-tech electric bikes, have announced the closing of their seed investment round which amounted to €8.7M.

Irish micromobility company Modmo Technologies Ltd. is pleased to announce the development of their next generation, state-of-the-art ebike, the NX12.

Empower Thrive Magazine inviting individuals to share inspiring stories of triumph and perseverance on their website. They aim to empower readers with stories of courage and resilience. Submissions from individuals overcoming challenges and obstacles

K Group Companies merger helps fill industry gap

Toby Evans of Sagebrush Exchange is back with Episode Two of the "Soul-Bridge" podumentary. Now more than ever, Way Showers familiar with the inner terrain are needed to help us navigate the 'great divide' we are experiencing in the outer world.