Today, as people are increasingly seeking out ways that proactively support overall well-being, experts note that citrus ingredients that contain vitamin C continue to attract attention.

With the functional beverage space growing dramatically, experts note that consumer interest in botanicals and adaptogens is on the rise.

Although cannabis beverages still are a niche market, the interest in this space remains expansive as ingredient suppliers have advanced the quality of CBD, THC and hemp solutions.

More consumers are engaging in the active nutrition community, offering more opportunities for protein fortification. Suppliers are developing animal- and plant-based protein solutions to meet this growing demand. 

As health and wellness remains top of mind, brands are turning to exotic fruits to deliver exciting, unique flavor options.

With no shortage of contributing factors for Americans’ rising stress levels, ingredient suppliers are turning to holistic ingredients that promote relaxation and stress relief to help beverage-makers meet consumers’ growing need states.

As consumers more closely scrutinize beverage labels, recognizable, from nature hydrocolloids have become an essential part of beverage development.

With rising consumer demand for drinks made with natural ingredients, experts note that beverage-makers are turning to fruit and vegetable ingredients to deliver functional drinks that meet consumers’ growing need states.

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. 

Experts note that beverage-makers are interested in using CBD, THC and/or hemp ingredients in product formulations. 

Experts suggest that beverage brands can further innovate their portfolios by offering plant-based protein-fortified alternatives within various beverage categories. 

Classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry allow beverage-makers to appeal to consumer nostalgia.

As health and wellness trends continue to be a driving factor in the beverage industry, experts highlight how exotic fruits’ functional attributes and unique flavor profiles have growing appeal.

As consumers cope with stress and anxiety, they are turning to beverages to induce relaxation and support healthy sleep cycles.

Although hydrocolloids do not provide specific health benefits, experts note that their functional attributes make many of the trendy, health-forward drinks possible.

As functional beverages remain in demand, experts highlight how masking ingredients are essential in formulations by enhancing a beverage’s overall drinking experience.

As consumers continue to demand more than hydration from their beverages, manufacturers are turning to new ways to deliver on functionality and clean label preferences.

This white paper includes data-driven insights, and actionable tips to enhance your business' shipping operations.

Experts note that advanced robotics, AI technologies can transform warehouses, making beverage operations more dynamic, agile, responsive and safe.

From an operations perspective, safety is an important investment in the warehouse.

From an operations perspective, constant change syndrome has impacted how asset utilization is fulfilled in warehouses today, with engineers striving to keep the percentage high.

As more Gen Zers reach the legal drinking age, experts highlight how this younger generation is driving variety and innovation in the beverage alcohol market.

Although John’s column will no longer be part of Beverage Industry, he left a legacy with us and you the readers that was just as impressive as his time on earth. 

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.

In the consumer packaged goods space there’s no shortage of celebrity-backed products, particularly beverages. Although proliferating across all segments, alcohol brands are seeing the most activity.

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.

Beverage packaging and manufacturing operations have married speed and accuracy to inspect and protect today’s beverages through a variety of applications and environments.

Sustainability and on-the-go consumption are among the key packaging influencing coding technology as these solutions look to support high line speeds and varying pack sizes.

Although safety is a top priority when it comes to labeling, trends in beverage labeling materials — mainly sustainability — also are greatly impacting labeling equipment. 

With market trends, SKU proliferation and more, experts highlight how flexible can filling and seaming equipment works to fill a variety of container sizes, while ensuring product safety.

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 share insights on coding technology for beverage packaging.

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.

Technomic released its Beverage Global Menu Category Report, which explores foodservice category sizing by country, outlook and expectations, consumer patronage and preferences, menu trends, global and local chains, and brands to watch.

Circana, an advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, released new Circana Compass insights, providing a comprehensive update on the 2024 performance of the global retail food and beverage (F&B) industry and an outlook for 2025.

Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council unveiled their Top 10 anticipated food and beverage trends for 2025 in the retailer’s 10th annual Trends predictions report. 

New beverages today are turning more and more to natural colors as clean label and holistic views of health connect with an increasing consumer base.

The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated consumer interest in vitamins and minerals. Experts note that more of today’s consumers are awakening  to “better-for-you” (BFY) beverage trends as they continue to seek drinks that provide fortification

With growing awareness of the connections between individual health and that of nature or the environment, such interests are prompting more consumers to seek out clean label and non-GMO beverages.

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.

As consumers become increasingly aware of their sugar intake, beverage-makers must deliver drinks that are sweet with natural sweeteners.

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.

As wellness trends have taken hold in the beverage space, experts highlight how natural and organic trends are impacting color choices used in the market.

Experts note that shifts in consumer behavior have caused beverage brands to find new ways to deliver on fortification and personalization.

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

Although on-the-go lifestyles are prompting interest in beverages with an energy and cognitive focus, experts highlight that purity and effectiveness are leading new product development.

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

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