Beverage ingredient suppliers are collaborating with other companies as a way to expand their distribution reach and develop new products.

Social media is supercharging conversation and the spread of consumer trends. Shifts in consumer attitude, which typically have evolved over years now can grow and spread within a matter of months. But how as a marketer or innovator can you stave off the competition and stay ahead?

The new Center for Innovation comprises 3,600 square feet and features state-of-the-art application and flavor labs as well as customer conference and tasting rooms.

The editors of Beverage Industry analyzed the new beverages launched in 2018 and selected five brands that they think are driving innovation and getting consumers to “drink outside the box.”

Advancements in this technology are resulting in fresher, better quality beverage trials.

A number of macro trends are empowering beverage innovation and contract packagers/contract manufacturers are helping to fill an important need state, experts say.

The quest to perfect and expand on traditional offerings continues to evolve as witnessed by national cocktail competitions, happy hours and step-by-step recipes on websites and cocktail chatbots, which are furthering consumers’ fascination and enjoyment of cocktails at home and on-premise.

In the world of beverages, experts note that the more products a brand markets, the more customers the brand will see.

Beverage companies are joining the legalization movement and positioning themselves for the future growth of “drinkable marijuana.”

Hydrocolloids have shown how valuable they are in order to improve a beverage’s texture and mouthfeel, facilitate increased usage of protein, fiber and nutrients, and serve as “the glue” to provide consumers with the functional, healthy beverages they demand.