With more consumers using click-and-collect models and home delivery for prescription medications, eCommerce continued to drive double-digit growth in the non-traditional drug store channel, which generated $264.5 billion in sales, a $14.3 billion profit and a 1.4 percent growth rate from 2010-2015, according to IBISWorld’s December 2015 report titled “Pharmacies & Drug Stores in the US.”

Between 2010 and 2015, high unemployment, stagnant disposable income, volatile energy costs and a changing mass-market perception of dollar stores contributed to a 3.3 percent growth rate, $66.7 billion in revenue and a $2.6 billion profit for the channel, according to IBISWorld’s September 2015 report titled “Dollar & Variety Stores in the US.”

Even though consumers always will have to shop for groceries, the channels in which they visit continually change, and supermarkets now are feeling the pressures of these changes.

Hopwater Inc. now offers its self-titled low-calorie premium soda and mixer in select markets. 

In the 1959 film “Some Like It Hot,” the comedic stylings of Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon offer an entertaining twist about two musicians who witness the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre and dress in drag to avoid mafia gangsters.

Clearly the readers of Beverage Industry are fans of kombucha as Clearly Kombucha won the August New Product of the Month poll. The organic beverage obtained 21 percent of the votes. Voting took place between Sept. 8 and 18.

SKU proliferation has left its mark on the consumer packaged goods (CPG) market. But innovative new products aren’t just for the retail shelves. Foodservice operations also are developing new beverages to entice consumers.

The majority of sports fans agree that eating and drinking is a big part of watching sports (60 percent), according to Chicago-based Mintel. Nearly all sports fans consume beverages while watching sports at home with at least half reaching for water, soda or beer. 

In order to attract new consumers, Melbourne, Fla.-based ArKay Beverages released ArKay alcohol-free tasting shots, the company says.

Each shot is a 1.7-ounce bottle sold in a tasting kit containing 15 varieties. 

The beverage industry faces many challenges when it comes to marketing. However, throughout the years, the beverage industry has shown the ability to overcome any obstacle it encounters.