Beverage trends including gluten free, non-GMO, plant-based and low- or no-sugar are resonating in the marketplace as consumers are looking for more than a “diet” to help them manage their weight.

Tasked with protecting the contents of beverages, caps and closures also are seeing trends that impact sustainable measures as well as incorporating smart technology.

By reducing the repeated need for single-use packaging, reusable containers not only help companies become more cost-efficient, but also helps combat climate change by further reducing companies’ carbon footprint.

Classic flavors such as vanilla, chocolate and strawberry have enjoyed longevity throughout the beverage market even as new, exotic entrants look to challenge their status.

As the juice and juice drinks category sees increasing competition from emerging beverage categories, beverage-makers, too, are looking to reimage this classic category.

As consumers' shopping behaviors are changing, traditional grocery stores are seeking new ways to further engage consumers. For many grocery stores, the new path to differentiation is digital.

Driven by pandemic health concerns as well as shifts in consumers' attitudes toward drinking, low- and no-alcohol beverage options are of high interest to consumers, signaling an opportunity for new product development.

As we enter 2022, it looks as though more business operations, including the beverage market, are “trying something new” with entries into the non-fungible token (NFT) market.

Pent-up demand following pandemic lockdowns has served to increase sparkling wine’s growth, data shows. Meanwhile consumers are showing preference for U.S.-sourced wine varietals.

The usage of vitamin D and K in combination bolsters immune support, while botanical extracts, such as acerola, beetroot and yerba mate, provide vitamins and antioxidants. Minerals such as zinc also are trending.