Informa Markets’ Natural Products Expo West, part of the New Hope Network family of brands, hosted more than 65,000 registered attendees and 3,000 exhibiting companies March 7-11 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Consumers are seeking out plant-based products for a variety of reasons, but the two most popular factors being that such options are better for their health and better for the planet, experts note.
With increased SKUs, retailers need to have broader product availability, and wholesalers want to have the ability to service those retailers more efficiently, as such, DSD solutions that aid with inventory, merchandising and forecasting automation are hot topics in the beverage industry.
Tequila and mezcal are the hot segments in the spirits category thanks to premium offerings, multicultural consumers and innovative cocktails featuring these agave-based spirits.
As sustainability has grown in importance to shoppers with environmental concerns, more beverage brands are using post-consumer recycled (PCR) content to support a circular economy.
Many producers have had to switch things up when it comes to carbonated soft drinks, offering options with zero- or low-sugar and more functional ingredients.
As beverage-maker’s need to do more with today’s filling equipment, original equipment manufacturers are prioritizing changeover speeds, safety and efficacy in their solutions.