Articles by Barbara Harfmann

In Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI’s) 2019 New Product Pacesetters report, the market research firm reports the return of the $100 million product launch brands, and notes that both David and Goliath can win when it comes to successful new product launches in the food and beverage industries.

As beverage manufacturers strive to unlock the power and potential of secondary packaging, they have a plethora of options from which to choose, including shrink-wrap, paperboard and corrugated packaging.

Despite regulatory challenges, the use of THC in beverages is seeing a slight uptick. Nielsen suggests that consumers often turn to marijuana products because it doesn’t cause a hangover and is low- or zero-calorie.

Founded in 2009, Neuro Brands LLC was created by Sanela Diana Jenkins to promote the health of both the body and mind. The company offers a line of eight low-calorie functional beverages to help promote sleep, aid digestion and reduce stress in low-calorie, great-tasting beverages, it says.

After several years of declining sales, refrigerated orange juices, fruit juices and lemonades are experiencing upticks of 7.1 percent, 6.2 percent and 8.8 percent, respectively. Yet, the juice and juice drinks category is experiencing its share of twists and turns as health-conscious consumers are turning away from traditional juices with high sugar content and seeking lower-sugar options.

The energy drinks and mixes category is maintaining steady growth. However, energy shot sales are flat and suffer from a lack of competition.

In the wake of COVID-19 and stay at home orders, manufacturers have ramped up eCommerce to keep up with heightened demand for alcohol. Alcohol eCommerce retail sales have jumped exponentially, up 234 percent for the weeks ending March 7-April 18, Nielsen’s Danelle Kosmal says. The data also showed alcohol sales increased almost five-fold in just the latest two weeks.

In the wake of COVID-19, beverage companies have stepped up efforts to connect with their customers by hosting podcasts and virtual tastings. For instance, Mountain Mel’s, purveyors of loose-leaf herbal teas, is offering online classes and podcasts designed to educate and entertain.

The vending machine industry continues to evolve. The use of no-touch cashless systems has provided greater convenience, speed and security for customers and operators, particularly important in the wake of COVID-19. Soft drinks generate the most sales, followed by non-carbonated products like bottled waters, teas and energy drinks.