Articles by Barbara Harfmann

Whether it’s the repeal of Prohibition, legalization of cannabis and its impact on the alcohol industry, or the ways in which eCommerce is impacting the sale and distribution of beer, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) has been on the pulse of many hot-button topics during the past 81 years.

Hundreds of beverage brands are giving back to communities, restoring national parks and even creating job opportunities.

The term “superfood” has been bandied about the beverage industry in reference to products containing nutrient-rich fruits like blueberries, pomegranate and cranberry, which increasingly have become popular with health-conscious consumers.

More than one in three U.S. consumers are following a specific diet or eating pattern, and they are increasingly averse to carbohydrates and sugar, according to the 13th Annual Food and Health Survey, released in May by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation, Washington, D.C.

Sales of immune health shots are performing well as they are experiencing triple digit growth.

As consumers seek out more premium, functional beverages, beverage-makers are keeping in lockstep by evolving their packaging style and using a plethora of labeling materials that define the design and decorating process of a brand to help products stand out on store shelves.

Because many consumers use social media to connect with brands and vice versa, beverage companies are engaging with fans on a variety of digital and social media platforms.

The combined sales of the Top 3 club stores — Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club — reached an estimated $158.4 billion in 2017, up 2.9 percent over 2016, according to Chicago-based Mintel’s June 2017 report “Warehouse Clubs US.” Yet, shrinking households no longer needing to purchase bulk items, eCommerce profitability and the cost of membership fees are barriers to the success of club stores.

Over the past 25 years, it’s been quite a journey to build New Glarus Brewing Co. into a successful craft brewery that annually brews 250,000 barrels of such iconic beers as Spotted Cow, Moon Man and Two Women from two brewery locations in the tiny town of New Glarus, Wis. (population 2,000).

The company’s entrepreneurial spirit, focus on making best-in-class tasting products, and its organizational purpose to bring Flavor to Life is helping the company succeed in a competitive beverage market.