Articles by Barbara Harfmann

Post-COVID-19, experts note that the “size of the prize” opportunity in the on-premise channel are huge. When making cocktails, rum is surging in popularity as the spirit of choice in piña coladas, mojitos and Margaritas.

Some 50 years removed from the Hippie Movement of the ‘60s and ’70s, medical and recreational marijuana, pain-relieving edibles like gummies and tinctures are being used by a diverse consumer base in a growing $30 billion cannabis market.

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo and May birthday of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the actor and beverage entrepreneur gifted up to $1 million of “Guac on the Rock” with purchase of his Teremana tequila. A new drink gifting app, “Get Your Drink On,” enables users to socially gift a drink to someone in the same bar or in a location across the country.

To drive up basket rings in-store, merchandisers are creating point of sale (POS) and point of purchase (POP) displays. In-store success relies a number of factors including location of the display, uniqueness, and the ability to link to QR codes to win cash and prizes.

To keep pace with more SKUs and the need to handle diverse beverages in diverse packaging with high hygienic standards, equipment suppliers are adapting to trends and “filling a need” in a changing beverage market.

The sports nutrition market is expected to reach $31 billion by 2025. Beverage manufacturers are releasing supplement powders, shots, sticks and beverages designed to give athletes and everyday consumers better bone and joint health.

The $30 billion carbonated soft drinks category continues to innovate by offering consumers more flavor choices and mixed variety packs. Up-and-coming flavors include blood orange and cucumber.

To fuel up for busy days, at least seven to nine hours of sleep is recommend each night. Several companies are releasing products to help consumers achieve restful sleep.

With consumers paying more attention to their overall health by curtailing sugar, consumers’ positive perceptions of natural, non-GMO plant-based sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit have contributed to $5 billion in sweetener category growth.

Founded in 1828, D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. has transitioned from a small family operation to a nationally recognized brand that produces more than 2 million barrels of beer. The now sixth generation family owned and operated company is expanding distribution to Texas through a joint venture with Molson Coors Brewing Co.