The plant water category as a whole has seen growth over the past five years, despite ebbing and flowing consumer interest. Although coconut water continues to be the most dominant sub-segment, recent entries to the plant water market, such as aloe and cactus waters, could compete with coconut water.

Data shows that more consumers value clean-label ingredients for beverages. However, sourcing these ingredients as well as producing clear labeling surrounding a vague “clean label” definition are among challenges beverage brands face.

With gusto, on-premise establishments are celebrating the return to in-person events with events such as wine tastings and pairings, as evidenced by a recent dinner series launched at the Hyatt Lodge, Oakbrook, Ill.

While experts note new facility builds have decreased slightly, many beverage businesses still are expanding or constructing facilities to meet demands of growth and expansion.

Beverage-makers are integrating “wellness” flavors to feed consumers demand for better-for-you beverages.

Probiotics’ reputation has been gaining traction in recent years. Meanwhile, prebiotics and postbiotics are adding to their share of the beverage market.

As the functional and flavorful capabilities of domestic and exotic fruits continue to be experimented with, a healthy mix of traditional and emerging combinations are on the horizon for beverages, experts note.

Historically an upcycled byproduct within the coffee production process, coffee fruit’s sustainable characteristics and health benefits could present opportunities in beverage development.

With consumers and brands demanding more sustainability from packaging, manufacturers are innovating stretch and shrink labels to rise to the demand, incorporating creativity and even technology into the labels.

Mtn Dew and Burton Snowboards recently announced One World, a partnership surrounding the One World project that features a full-length feature film and a limited-edition collection of goods created with rPET Polartec and 12 episodes of digital content celebrating the love of snowboarding, the environment, and the desire to discover what's next, the brands say.