April 2020 | Beverage Industry Magazine

The April 2020 edition explores how Nestlé USA’s drives value to consumers through innovation. Readers also can find out how bars and restaurants are handling the impacts of the pandemic for the on-premise channel. Additionally, this issue highlights the latest trends impacting spirits, soft drinks, packaging materials and much more!

Nestlé USA takes multi-pronged approach to new product development

Beverage manufacturers addresses protein, cold-brew coffee trends

Jessica Jacobsen

April 2, 2020

During his lifetime, Apple Co-founder Steve Jobs had a bevy of statements that have been used to inspire entrepreneurs across the globe. One that is commonly referenced is when he stated, “I want to put a ding in the universe.” In the beverage industry, innovators are leaving their mark by creating a more convenient universe through new product development.

Operations Perspective

Manufacturing marketing decisions impact operational tasks

Co-packers should use same evaluation process when adding SKUs

John Peter Koss

April 12, 2020

Observations, studies, research and experience in a broad variety of retail stores have generated significant, timely and technical concerns and questions. The number of brands, products and packages displayed on the store-length gondolas in the beverage section pose the first question: who created all these SKUs, and why?

Packaging Materials

Innovation abounds with production of lighter packaging materials

PepsiCo testing recyclable alternative to plastic rings

Barbara Harfmann

April 23, 2020

How a beverage is packaged and deciding the type of packaging material — glass, aluminum or plastic — is a critical part of the equation for beverage-makers. Among the factors that should be considered is sustainability, smaller packaging sizes, and lightweighting.

Image recognition, machine learning drive efficiency, accuracy for beverage brands

Steps taken with artificial intelligence will streamline operations

Tim Hamm

April 12, 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) is improving business outcomes and creating competitive advantages for leading beverage brands. Although the technology itself is complex, its proliferation is easy to understand: operational efficiencies, market and product data collection simplification, supply chain optimization, increased transparency and sales activity enablement.

R&D News

PureCircle introduces Sigma Syrup stevia ingredient

Proprietary sweetener blend delivers clean, sugar-like taste

April 12, 2020

Sweetener developer PureCircle introduced Sigma Syrup, a new stevia ingredient that will be extremely valuable to beverage and food manufacturers, it says.

Ingredient Spotlight

New plant-based beverages increase 58% in marketplace

Ingredient suppliers release new protein solutions

Barbara Harfmann

April 12, 2020

The plant-based trend has evolved from niche to mainstream as plant-based ingredients from soy and almonds to newer options like pea, chickpea, oat and rice are being used in a multitude of products.

R&D News

Comax Flavors remembers Chairman and Founder Dr. Peter J. Calabretta

April 12, 2020

Comax Flavors, Melville, N.Y., announced that Chairman and Founder Dr. Peter J. Calabretta passed away Jan. 19 at the age of 85.

Distribution

Scheduling preventative maintenance is not without its issues for fleets

Avoiding common mistakes can help your beverage fleet runnings

Jeff Cioletti

April 12, 2020

When it comes to a maintenance schedule, the same philosophy that applies to a fleet’s overall makeup is relevant here: There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are some basic guidelines every beverage delivery fleet should be following, regardless of size, and the experts are here to answer some frequently asked questions related to those.

R&D

Innovative beverage formulations benefit the body

Consumers demand nutrition for muscles, bones, joints

Sarah Graybill

April 12, 2020

As consumers focus on nutrition increases, the beverage market is booming with functional beverages that address sports recovery, and bone and joint health.

Distribution

Direct-store-delivery technology works to meet customer expectations

Retailers seek DSD platforms that track delivery status

Stephanie Cernivec

April 12, 2020

With the desire for “instant gratification” prevalent throughout the United States and beyond, eCommerce is giving shoppers exactly what they want. Just-in-time delivery is one of the biggest trends in beverage distribution, says Doug Eden, president of IntelliShift, a division of VTS, Commack, N.Y.

Packaging Equipment

Manufacturers demand flexible, eco-friendly filling technology

New filling technology to cut production time, environmental impact

Sarah Graybill

April 12, 2020

In the fast-paced beverage market, safety, accuracy, flexibility and sustainability are of utmost importance. For industries such as food and beverage where manufacturing processes must be contamination-free, as well as quick and accurate, increasing demand for products filled by automatic filling machines rather than by humans is projected to grow the automatic filling machine market.

Category Focus

Spirits grow market share for 10th straight year

Retaliatory tariffs on American whiskey could halt growth in US

Barbara Harfmann

April 6, 2020

The spirits industry has plenty of reasons to celebrate as the category experienced accelerated growth for the 10th straight year, as supplier sales were up 5.3 percent, volume up 3.3. percent and retail sales totaled $90 billion in 2019, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).

Channel Strategies

On-premise businesses adapt to COVID-19, plan for future

Businesses shift operations, develop strategies for eventual reopening

Sarah Graybill

April 1, 2020

As bars and restaurants close their doors or move services to drive-up, pick-up or deliver-only in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global on-premise food and beverage industry is reeling with the repercussions.

Special Report

2020 Soft Drink Report: Hybrids, functionality key to carbonated soft drinks’ future

Diets, non-colas have been areas of growth for refreshment category

Jessica Jacobsen

April 6, 2020

A staple of the American beverage market, carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) have weathered challenges in terms of volume performance, experts note.

Up Close With

Discipline vital to development of Hotel Tango Distillery

Craft distillery uses taproom to test new product ideas

Jessica Jacobsen

April 6, 2020

When it comes to distilling, respected distillers can often be heard waxing poetic about the process that goes into crafting their latest innovation.

Between Drinks

BON & VIV launces seltzer on Delta Airlines flights

Complimentary spiked seltzer available to specific travel classes

April 12, 2020

Soon you can say “bon voyage” with BON & VIV Spiked Seltzer just in time for summer vacations. BON & VIV is taking flight with Delta Air Lines to bring a bubbly new beverage to the skies.

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Between Drinks

Villa maria, Colin West make collaborative documentary

68-minute film shows highs and lows of making world-class wine

April 12, 2020

New Zealand-based winery Villa Maria teamed up with American filmmaker Colin West of WINERAM Productions to release “Vintage,” a feature-length documentary that tells a uniquely Kiwi story, capturing the incredible highs and heart-breaking lows of making world-class wine in New Zealand.

Between Drinks

RZA guides TAZO tea drinkers to relaxation

Hip-hop artist offers downloadable "Explorations" to tackle challenges

April 12, 2020

For legendary hip-hop artist and producer RZA from The Wu-Tang Clan, mental exploration has been key in shaping his creative wisdom throughout his career. He teamed up with TAZO tea to create a series of five unique Guided Exploration tracks aimed at helping anyone, anywhere explore and unlock their creative potential, the company says.

Between Drinks

Bartenders have power in on-premise alcohol brand recommendations

Patrón named best overall spirit in bar influencer study

Barbara Harfmann

April 12, 2020

When dining out, consumers that “belly up to the bar” might ask their bartenders for recommendations on a particular brand or cocktail.

Beverage Beat

Future is bright for U.S. hot tea market

Global Data expects value to reach $3.4B by 2023

Jessica Jacobsen

April 12, 2020

GlobalData reports that in 2019, the U.S. hot tea market stood at $2.8 billion and is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8 percent through 2023, reaching $3.4 billion. The projected growth is expected to come from the category’s plethora of innovative solutions.

Industry Issues

2019 Financials indicate momentum for 2020

Celsius releases yearly, quarterly results

April 12, 2020

Celsius Holdings Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., reported financial results for the year and quarter ended Dec. 31, 2019.

Last Drop

Wine purses appeal to eco-conscious, stylish consumers

Reusable wine totes can transport, store and serve any wine

Sarah Graybill

April 8, 2020

Packaging innovations have become an important solution for beverage-makers in established categories. The wine market is no different. In an attempt to shatter the “stigma” associated with bag-in-box (BIB) or bagged wine, some wine brands have taken an innovative approach to the “vessel” for this type of wine packaging.

Last Drop

Coffee brand helps fund all-female farming subgroup

April 10, 2020

In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), Queen City Collective Coffee announced the opening of the Hingakawa Women’s Association women’s center in Rwanda, which it helped fund.

Last Drop

Amstel Light and golf champ Phil Mickelson team up for campaign

April 9, 2020

Amstel Light and five-time Major Golf Champion Phil Mickelson are teaming up for a multiyear partnership and an insights-driven campaign focused on making and keeping adult male friends.

Last Drop

Captain Morgan gives free Lyft rides to Gasparilla Fest-goers

April 9, 2020

At the 2020 Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Captain Morgan came through for fest-goers by offering free Gasparilla Pirate Fest Scully VIP Hospitality tickets for up to 10 “Morgans” (anyone with the first, middle or last name of Morgan) and two members of their crew (21 or older).

Last Drop

Breville and Soulcycle create biking/juicing event

April 9, 2020

Breville and SoulCycle are partnering to raise money for No Kid Hungry, a national campaign working to end childhood hunger in America.

Last Drop

Nesquik and Frances Tiafoe featured in Keep On Chuggin' Ads

April 9, 2020

Heading into 2020, NESTLÉ Nesquik announced a collaboration with U.S. rising tennis star Frances Tiafoe. Tiafoe will appear in a series of digital ads as part of the Nesquik hashtag #KeepOnChuggin campaign.

Packaging News

Suja releases new packaging, redesigned logo

New Elevated Nutrients line launches at Whole Foods

April 6, 2020

Suja unveiled a fully redesigned look for its line of cold-pressed functional juices and shots, which includes updated sleek packaging and a redesigned logo. In tandem with the brand reveal, Suja launched its new Elevated Nutrients juice line, which was developed in collaboration with Whole Foods Market.

Packaging News

Hornitos Tequila unveils bold new look

Glass packaging features green agave-shaped leaf logo quality

April 6, 2020

Hornitos Tequila unveiled a bold new look for its tequilas to celebrate the brand’s rich history that is deeply rooted in authenticity and to ensure the packaging matches the trailblazing spirit that lies within, the company says.

Packaging News

Red Bull releases 3X Limited Edition can

Company partners with US Basketball on 3x3 basketball national teams in 2020

April 12, 2020

Red Bull unveiled a new 3X Limited Edition can, which is available at retailers across the country for a limited time, or while supplies last.

Packaging News

Weissbier comes to the United States in 16.9-ounce cans

Packaging celebrates brand’s German heritage and tradition

April 12, 2020

For the first time, Weissbier, a brand of Hacker-Pschorr, Munich, is available in 16.9-ounce cans in the United States. The new lightweight cans now come in a four-pack and feature an updated look that celebrates the brand’s heritage, tradition and superior taste, the company says.

Supplier's News

Spa Springs provides co-packing, labeling and palletizing services for beverage companies

April 12, 2020

Spa Springs provides co-packing, labeling and palletizing services for beverage companies With expertise in production, co-packing and labeling, Spa Springs Mineral Water Co. Ltd. can assist with beverage manufacturing needs.

Supplier's Marketplace

Avery Dennison’s rPET liner available in North America

Recycled content liner provides sustainable solution for beverage labels

April 12, 2020

Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials unveiled an rPET content liner that not only reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability, but also offers converters the first rPET liner in North America available for paper facestocks, the company says.

Supplier's Marketplace

Tray-packaging solutions showcased at WestPack 2020

Solution integrates tray-packing and shrink-wrapping for retail-ready solution

April 12, 2020

At WestPack 2020, Wexxar Bel and Texwrap, which are both divisions of ProMach, demonstrated their new tray-packaging solutions designed to bring higher productivity to tray forming and sealing food applications.

Supplier's Marketplace

Fogg engineers new lifter pedestals for gentler handling of glass bottles

Gas spring provides gentler release while Acculift system holds bottles in place

April 12, 2020

In an effort to improve technology on the design of rotary filling systems for the liquid beverage industry, Fogg Filler announced it has designed and engineered new lifter pedestals ideal for the filling and gentler handling of glass bottles.

Supplier's Marketplace

CO2 Meter introduces multi-senor system able to monitor 12 sensors

End users control sensors, reporting data from one location

April 12, 2020

CO2 Meter Inc. released its new multi-sensor system: the CM-7000. The new monitoring system provides restaurants, breweries, laboratories and agriculture facilities with the ability to monitor as many as 12 sensors from a central 8-inch, touchscreen control panel, the company says.

Supplier's Marketplace

Hiperbaric offers In-Bulk 525 to increase juice production by 60-80 percent

Equipment extends shelf life, broadens packaging choices

April 12, 2020

To keep pace with consumers desiring healthier, less-processed juices and smoothies, high-pressure processing (HPP) provides a non-thermal juice/beverage preservation technology that is environmentally friendly while helping products maintain freshness, food safety and an extended shelf life, according to Hiperbaric USA.

Beverage Industry Magazine

2020 April

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