2023 April

The April 2023 issue of Beverage Industry features a look at Liquid IV, and their innovation in function and flavor. Packaging sustainability is also a topic in this month's issue, and much more!

Liquid I.V. marries function, flavor to hydrate today’s consumers

Omnichannel approach helps powdered hydration brand reach today’s consumers

Jessica Jacobsen

April 7, 2023

Since its founding in 2012, powdered hydration brand Liquid I.V. has prioritized the symbiotic relationship of function and flavor.

Liquid I.V. driven by purpose

Hydration brand prioritizes people, environment

Jessica Jacobsen

April 6, 2023

Liquid I.V. is delivering on sustainability through a number of initiatives.

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Natural Products Expo West showcases latest in natural, organic innovations

Beverage-makers, suppliers highlight portfolios

April 6, 2023

Informa Markets’ Natural Products Expo West, part of the New Hope Network family of brands, hosted more than 65,000 registered attendees and 3,000 exhibiting companies March 7-11 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Channel Strategies

On-premise sees continued growth

Inflations concerns impact on-premise

Lauren Sabetta

April 3, 2023

Despite inflationary concerns, consumers are seeking out treat experiences as experts note that the on-premise channel continues to bounce back.

Distribution

DSD technology leads to smart solutions for beverage distributors

Integrated technologies bring greater efficiency for operations

Lauren Sabetta

March 29, 2023

With increased SKUs, retailers need to have broader product availability, and wholesalers want to have the ability to service those retailers more efficiently, as such, DSD solutions that aid with inventory, merchandising and forecasting automation are hot topics in the beverage industry.

Category Focus

Tequila, mezcal hit on attributes consumers want from spirits

Multicultural consumers, on-premise help expand agave-spirits’ reach

Jessica Jacobsen

March 28, 2023

Tequila and mezcal are the hot segments in the spirits category thanks to premium offerings, multicultural consumers and innovative cocktails featuring these agave-based spirits.

Packaging Materials

Plastic packaging answers the call for sustainability

Post-consumer recycled plastic adopted by more beverage brands

Lauren Sabetta

March 27, 2023

As sustainability has grown in importance to shoppers with environmental concerns, more beverage brands are using post-consumer recycled (PCR) content to support a circular economy.

Category Focus

Fluctuating trends influence spirits category

Consumers prefer premiumization, ready-to-drink cocktails

Chloe Alverson

March 24, 2023

Despite economic concerns, spirits' dollar and volume sales lifted the category, led by ready-to-drink cocktails and tequila/mezcal.

Zevia PBC, the zero sugar, naturally sweetened beverage company

Special Report

Sugar is out, functionality is in for soft drink market

What’s popping with carbonated soft drinks

Chloe Alverson

March 22, 2023

Many producers have had to switch things up when it comes to carbonated soft drinks, offering options with zero- or low-sugar and more functional ingredients.

Packaging Equipment

Filler technology turns to AI for future of equipment

Sensitive filling demands continue to proliferate

Jessica Jacobsen

March 21, 2023

As beverage-maker’s need to do more with today’s filling equipment, original equipment manufacturers are prioritizing changeover speeds, safety and efficacy in their solutions.

R&D Feature

Health, fitness trends spur growth for sport nutrition drinks

Functional ingredients, health attributes bring broader consumer appeal

Lauren Sabetta

April 7, 2023

As physical fitness remains top of mind for those seeking healthier lifestyles, experts note that today’s consumers not only are turning to sports drinks to deliver on recovery, but also seek such drinks to help meet overall wellness goals.

Up Close With

How GHOST ENERGY found success through transparency

Collaborations help drive innovations with energy brand

Chloe Alverson

March 20, 2023

GHOST has found itself well-positioned to deliver on functional energy drinks that meet the lifestyle needs of today’s consumers.

Ingredient Spotlight

Plant proteins gain popularity

Consumers value nutritional content, taste

Chloe Alverson

March 31, 2023

Consumers are seeking out plant-based products for a variety of reasons, but the two most popular factors being that such options are better for their health and better for the planet, experts note.

Distribution

Hydrogen fuel cells in infancy in beverage delivery but likely to change

Developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, in addition to BEV programs

Jeff Cioletti

March 30, 2023

The electric truck conversation tends to focus on battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), but there has been some activity in hydrogen fuel cells, especially for heavy duty applications.

Beverage Beat

FDA offers guidance on labels for plant-based milk alternatives

Brand owners could turn to fortification to bridge nutrient gap

Jessica Jacobsen

March 17, 2023

As plant-based beverages have grown elevenfold since the turn of the century, discussions have percolated regarding the use of the term milk. Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced draft recommendations for the industry on the naming of these products as well as recommendations on voluntary nutrient statements for their labeling.

Assessing the progress of beverage operations technology

All steps of pre-distribution essential part for success

John Peter Koss

March 15, 2023

Technology advancements have a growing influence on beverage facilities. As these technologies progress, beverage producers have questions to ask where technology fits in their operations.

Between Drinks

Demand for instant coffee on the rise, study shows

Younger generation influences global demand for instant coffee

Lauren Sabetta

March 16, 2023

Growing urbanization, changing lifestyles are some pivotal factors influencing the demand for instant coffee, especially among youngsters, around the world, expert note.