Beverage entrepreneurs

Consumers don’t want to be ‘couch-locked’ all day because of an edible, so the effects of Phyx only last about an hour.

New THC water offers alcohol alternative ‘Phyx’

By Beth Newhart

Joining the market of cannabis-infused products is Phyx, a THC flavored sparkling water, which hopes its low-dose and fast-acting formula will better perform as an alcohol replacement.

When it comes to purchasing behavior, product knowledge is even more important than taste physiology. Pic: Getty/Rawpixel

Should brands be marketing to ‘supertasters’?

By Beth Newhart

Taste sensitivity could be an untapped sector for beverages like wine and coffee, according to new research from Cornell University. Supertasters and nontasters respond differently to sensory information, with potential for new marketing strategies.

Unique flavors and alternate aging methods are a main focus area for craft distillers in specialized cocktails.  Pic: Getty/CabecaDeMarmore

BEVERAGE FORUM 2019

A ‘complex’ consumer base challenges US alcohol

By Beth Newhart

Over the past decade, the beverage category has been defined by the millennial generation, driven by local craft brands. The 2020s are expected to be shaped by Gen Z, with further digitization of brands using smart technology.

The machines are currently available to preorder online and retail for $399.

Drinkworks Home Bar expands beyond St. Louis

By Beth Newhart

A collaboration between AB InBev and Keurig Dr Pepper is bringing its Drinkworks pilot program to new markets this spring. The Drinkworks Home Bar by Keurig is now available statewide in Missouri and Florida.

Most of the kombucha available in Malaysia now is imported, particularly from Australia and America. Pic: Getty/boyarkinamarina

Reviving Malaysia’s kombucha tradition

By Richard Whitehead

It’s not often that people think of a small country in Southeast Asia as a trendsetter, but when it comes to kombucha, Malaysia saw the now-fashionable fermented tea rise to wild levels of popularity—and then wither away—years before the first hipster...

Tea is taking on bigger roles out-of-home and outside cafes with food pairings and tea-infused foods. Pic: Getty/ThitareeSarmkasat

How can tea stay competitive?

By Beth Newhart

Alternate brewing methods, teas on tap, hard kombucha and more. The tea world is experimenting with “unique and more unusual, innovative ingredients” to keep consumers interested.

How to win in the UK's craft beer industry

Ten top tips for craft brewers

By Rachel Arthur

From embracing ecommerce to eying up gluten-free growth, the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) sets out 10 top tips for UK craft brewers.

Breweries should follow the three pillars of sustainability: social, environmental and economic. Pic: Brewers Association

Sustainability spotlight

Going green: How can craft brewers improve sustainability?

By Beth Newhart

Craft brewers may talk the sustainability talk – but find it a lot harder to walk the sustainability walk. Tracking performance can help reveal effective ways to improve, say experts.

Amatil X Indonesia will include an internal accelerator to help Coca-Cola's 'intrapreneurs' develop their ideas. Pic:getty/andresr

Coca-Cola expands venture capital platform to Indonesia

By Rachel Arthur

Coca-Cola Amatil will expand its corporate venture capital platform Amatil X to Indonesia, seeking to capitalise on Jakarta’s growing reputation as ‘the next start-up capital of South-East Asia’.

By January 2019 more than 100 million Waterloo cans were sold in the US, since launching in August 2017.

Waterloo launches new flavors, leverages ‘classic’ packaging

By Beth Newhart

Waterloo Sparkling Water debuted an expanded portfolio at Natural Products Expo West last month, launching Strawberry and Grape flavors. It’s the latest in the increasingly crowded sparkling water category, where brands are seeking to separate themselves...

BrewDog acquires Berlin brewery and taproom from Stone Brewing

BrewDog acquires Berlin brewery and taproom from Stone Brewing

By Rachel Arthur

Scottish craft brewer BrewDog is acquiring Stone Brewing’s brewery and taproom in Berlin. It has also announced the latest round of Equity for Punks to fund its plans for a brewery in China and craft beer hotel in London.

The new beer has an ABV of 5% and will be available through the summer at select locations.

Dunkin’ releases second beer innovation with Harpoon Brewery

By Beth Newhart

Last fall Dunkin’ announced a limited edition partnership with Harpoon Brewery for its first-ever beer, the Harpoon Dunkin’ Coffee Porter. The two have teamed up again for a warm weather brew, the Harpoon Dunkin' Summer Coffee Pale Ale. Dunkin’ also...

Magic Rock Brewing's core range

Lion acquires Magic Rock Brewing

By Rachel Arthur

Australian beer and beverage company Lion has acquired 100% of UK craft brewer Magic Rock Brewing Company, as it seeks to become 'a key player' in the UK craft market.

The climate was ripe for Bar None at Coca-Cola thanks to alcohol consumption patterns driven by health-engaged consumers.

Setting the bar: Coca-Cola invests in mocktails with internal RTD line

By Beth Newhart

Coca-Cola dips into alcohol alternatives with the launch of Bar None, a collection of ready-to-drink mocktails. It's a new look for Coke with a “shift in the growth mindset of the company” that is “adopting more growth behaviors, being curious, taking...

It can take up to 100 frozen apples to make one bottle of ice cider using cryoextraction. Pic: Milton Ciderie

30 years of Canadian ice cider draws international attention

By Beth Newhart

A sweet, dessert cider that mimics the style of ice wine is slowly spreading beyond its point of origin. Canada’s ice cider is finding a niche market in the US with craft cidermakers willing to undertake the lengthy freezing, thawing and fermenting process.

Cherry cold brew will join the Shandy's existing Lemonade and Grapefruit flavors this summer.

La Colombe marries citrus and coffee at Expo West

By Beth Newhart

Philadelphia-based La Colombe Coffee Roasters debuted a Shandy-inspired RTD coffee collection last summer with Lemonade and Grapefruit. At Expo West in Anaheim last week it previewed a Cherry flavor, launching summer 2019.

Stella calls its latest launch “a twist on the classic white wine spritzer.”

Spritzer is Stella’s first US innovation since 2013

By Beth Newhart

Stella Artois is expanding its cider portfolio in the US with a new wine spritzer alternative, made from a blend of apples and hibiscus flavors. It’s the first nationwide ‘liquid innovation’ from the brand since 2013.

© Buho Soda

Mexican start-up carves out niche in craft soda category

By Niamh Michail

Búho Soda is Mexico's first all-natural, low-sugar soft drink made using locally-sourced ingredients, according to its manufacturer - and inspiration came from the country's booming craft beer movement, the start-up founder says.

In 2018, Rise opened a flagship cafe in Manhattan, established a presence in the Pacific Northwest and launched its oat-based lattes.

Rise Brewing Co partners with new Olympic sports

By Beth Newhart

Nitro cold brew coffee brand Rise Brewing Co. has announced a partnership with USA Surfing and USA Climbing ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. In furthers Rise’s mission to ramp up national distribution and recognition.

An interest in foreign market wines is expected to flourish in 2019, assisted by ecommerce capabilities. Pic: ©GettyImages/Kent Woo / EyeEm

Millennials buy more wine online and want it to be organic

By Beth Newhart

The wine industry is shaping up to be more transparent and international than ever in 2019. Consumers want more local, sustainably sourced wines, but at the same time they are expanding their palates to newcomers on the market from places like Bulgaria,...

IPLs have the potential to bridge the gap between beer’s two main categories.

India Pale Lagers carve out a niche in craft beer

By Beth Newhart

A marriage between India Pale Ales (IPAs) and lager beer, India Pale Lagers (IPLs) have been a small sub-category of craft beer for the past 10-15 years. Often described as ‘strong, hoppy’ lagers, recent IPL launches are fighting for shelf space in the...

A88 is positioned to take a leadership position in the emerging hemp-infused beverage category.

Alkaline Water Co. furthers hemp drink plans

By Beth Newhart

The Alkaline Water Company – makers of pink Himalayan rock salt brand Alkaline88 – is gearing up to launch a new hemp infused drink this year, using new technology

There are now more than 900 cideries in the US with at least one in 48 states. Pic: Eric Lewandowski

New craft beverage bill excites the cider industry

By Beth Newhart

The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) is back in the US Senate with bipartisan support after first being introduced in 2015. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) are co-sponsoring the bill to “level the playing field for...

California's marijuana marketplace generated an estimated $2.5bn in sales in 2018.

Two Roots Brewing Co. expands cannabis drinks to California

By Beth Newhart

Cannabis-infused beer alternatives from Two Roots Brewing Co. are coming to California dispensaries. The Two Roots brand debuted THC and CBD options last summer in Nevada, brewed as alcohol-stripped craft beer.

Flying Embers expands hard kombucha line

By Beth Newhart

Kombucha continues to grow in popularity, capitalizing on trends like fermentation and functional ingredients. It’s also branching out beyond the tea market and into alcohol with hard, beer-alternative options like Flying Embers.

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