The first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere is June 21, and the alcoholic beverage industry in the US is ready with a bevy of seasonal launches, promotional campaigns and refreshed packaging.
More consumers are prioritizing authentic, local food and drink when they travel, and are keen to experience global flavors at home as well. At IFT 2019, international fusion was on display with unique ingredient innovations.
On its 50th anniversary in business, Bartek Ingredients debuted a brand relaunch at the 2019 Institute of Food Technologists show (IFT) in New Orleans. The Canada-based company manufactures malic and fumaric acid for use in beverages and confectionery.
A concern in the RTD beverage industry is maintaining freshness and quality with a long shelf life. Special, crafted drinks like cold brew coffee struggle with this the most, but brewing technology from BKON is now extending product drinkability.
Cargill thinks the future ‘looks bright’ for stevia in beverages thanks to fermentation that extracts the smaller, sweeter compounds in the leaf. It’s been one year since Cargill launched its zero-calorie EverSweet ingredient with the technology.
Just as a temple or village hall in southern China will always greet you with a door guardian, so does the entrance to Moonzen brewery in Hong Kong. Indeed, the carvings inspired the craft beer brand’s name and its appearance.
Shifting consumer taste is causing major beverage companies to adapt, make ‘healthy’ drinks taste better and be more accessible. Coca-Cola is using its Freestyle machines and new bubbler dispensers to highlight its ‘craft, elevated’ drinks in the market.
Cape Cod and Samuel Adams Brewery in New England, US, have formed the first-of-its-kind partnership to launch a limited-edition Cape Cod Summer Potato Chips.
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.
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.
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.
PepsiCo, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) and other major soda brands are still learning to grapple with the health and wellness wave that’s causing consumers to drop their sugary drinks for something ‘better-for-you’. Executives spoke at the 2019 Beverage Forum...
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.
Coca-Cola Coffee and Coca-Cola Energy could spearhead the evolution of brand Coca-Cola, as beverage categories continue to blur and Coca-Cola looks to maintain momentum for its flagship brand.
The craft beer industry is navigating a more mature growth pattern in 2019: a theme that was explored at the 36th annual Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Denver.
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...
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...
Hard seltzer brand White Claw is rolling out a new ‘anti-flavor’ this week. Pure is plain with no flavor, designed to serve as a base for other drinks or enjoyed alone as a vodka soda alternative.
Suntory Beverage & Food is set to launch its new Pepsi Japan Cola exclusively in the country next month, in its latest bid to put the fizz back into the market as consumers increasingly opt for healthier options.
Genius utilizes the entire coconut in its ready-to-drink smoothies by blending the coconut water and meat together. It sources and bottles in Thailand before shipping and distributing in the US.
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...
Brands are increasingly turning to social media influencers to promote their products and reach a younger audience. This is spreading to alcohol, and influencer marketing platform Traackr analyzed how alcohol brands are engaging with the new trend.
Superfoods are still hot in food and drink launches, and more consumers are concerned with incorporating proactive health and functional ingredients into their diets. A new report from Kerry Group found that 65% of Americans want more functionality out...
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.
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.
Lemon, orange and grapefruit are citrus staples - but what about pomelo, calamansi and yuzu? Kerry takes a look at where beverage flavours could go in 2019 and beyond.
Chanmé Frosé is gearing up for summer in the US with expansion of its ready-to-drink frosé pouches -- a frozen rosé wine that promotes portability often lost in the wine category. And the brand believes natural flavors and good wine will be the key to...
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.
After 2018 kicked off the popularity of wine-inspired ciders with rosé ciders, prosécco is now poised to be the next big trend. Crispin Cider Co. joins Woodchuck Hard Cider and Wyder’s Cider by debuting a new ‘pearsecco’ flavor.
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.
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...
The cider industry is seeing record growth in the US, outpacing stagnant sales across general alcohol. It’s drawn in a gender-equal audience primarily made up of millennial consumers.
Pink drinks traditionally see a Valentine's Day surge: but the category is more than a one-day wonder. Pink gin is driving growth in the gin category; rosé wine is becoming a year-round favourite; and colourful cocktails are trending on Instagram....
Coca-Cola is launching its first new Coca-Cola trademark flavor innovations in a decade in the US this month: with Orange Vanilla Coke and Orange Vanilla Coke Zero Sugar.
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.
Beetroot, matcha, turmeric and charcoal are helping beverages burst into colour – all the more important as bright and beautiful photos of what we eat and drink continue to gain traction on social media channels. So how is social media shaping beverage...
Brooklyn Crafted (BC) has built its New York brand with its own spin on ginger ale, drawing on the gutsy flavors from its Chinese roots. It’s now exploring other exotic flavors with a new calamansi citrus drink.
Sparkling botanical blend Petal - a cross between herbal tea, soda and functional water - has reformulated its core line of drinks less than a year after launching in May 2018. The new recipe is sweetened with organic agave, rather than stevia.
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.
Capitalizing on the popularity of the ‘new year, new me’ mentality that comes around each January, these six beverage launches feature functional ingredients, adhere to specific diets and set out to be a fresh, healthy addition to 2019.
Functional beverage launches were common in 2018, and their popularity is only expected to grow in 2019. At the Winter Fancy Food Show (WWFS) in San Francisco, small-scale brands showcased new drinks packed with functional ingredients like rose extract,...
Sustainability, veganism and health are three macro trends that will continue to shape the beverage market in 2019, says UK flavour and fragrance company Treatt. From fermentation to exotic flavours, it outlines five areas to watch in the coming year....
After announcing in September that the popular US-based coffee and donut chain would change its name from Dunkin’ Donuts to just Dunkin’, it’s officially launching the new brand identity in packaging and store design nationwide.
The past year has seen the continued growth of craft beer and craft spirits, an increased number of microbreweries, and a rise in experiential drinking. Now the alcohol industry looks ahead to 2019 and what to expect for US drink trends, flavors and regulations.
Butterfly pea flower tea, spicy flavors and the rise of CBD... what will 2019 look like for the beverage category? Imbibe sets out its predictions for the top trends in the beverage category next year.
