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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.

Re-positioning soda and co-locating CPG divisions are just some of big brands' strategies. Pic: Getty/jonnysek

BEVERAGE FORUM 2019

How big soda is taking an ‘honest’ approach to consumer health habits

By Beth Newhart

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...

Why there's a resurgence in RTD alcohol

Guest article

Why there’s a retail resurgence in RTDs

By Jen Draper, marketing director, Global Brands

Sales of alcohol-based ready-to-drink (RTD) formats are on the rise. Jen Draper, marketing director at independent drinks company Global Brands, outlines three key reasons why retailers are experiencing strong demand for RTDs.

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...

Beetroot lattes are bursting onto Instagram thanks to their bright colour. Pic:getty/mariiaplo

‘Social media has changed the way we drink!’

By Rachel Arthur

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...

Dunkin’ rolls out new packaging and Energy Cold Brew drink

By Beth Newhart

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.

“If the spirits industry had the same access to consumers as wine, they could build a market worth billions of dollars.

State of the industry: What’s to come for alcohol in 2019

By Beth Newhart

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.

'Manufacturers must focus on targeting quality-focused consumers; and offer an authentic consumption experience.' Pic: Getty/semensalivanchuk

Asia-Pacific spirits sector to grow by over $100bn by 2022

By Beth Newhart

The APAC region is seeing growth in health and wellness awareness, influencing spirits purchasing behavior. About 52% of consumers are now looking for options that ‘align with their health and wellbeing.’

With the rise of diets such as keto, paleo & gluten-free, there'll be a move to develop corresponding labelling & certification on products, says Koia

Koia launches keto-friendly drinks

By Beth Newhart

Koia, known for its plant-based RTD smoothies, is introducing Koia Keto in the new year. The high-fat and low-carb beverages claim to help achieve ketosis, a main component of the trendy ketogenic diet. It represents a growing opportunity for brands to...

Top coffee chains are being influenced by consumer demand for premium products and experiences. Pic: ©GettyImages/Rawpixel

US coffee shop market grows to $45.4bn in 2018

By Beth Newhart

The US coffee market has increased in volume by 3.8% over the last 12 months, with growth set to continue, according to Allegra World Coffee Portal’s 2019 Project Café USA report.

The 2018 holiday cups have four designs using colors and patterns that evoke nostalgia for Starbucks' history.

Starbucks launches reusable cups for the holidays

By Beth Newhart

The holidays are officially kicking off at US and Canada Starbucks stores on November 2 with the return of its winter products, fresh seasonal designs and a new reusable cup.

The RTD coffee category has exploded as consumers continuously prioritize convenience in their everyday routines.

Nescafé brings texture and functionality to RTD coffee

By Beth Newhart

Coffee giant Nescafé will launch two new RTD coffee drinks next year: eyeing up a new world of texture and functionality for coffee lovers with its Cold Whipped Lattes and Coffee Protein Smoothies.

70% of millennials wish their pace of life would slow down. Pic: ©GettyImages/Alex Tihonovs / EyeEm

Wine has room to grow in small formats

By Beth Newhart

More millennials are drinking wine, looking for high-end options with low price tags. And on demand online grocery shopping is causing brands to rethink their brick-and-mortar strategy.

Crafty Nectar was founded in 2015 and gives subscribers a new selection of craft ciders to try each month.

‘Forget craft beer – the craft cider movement has arrived!’

By Rachel Arthur

The craft cider category is no longer about tractors and sideburns: instead, it's firmly established itself as a beverage for modern millennials, says Crafty Nectar, the world’s largest craft cider subscription service. But there’s still work to...

What beer goes with best with your barbie? The answer may be changing from lager to something else... pic:getty/kolbz

Big brewers find ways to profit from the growing culture of drinking less, drinking better

Though smaller than ever, Australia’s beer market has ‘never been more profitable’

By Richard Whitehead

The iconic image of the larrikin lager drinker cracking open an endless succession of cold ones couldn’t be more wrong, going by long-standing trends in the Australian beer industry, which is seeing consumption slump to a four-decade low.

pic:istock/monticello

Starbucks opens first Italian store this week

By Rachel Arthur

The first Starbucks in Italy will open in Milan this week: hoping to entice drinkers in a country known for its coffee with an immersive retailing experience and specialty coffee. It is also partnering with Milanese bakery Princi to add a local flavor...

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