Markets

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

Pink and premium: Pink gin, rosé wine and colourful cocktails are on trend

Not just for Valentine’s: Pink gin is now driving the ginaissance

By Rachel Arthur

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....

How does recreational marijuana affect alcohol sales?

Legalized marijuana has ‘no impact’ on alcohol sales: study

By Rachel Arthur

Spirits, beer and wine sales have not been affected by legalized recreational marijuana sales in the three US states where marijuana sales are most established, according to industry associations. The key takeaway? ‘It’s time to stop treating cannabis...

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...

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...

© GettyImages/NatashaPhoto

How to find growth in Brazil’s declining drinks market

By Niamh Michail

Brazil's beverage market has been declining for the past three years, according to Kantar Worldpanel. "The market in Brazil is significant, complex and experiencing challenging times. However, there are opportunities to grow," it says.

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.

Can kombucha carve a place in the alcohol category? Yes, says AB InBev's Kombrewcha

Kombrewcha: ‘Consider us your not-so-guilty-pleasure’

Can kombucha carve out a place in the alcoholic beverage category?

By Rachel Arthur

Kombucha has catapulted onto the beverage scene, with the fermented tea appealing to consumers looking for healthier alternatives to sugary soft drinks. But Kombrewcha - AB InBev’s kombucha brand - believes kombucha can also carve out a place in today’s...

 An uptick in ‘health and wellness’ launches usually coincides with the new year and resolution season. Pic: ©GettyImages/Rimma_Bondarenko

Wellness world: Six new functional drinks for 2019

By Beth Newhart

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.

Young people are proving that they want to buy local and small, which is turning out to be one of the greatest opportunities in the specialty market.

Shopping small: 79% of Gen Z buys specialty foods

By Beth Newhart

Both younger generations - millennials and gen Z - are more interested in supporting local, small businesses than their gex X and baby boomer predecessors. The independent, specialty food and beverage market in the US is now worth $140bn and growing three...

pic:getty/igorshishov

Guest article

Three ways beverage manufacturers can prepare for the year ahead

By Laura Gurski, senior managing director and global lead of consumer goods and products, Accenture

Beverage manufacturers have long been at the leading edge of innovation, but we are seeing a tidal wave of smaller players, who were born digital, disrupt the market and turn ‘business as usual’ on its head.

Today’s consumers are expecting function, taste, affordability and convenience all rolled into one beverage. Pic: ©GettyImages/baibaz

Superfoods take center stage in specialty beverages

By Beth Newhart

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,...

Looking west to the US: The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. Pic:getty/upthebanner

Whiskey and cream liqueur drive Irish beverage exports

By Rachel Arthur

Irish whiskey continues to drive Ireland’s beverage exports, with global interest in the category and double-digit demand in many markets. But cream liqueur and gin are also showing the potential to grow.

Bottled water should be available everywhere, says 93% of Americans

By Beth Newhart

A new study from the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) says that 93% of Americans want bottled water available everywhere drinks are sold, and prefer it over all other beverages, furthering its rise to the no. 1 soft drink in the world.

Health and wellness trends mean consumers are moving away from high calorie, sugary drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Alcohol-free Heineken 0.0 lands in the US

By Beth Newhart

After initially launching in early 2017, Heineken’s first non-alcoholic beer has expanded to more than 30 global markets and is now officially coming to the US. Though not as popular a trend as it is in Europe, the low-ABV and no-alcohol US beer and wine...

TTB employees have been directed not to report to work and prohibited from volunteering work during the shutdown. Pic: ©GettyImages/chabybucko

US government shutdown stalls craft beer innovation

By Beth Newhart

After the government shut down on December 22 due to disputes around President Trump’s border wall funding, the effects have been felt throughout the country. Without federal programs in place, the beer and wine industries are facing trouble with new...

UK beverage trends for 2019: Fermentation, water plus, exotic ingredients and more

Five beverage trends for 2019

By Rachel Arthur

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....

The sale is expected to boost Axéréal's global malt footprint.

Cargill sells malt business to Axéréal

By Beth Newhart

French grain cooperative Axéréal will acquire Cargill’s malt business under the Axéréal malt subsidiary Boortmalt, affecting 15 global facilities and more than 500 people.

“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.

Pic:getty/jane55

Highlights of 2018: Cannabis, coffee, craft beer and more

By Rachel Arthur

It's been another busy year in the big world of beverages. From cannabis to coffee and from Coca-Cola to craft beer, we take a look at some of the key moments that have hit the headlines in 2018 - and that will continue to shape the industry as we...

The BA says the change will spur innovation in and beyond craft beer. Pic:getty/vectorfun

‘This update will allow craft brewers to keep their creative and innovative pathways open’

Brewers Association changes craft brewer definition

By Rachel Arthur

The Brewers Association has updated its definition of a craft brewer: removing the ‘outdated’ traditional pillar.

Pic:getty/bethhall

The year in beer: US celebrates 2018 craft brewing highlights

By Rachel Arthur

With the number of US breweries breaking the 7,000 milestone in October this year, it’s been a big year for small beer. The Brewers Association, the trade association for small and independent US craft brewers, looks back on the 2018 highlights for the...

Sproutly positions itself for North America’s cannabis explosion

By Beth Newhart

With the US poised to sign a farm bill that will legalize hemp production, and Canada’s recent legalization of recreational marijuana, North America is on the brink of a CBD revolution. Food, beverage and ingredients companies are all looking to get in...

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