While the alcohol-free cocktail trend started a good half-decade or more before the 2020 onset of social disruption, lockdowns, and domino-like closings of clubs, pubs, and restaurants, those upheavals certainly contributed to the rapid rise in consumers choosing to teetotal. Somewhat. Throughout the past two years, consumption of alcohol beverages also rose markedly.

In 2018, Coca-Cola initially acquired a 15% stake in BODYARMOR with a path to full ownership, based on a pre-determined discount. Coca-Cola is paying $5.6 billion in cash for the remaining 85% of the company.

With colder months rapidly approaching, consumers are gravitating toward hot drink options. This year, however, pumpkin spice lattes and peppermint mochas are shifting to the backburner. Instead, shoppers have a growing interest in emerging global flavors, bolder and spicier options, and functional ingredients that can address personalized wellness needs.

MTN DEW Uproar, a berry kiwi flavor with a Dew twist, can only be found for a limited time at Food Lion stores, the company says. 

Flavor Producers LLC celebrated its 40th anniversary at this year’s SupplySide West event and used the exhibition to highlight four concepts that reflect its Transparently Delicious® theme to naturally and transparently deliver great taste.

Hershey’s a2 Milk, using 2% reduced fat a2 Milk, is scheduled to hit retailers’ shelves beginning in January 2022 in 59oz refrigerated cartons as well as in 8oz shelf stable single, 6-pack and 18-packs.  

Flavorchem, a key supplier of coffee extracts including cold brew concentrates, released some of the top trends fueling premium coffee innovation.

Prepared Foods talks coffee ingredient and beverage trends with Chef Eric Nakata, a 20-year food and beverage industry culinary expert. 

Pepsi x Cracker Jack is the brand's latest limited-edition product drop following the release of PEPSI® x PEEPS®, Pepsi Apple Pie and more.

Clinical psychologist and author Anne Wilson Schaef is known for the quote, “Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.” Today, consumers are filling their “savings accounts” through various functional foods and beverages, while still prioritizing taste.