Love some thought provoking and contradictory data first thing in the morning! Totally agree with the Integral CPG team here. Alcohol is NOT dying but the solutions to many of the JTBD that Alcohol has traditionally gotten hired for from the social to the self soothe are getting more diversified. Thanks Glenn Pappalardo and Rifle for the discussion!

For those who know Rifle Hughes and Glenn Pappalardo, you probably know about the fantastic work they are doing in food and beverage innovation. You probably also know that they are insightful, entertaining, and fun to be around. Which makes this new video series, CPG in 3, well worth the 3 minute watch. Below Rifle and Glenn talk about a much-debated subject: is alcohol consumption really on the decline? Ask anyone in your circle and you may get any answer. Ask one of these two and you get a thoughtful conversation about why people buy what they buy.

Most food and beverage trend reports are outdated before they ever reach a roadmap meeting. Shelves move fast, categories fragment, and by the time a report lands, the moment it describes has usually passed. PepsiCo's Global Insights team ran into that exact problem: connecting broad consumer shifts to actual opportunities across a global portfolio took too long to stay useful. So they rebuilt the process. Continuous, always-on scanning replaced one-off research, wired directly into their Change Compass strategy process. That same intelligence sits behind our new Megashifts report for Food and Beverage. See what's already moving before it hits the shelf. Download link in comments. #FoodAndBeverage #ConsumerInsights #StrategicForesight

One thing I've noticed since joining Essential is that the conversations rarely start with, "What flavour do you need?" They usually start with a challenge. A product isn't tasting quite right. A reformulation has changed the flavour profile. A launch date has been brought forward. Or a supplier can't meet the timeline. That's when the interesting work begins. It's been a great reminder that food manufacturing is built on collaboration 🤝. The best outcomes come when technical teams and suppliers work through problems together, rather than simply exchanging quotes and samples. That's what this post is really about, and it's something I've really enjoyed seeing first hand over the past few weeks. Worth a read if you're involved in product development or food manufacturing.

Beverage consumption is at its highest level since 2023. 🥤 While new beverages drive buzz, foundational staples like iced coffee continue to quietly win. From breakfast routines, caffeine rituals, snacking culture, and maintaining cultural relevance, iced coffee is critical to any restaurant's beverage strategy. Before creating the next beverage trend, make sure you've mastered the one consumers already come back for. What's your take on the future of iced coffee? Insights Source: Datassential

One trend we continue to hear across foodservice conversations:  Beverage is no longer just an add-on category. It’s becoming a major strategic growth lever. Operators across segments are investing heavily in:  • refreshers  • energy-style beverages  • frozen drinks  • teas  • functional beverages  • customizable beverage platforms Why? Because beverages are increasingly delivering:  • higher margins  • social engagement  • incremental traffic  • daypart expansion  • personalization opportunities What’s especially interesting:  The strongest concepts balance visual excitement with operational simplicity. That tension—customization without complexity—is becoming one of the defining challenges in foodservice innovation right now. #BeverageTrends #Foodservice #RestaurantInnovation #MenuTrends #OperatorInsights #QSR #RevelryAgency #InsightFuel

Food is so much more than just fuel; it’s the thing that brings us together around a table. And honestly, Coca-Cola has mastered the art of carving out a permanent seat at that table. Campaigns like "A Recipe for Magic" lean into a simple truth we all feel: a meal turns into a memory when you combine great food, genuine conversation, and a cold drink. Whether it's a massive global food chain or a neighborhood street food stall, Coke has managed to weave itself into local culinary traditions everywhere. It’s a brilliant strategy—not only does it make us reach for a bottle when we order food, but it also elevates the whole dining experience. It is a masterclass in how to build a brand that doesn't just sit on a supermarket shelf, but actually lives inside our daily rituals and shared moments. #CokeAmbassador #CocaColaMantraChallenge2026 #ConsumerBehavior #FMCG #Marketing

Two shifts are defining the beverage aisle this summer, and both have direct implications for how brands should be positioning right now.   First: consumers have stopped drinking for thirst alone. They're choosing beverages for a specific outcome — focus, digestion, mood, recovery — and they expect the functional claim and the flavor experience to feel like the same product, not two things bolted together.   Second: the no- and low-alcohol category has moved past novelty. Premixed, alcohol-free options are now a default choice at summer social occasions, not a backup option for the one non-drinker in the group.   For brands building in beverage right now, the takeaway is simple: function and occasion are no longer separate strategies. They're the same strategy.   This is exactly the kind of positioning work we do with beverage clients day to day. Want to talk through where your brand fits in this shift? Let's chat: namaste@beyondbrands.org  #BeverageTrends #FunctionalBeverages #NoLo #CPGInsights #BeyondBrands #DrinkTrends #BetterForYou #CPGStrategy

Ingredient Matters | Beverages Great beverages don't happen by chance—they're crafted with the right ingredients. Every syrup plays a role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, aroma, and consistency. At Pantree by Thomson, we believe quality ingredients are the foundation of exceptional beverages. Our Ingredient Matters series explores how premium products help chefs, cafés, and beverage professionals create memorable experiences. What ingredient do you think makes the biggest difference in a signature cooler? Barilla Group, Barilla for Professionals, MONIN #IngredientMatters #BeverageInnovation #HoReCa #FoodService #PantreeByThomson #QualityIngredients

The 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show delivered a clear signal on where specialty food is heading next. 🛒 On the latest episode of Taste Radio, the team breaks down the standout brands, products and trends from the show floor, from globally inspired sauces and snacks to premium non-alcoholic beverages, convenient pantry staples and functional treats. The episode also spotlights how emerging brands are using quality, creativity and accessibility to push categories forward. 🎙️🥤🌶️ Link to the full story in the first comment below 👇 #TasteRadio #FancyFoodShow #SpecialtyFood #FoodInnovation #BeverageIndustry #CPG #NonAlcoholicBeverages #EmergingBrands