Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://specialtyfoodmagazine.epubxp.com/i/235863
category spotlight Liquid Diet "All of the growth in beverages is in the healthy sector—those drinks that have perceived health benefits," says John Craven, founder and CEO of BevNet.com. Last March, traditional carbonated soda drinks posted their eighth straight year of declining sales, down 1.2 percent in volume from 2011 to 2012. "Our customers are very interested in what they're eating and drinking and in becoming healthier," says Elizabeth Weed, natural grocery buyer for Jungle Jim's International Market in Fairfield, Ohio. "Some of them are hard-core and it's an entire lifestyle for them. Others are making a few changes here and there to improve what they're taking in. Switching to a healthy drink is an easy switch to make." Part of the appeal is found at the cash register. "Because the price points on these Our Signature Favorite beverages are still relatively small, a healthier drink is an affordable luxury. They've already made their choice, and they're not going back on it," says Craven. Each segment has its own draws, whether featuring unique flavors, functional elements or just a cleaner ingredient list. And there's plenty of variety to go around. Soda Wanes, Water Swells. This fall, First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign against childhood obesity launched Drink Up, a nationwide effort to encourage Americans to drink more water, ostensibly as a healthful, easy alternative to sugary drinks. The Drink Up waterdrop logo will be prominently featured on labels of participating bottled-water manufacturers. This effort follows the Clear on Calories initiative launched by the American Beverage Association in The estimated $1 billion sparkling water market saw 16 percent growth in the frst half of 2013. Available in 3pc & 7pc Honest Tea's Honest Fizz Lemony Limey 800.372.6808 | Seattle, WA franschocolates.com Winter Fancy Food Show Booth 3907 72 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com