This report provides Beverage Manufacturing Industry links and resources to assist your startup or small business. Additionally, you can also receive free professional business advice and free or low-cost business training from your local Small Business Development Center!
View our related business reports here: Food Manufacturing Industry Resources, Manufacturing Industry Resources, Agriculture Industry Resources and Onshoring Guide
Beverage Manufacturing Industry Overview and Forecast
The beverage manufacturing industry encompasses a wide range of products, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. In recent years, the industry has had to adapt to shifting consumer preferences, as an increasing number of individuals seek healthier alternatives across all beverage categories. This growing demand has led to the development of innovative, cross-functional products that combine wellness benefits with convenience, many of which are now common in grocery stores. Additionally, consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainably-sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. In response, manufacturers are not only adopting more responsible production practices but also embracing local suppliers to reduce environmental impact and strengthen supply chain resilience.
Looking ahead, as beverage manufacturers respond to evolving consumer preferences, they will also need to navigate broader challenges affecting the manufacturing sector as a whole. Supply chain disruptions, along with the potential rise in material costs due to tariffs, present ongoing concerns that manufacturers must carefully consider and plan for. The U.S. SBA’s Made in America initiative and other resources are available to help small businesses succeed.
- Make Onshoring Great Again Portal – onshoring resources from the U.S. Small Business Administration
- Tariffs Impact on Manufacturers – the impact of tariffs on manufacturing costs.
- Processing & Marketing – food & beverage manufacturing industry data from USDA
- Generational Beverage Trends – trends that are shifting consumer preferences for beverages
- Decarbonize Manufacturing – resources and insights for beverage manufacturing from the U.S. Department of Energy
- Onshoring Guide from SBDCNet – federal, state and local resources for onshoring
Beverage Manufacturing Technology
Artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced technologies are transforming the beverage manufacturing industry. As manufacturers aim to accelerate production timelines, AI is playing a key role in driving these improvements. Increasingly, beverage companies are adopting AI to support product development and streamline their production processes. With automation becoming a core element of manufacturing operations, companies are better positioned to reduce supply chain disruptions and enhance overall efficiency.
• Tech Trends – five trends redefining food and beverage manufacturing
• What is AI in supply chain? – guide on the benefits and challenges of using AI in the supply chain
• Manufacturing Trends – National Association of Manufacturers
• Smart Manufacturing – survey results on the impact of smart manufacturing
Beverage Manufacturing Sectors
The beverage manufacturing industry includes the production of drinks such as beer, spirits, soda, bottled water, and juices. Much like food manufacturing, each sector follows its unique production methods and is subject to specific regulations based on the types of beverages. Below are resources that offer trends, regulations, and industry news for the following beverage manufacturing groups:
Beer & Breweries
• Requirements for Brewery Operations – Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
• Beer Laws, Regulations, and Public Guidance – Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
• National Beer Sales & Production Data – Brewers Association
• Beer Trends – trends impacting the industry
• Labeling – labeling jurisdiction from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration
• Beer Industry Press Release – news and press releases on the beer and beverage-alcohol industry
• Beer & Can Duties – article addressing tariffs on aluminum cans
Spirits & Distilleries
• Alcohol Regulatory Guidance – Association of Food and Drug Officials
• State Map of the Economic Impacts of the Distilled Spirits Industry – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
• Alcoholic Spirits Suppliers – a list of suppliers across the U.S
• Distilled Spirits Labeling – Labeling requirements and resources from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
• Standards of Fill for Wine and Distilled Spirits – Federal Register
• Alcohol and Liquor Trends – top trends shaping the alcohol industry
• Market Trends for Distilled Spirits in the United States – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
• Craft Spirits – insights on the craft spirits industry
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
• Bottled Water/Carbonated Soft Drinks Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information – U.S. Food & Drug Administration
• Press Releases – news and resources from the American Beverage Association
• Beverage Digest – Insights and Briefs on the beverage industry
• Non-Alcohol Industry Trends – interest & growth in mocktails industry
• Soft Drinks – business news on the soft drinks industry
• Non-alcoholic Beverages – article exploring opportunities in the non-alcoholic sector
Plant-Based Beverage Manufacturing
The plant-based market has experienced strong growth as consumers increasingly seek indulgent beverages that offer health benefits. Functional drinks remain in high demand, with rising interest in plant-based options such as energy drinks and protein liquids. Gut-friendly sodas are also gaining popularity. As demand for healthy and sustainable ingredients continues to grow, beverage manufacturers should carefully evaluate the opportunities to incorporate plant-based and health-focused ingredients into their product lines.
• Plant-Based Beverages – trend articles, and news on the plant-based beverage industry
• Functional Beverages Market – challenges & opportunities in the functional beverage industry
• Labeling Organic Products – U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Innovation and Inflation – opportunities and challenges for the milk alternative industry
• Emerging Trends in the Plant-Based Industry – an article exploring growth opportunities and innovations in the plant-based industry
Beverage Manufacturing Trade Associations
• American Beverage Association
• The Food and Beverage Association of America
• Juice Products Association
• Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
• Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America
• American Distilling Institute
• Association of the Beverage Machinery Industry
• Glass Packaging Institute
• Aluminum Can Association
• Private Label Manufacturers Association
Additional Small Business Resources
Already in business or thinking about starting your own small business? Check out our various small business resources:
- View more industry-specific research here: Market Research Links
- View small business help topics here: Small Business Information Center
- View business reports here: Small Business Snapshots
- View business plans samples here: Sample Business Plans
- View our small business cybersecurity resources here: Cybersecurity
Remember, you can also receive free professional business advice and free or low-cost business training from your local Small Business Development Center!
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash