The speaker lineup for our Dec. 7 virtual Future Smarts conference is set. And it’s top-notch. We’ve recently confirmed our final addition, Henrik Jelert, who is EVP for ReadyRefresh at Nestle Waters North America. This direct-to-consumer unit has navigated higher demand for at- home beverage delivery and a slow-down in workplace consumption during the COVID-19 crisis. He and I will discuss challenges and opportunities, while looking ahead to what comes after the pandemic. We’ll also bring Molson Coors Beverage into the Future Smarts fold for the first time. . .

As BD has reported on extensively, Keurig Dr Pepper has made a series of moves this year in its direct-store-delivery system that hinted of a broader strategy at play. In June, KDP bought back production and distribution rights for RC Cola, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist, 7Up, Snapple and Big Red from Indiana-based Royal Crown Bottling of Evansville. At about the same time, KDP transferred ...

Coke’s far-reaching global reorganization raises deep questions for Coca-Cola North America (CCNA). Coke will pare 17 existing global business units to nine. Plus CCNA looks to shed non-carb assets, and a new leader takes over with lessons from Latin America.

Annually, BD publishes estimated volume and value sales data for US liquid refreshment beverages (LRB) and carbonated soft drinks (CSD). The data included in this special issue estimates beverage consumption for all measured and unmeasured channels, including packaged retail, fountain and vending. Data for juice, tea, coffee and dairy categories focus on single-serve, direct-store-delivered beverages and generally do not include warehouse-delivered or refrigerated products by Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper. CSD estimates in this report include traditional soft drinks and energy drinks, which are both carbonated and share similar manufacturing and distribution methods. The fountain channel includes everything from restaurants, such as McDonald’s and Taco Bell, to sports venues.