The past year has brought good news to some nondairy beverage segments. For example, the cappuccino/iced coffee subcategory saw a 12.1% rise in dollar sales, reaching more than $2 billion, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm Information Resources Inc. (IRI) for the 52 weeks ending Aug. 13, 2017. Unit sales increased by 11.8% to 686.6 million.

Many fluid milk processors manufacture juices, iced tea and coffee beverages. They have the necessary processing equipment and they have relationships with retailers who often want a second brand or control brand to put in their nondairy refrigerated cases. These nondairy beverages represent additional sales opportunities for a dairy.

Coffeehouses are satisfying the Millennial generation’s need for new taste experiences. Look to your neighborhood barista for ideas and then translate them into RTD beverages.

Dairy processors can learn a thing or two from Califia Farms about product development, messaging, packaging and disrupting the beverage category.

While a focus on nutrition claims is boosting juice drinks, Mintel predicts the 100% juices category could bounce back.

There’s nothing like a jolt of caffeine to wake up beverage sales. The energy drink sector also gained, but the almond milk category performed even better.

Beverage consumers want low-fat, low-sugar and high-protein products made with natural ingredients, according to a new survey of dairy processors. And dairies plan to increase their production of beverages in single-serve formats (16 ounces or less). Beverage makers are using a wide variety of flavors, branching out from the traditional chocolate, strawberry and vanilla.

Two graduates from the University of Wisconsin-Madison turned to the Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research to help them create a protein-rich, isotonic beverage with no artificial colors or flavors called BadgerMax.

 There is no stopping the caffeinated beverage. Sales of refrigerated, ready-to-drink coffee soar in the last year. Refrigerated juices and juice blends do well, too.