From sourcing ingredients, packaging, shipping and receiving, contract manufacturing, inventory control, and raw material handling, an experienced beverage operations team is necessary to make sure the production process moves forward smoothly, on time and on budget. A pivotal question that affects the beverage manufacturing process is where to manufacture the new beverage. Sourcing of raw materials and shipment of finished products has cost implications, and an inappropriate location can burden a company's operation with increased overhead. Choosing a manufacture that is geographically convenient for the distribution network will facilitate operational efficiency. Different types of beverages require different manufacturing processes. When choosing a beverage manufacturer, it is important to understand the different types of processes and packaging that are available. Selecting the contract manufacturer that can handle both the process and the packaging requirements becomes simpler with some up-front research. Sourcing beverage-manufacturing plants, solving logistics issues, identifying freight operators and storage facilities are critical aspects to the beverage operations function.

Drink Flavors

Consumer preferences have become increasingly complex. This is especially true in the beverage industry, where there is an ample offering of products, each with differing flavor profiles. Research and development teams work diligently to stay on top of consumer trends. Beverage industry experts have a library of flavors that address cultural preferences. A drink flavor that is very popular in Japan may not successfully penetrate the United States marketplace. Relying strongly on sensory research, the beverage industry employs teams of scientists, food specialists and taste testers who experiment with drink flavors to find those best suited to meet the needs of varying demographics. Taste, smell and texture are some of the more important attributes that testers analyze and rate. All ingredients in drink flavors and formulations must meet FDA guidelines and regulations. Beverage industry experts will be aware of these requirements and will make sure that products meet these guidelines. Qualified beverage experts will also be aware of international regulations and ensure products comply. When working with beverage flavors, modifiers enhance the taste of a beverage while other agents mask unpleasant tastes often associated with vitamins, herbs or other ingredients. By using the right mix of beverage flavors and natural ingredients, developers can balance taste profiles and health benefits. Developers use natural and artificial flavorings together to achieve a desirable flavor profile for a drink. Natural ingredients are those whose flavoring originates from a natural source such as a vegetable, fruit or raw animal materials. A laboratory synthetically produces artificial flavorings. Shelf life affects the formulation of beverage flavors. A shelf-stable beverage may not require refrigeration but its ingredients can affect its shelf life. Some beverage flavors require refrigeration to preserve quality and flavor. Drink flavors can be complex, combining many ingredients to produce a product that delivers a favorable sensory experience.