In this issue

The Covid-19 outbreak has had a massive impact across all industries, drinks included, and will have knock-on effects for some time. Current signs suggest that the impact on businesses around the world might well be more permanent than many initially predicted. 

In this issue we survey the impact on the drinks sector in our Covid briefing, as well as hear some expert advice on how SMEs can adjust to the changing landscape.

We also look at soft drinks, considering the effects of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy in the UK, and ask if full-sugar drinks could evolve into premium products in the future.

And with the news of The Coca-Cola Company and Pepsico both moving further into the ready-to-drink coffee arena this year, we make some predictions on what the future could hold. We also take a glance at coffee production in Saudi Arabia, and the efforts being made to protect traditional agricultural practices.

The dairy industry has long taken umbrage at plant-based products using the term 'milk' in their branding. Following a public letter earlier this year from politicians to the FDA on the matter, we look at the current situation in the US, and how the agency is handling the matter.

Now, for a moment; consider the wine bottle.  We have seen packaging design evolve over the years, but the humble wine bottle has largely remained the same. However, in an industry that is more complicated than many would assume, there is one company trying to shake things up with a new take on the design, for a new age. We speak with the CEO of Garçon Wines about how they think the company can make a change for the better.

Sustainability's status as the most important issue facing the drinks industry might be eclipsed by Covid-19 at present, but it should not be forgotten. We examine how drinks companies can connect with consumers on climate action following the WEF in Davos. 

We also talk to the Refresco CEO about the company's recent M&A activity, as well as their thoughts on some of the sustainability issues facing the drinks industry. And to round things up, we hear from Dassault Systèmes, and find out how software can aid sustainable material development in the CPG industry.

Peter Nilson, editor