Soft drink manufacturers are a major part of the United States economy. Soft drinks and bottled water make up an intrinsic part of the way of life. Over 500 beverage manufacturers and bottling companies operate in the multi-billion dollar US market. Soft drink companies also affect other parts of the U.S. economy, buying products and services from many different industries, creating thousands of jobs, and contributing to worthwhile causes in local communities. Soft drink flavorings are the number one product purchased by manufacturers, followed by metal cans and plastics used for packaging. The beverage industry requires a great deal of corn syrup, glass containers, shipping boxes, bottle caps, fruits and vegetables, carbonated water, sugar, advertising services, motor freight, warehousing and many other products and services used in the manufacture of soft drinks. Soft drinks manufacturers produce syrups and bases and shop them to bottling operations that add sweeteners and/or carbonated water to produce the final product. Independent bottlers work under contract with various soft drink manufacturers. In addition to the syrups and bases, manufacturers provide the bottlers with a variety of business services, including product quality control, marketing, advertising, engineering, finance and personnel training. In turn, the bottlers supply the required capital investment for land, buildings, machinery, equipment, trucks, bottles and cases.

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.