By 2020, the beverage processing machinery industry will have reached USD 20.02 billion. Factors affecting this industry include the advent of new technology. The market for the beverage producers evidences signs of continuous growth in certain sectors. Among these are the newly popular fortified drinks as well as energy drinks.
Types of Drinks
Many of the drinks a beverage manufacturer produces fall into the category of “soft drinks.” Soft drinks may be carbonated or non-carbonated. They generally contain a mixture of syrup, aromas, flavors and, if carbonated, carbon dioxide. However, beverage producers are also seeing an influx in other types of beverage types.
Among the currently popular drinks are two kinds: flavored water and fortified beverages. Flavored water may or may not be carbonated. In addition to the flavors, the company may choose to fortify it with a variety of vitamins, minerals and so-called antioxidants. Fortified drinks are increasingly popular and can contain various nutrients in usually trace amounts. Consumers purchase these beverages with the belief they are helpful in improving or maintain a healthy body.
Energy drinks offer consumers another option. They have a specific consumer base. Generally appealing to the younger and more active crowd, these drinks focus on providing the individual with an extra boost of energy. They are similar to sports drinks who focus on improving energy while quenching thirst. In both cases, a major ingredient is sugar.
Basic Ingredients of Drinks
No matter what the type of drink, beverage processing machinery perform their tasks to ensure the content is ideal for consumers. The basic ingredients for many types of drinks are:
Carbon Dioxide: In a carbonated soft drink, the carbonated water amounts to a high of 94%
Sugar: This ingredient comprises as much as 7-12% of a soft drink. It is also a large component of energy and sports drinks. The main intent of using sugar is to add sweetness while providing a source for energy. It also helps to balance acids and flavors within a beverage
All other ingredients are added in smaller and even miniscule amounts. The exception in many energy drinks is the addition of caffeine. It may be close to the percentage of sugar. Equipment in the blending stage will ensure the right ingredients appear in the correct proportions.
Beverage Processing Machinery in Changing Times
Water is essential for maintaining the body’s health. Soft and other drinks have long provided this need. They have let people fulfill their urge to hydrate their body while quenching their thirst. Today, however, people are looking for more than this from a soft or any other drink. They are being attracted to fortified and energy drinks. These may be herbal and/or vitamin infused compositions or caffeine instilled drinks. Whatever the demand, technology has to be there to provide innovative beverage processing machinery to produce the products the consumers demand.
