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Daniel Moretti

Drinks & Brands Writer

Daniel Moretti is a Drinks & Brands Writer at Flavor and Wellness, where he covers the ever-evolving landscape of beverages and consumer brands. Prior to joining Flavor and Wellness, Daniel contributed to "The Modern Palate" magazine, where he developed a reputation for spotting emerging trends before they hit the mainstream. His investigative piece on the rise of functional beverages earned him a nomination for the prestigious "Golden Sip" award. When he's not dissecting the latest beverage innovations, Daniel can be found experimenting with new cocktail recipes or exploring local craft breweries.

Expertise

drinksbrandsemerging trendsfunctional beveragesconsumer productsmarket analysis

Coverage Areas

Drinks
Brands

Latest Articles

A split image contrasting a healthy farm with a polluted industrial scene, highlighting the confusion consumers face with food sustainability claims on supermarket shelves.
Brands

Finding True Sustainable Sourcing Certifications for Food

In Australian supermarkets, products in the meat and confectionery categories carrying 'environmental claims' actually had significantly higher emissions than those without any such claims, according

May 12, 2026 · 5 min read

A hand placing a food product into eco-friendly packaging at a vibrant market stall, symbolizing sustainable food brands.
Brands

Decoding Ethical Sourcing & Eco-Packaging for Food Brands

To earn a B Corp certification, a business must answer 300 questions spanning labor, environment, ethics, governance, and social initiatives.

May 11, 2026 · 4 min read

A sophisticated cocktail featuring global ingredients and a regional garnish, representing the 2026 blend of international and local mixology trends.
Drinks

2026 cocktail trends blend global flavors with regional twists

Thomas Pélissier of Le Clocher Penché in Québec recently won the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Québec Exceptional Cocktails Award, marking a new era for regional mixology.

May 11, 2026 · 3 min read

Close-up of a fizzy cocktail being poured, showcasing the dramatic rise of bubbles and the precision of bar equipment.
Drinks

How Do Carbonation Principles Create Bubbly Cocktails?

At Lullaby, a New York City bar, perfecting a draft cocktail with the fizziness of a freshly opened soda can took nearly two years of trial and error, including battles with overflowing kegs.

May 10, 2026 · 3 min read

A sophisticated cocktail being prepared with a subtle hint of smoke, symbolizing the hidden dangers of intentional ingredients.
Drinks

The Hidden Dangers of Intentional Cocktail Ingredients

Bartenders and consumers have reported becoming seriously ill from small quantities of tobacco-infused cocktails, a method that delivers far more nicotine than smoking, according to kevinkos .

May 10, 2026 · 3 min read

European Union lawmakers in a tense negotiation, surrounded by glowing digital data streams and legal documents, finalizing the landmark AI Act.
Drinks

EU Lawmakers Reach Provisional Deal on AI Regulations

After nearly 36 hours of intense negotiations, EU lawmakers reached a provisional agreement on the landmark AI Act, set to take effect in 2026.

May 10, 2026 · 3 min read

A sunlit farmer's market overflowing with fresh produce and artisanal foods, emphasizing local sourcing and antibiotic-free options.
Brands

Transparency in Food & Beverage Sourcing & Labeling

Despite being, on average, 87 percent more expensive, classic RWA (Raised Without Antibiotics) chicken products saw their market share nearly triple from 4% to 11% between 2012 and 2017, according to

May 10, 2026 · 5 min read

Assortment of premium 100ml canned cocktails, including a Bulleit Old Fashioned, displayed on a modern bar counter in the US.
Drinks

Diageo Launches 100ml Canned Cocktails in US Market

Facing a 15.4% drop in US spirits sales, Diageo has launched a new range of 100ml canned cocktails, including a 37.5% ABV Bulleit Old Fashioned, priced at US$4.99 per single can. This aggressive move

May 8, 2026 · 3 min read

A bustling marketplace showcasing ethically sourced food and beverage products with clear sustainability labels, emphasizing consumer choice and responsible production.
Brands

What Are Ethical Sourcing Principles in Food & Beverage?

73% of global consumers say they would definitely or probably change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact, according to Meegle .

May 8, 2026 · 6 min read

A bartender making a cocktail in a New York City bar, with a patron looking at the menu, symbolizing the impact of rising cocktail prices on consumer spending.
Drinks

Consumers Rethink Spending as Cocktail Prices Climb Higher

In New York City, signature cocktails now command upwards of $25, a price unthinkable just years ago.

May 8, 2026 · 3 min read

A sophisticated 2026 cocktail bar showcasing innovative non-alcoholic and classic cocktails, highlighting global trends and wellness.
Trends

Innovation Fuels Global Cocktail Trends Beyond Classics in 2026

Non-alcoholic spirits and wine now rank as the seventh most-used ingredient type across menus, eclipsing both tequila and Cognac.

May 7, 2026 · 4 min read

A mixologist artfully tops a cocktail with a fluffy strawberry cucumber cold foam, showcasing the new trend in drink presentation.
Drinks

Cold foam toppings trend transforms cocktail flavors and textures

A new wave of mixologists is ditching traditional garnishes, instead topping cocktails with airy cream cheese foam or vibrant strawberry cucumber foam, fundamentally changing how drinks are experience

May 7, 2026 · 3 min read

Sommer Ray's 'Tempted' Dirty Shirley cocktail cans displayed prominently on a store shelf, highlighting their rapid sell-out success.
Brands

Sommer Ray Drops 'Tempted' Dirty Shirley Cocktail on GoPuff

In just three hours, 130 cans of Sommer Ray's new 'Tempted' Dirty Shirley cocktail sold out at a Boston venue, signaling a powerful new force in the beverage market, according to BoozeBusiness .

May 7, 2026 · 2 min read

Close-up of a farmer's hands holding a small amount of money, symbolizing the limited direct benefit from fair trade premiums.
Brands

Fair Trade Certifications: Challenges and Realities

Currently, only a few percent of the fair-trade premium paid by consumers directly reaches the individual farmer, according to Maastricht University.

May 7, 2026 · 6 min read

Close-up of several beautifully presented, small cocktails on a bar counter, highlighting their intricate details and elegant glassware.
Drinks

Tiny Drinks, New Value: The Bar Industry's Next Big Thing

At bars across the country, bartenders are shrinking their pours, directly responding to a significant shift in consumer behavior.

May 6, 2026 · 3 min read

A visually appealing arrangement of sustainable food and beverage packaging, including compostable, recycled, and plant-based materials, symbolizing a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Brands

What Are Sustainable Packaging Principles for Food and Beverage in 2026?

Each year, approximately 10 million tons of plastic waste from food packaging enters the oceans, posing a grave threat to marine ecosystems.

May 6, 2026 · 4 min read

A mixologist meticulously crafts a luxury cocktail using freshly foraged herbs in a dimly lit, upscale bar at dawn.
Drinks

Foraged Cocktails: A Luxury Niche in Seasonal Mixology

At a Michelin-starred bar in Copenhagen, mixologists venture into urban parks at dawn, gathering ingredients for daily-changing foraged cocktails that cost patrons upwards of $30.

May 6, 2026 · 4 min read

A diverse group of friends laughing and toasting with beautifully crafted non-alcoholic cocktails in a stylish, modern setting.
Drinks

Top 3 Non-Alcoholic Drink Mixers & RTDs for Sober Curious Lifestyles

Nearly two in three (65%) Gen Zers plan to drink less alcohol in 2025, signaling a seismic shift in social drinking habits.

May 6, 2026 · 5 min read

A beautifully crafted sustainable beverage served in an elegant glass at a B Corp certified bar, highlighting ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.
Brands

How to Choose Sustainable Beverages: Ethical Sourcing Principles

The Cambridge Public House in London isn't just serving drinks; it's the first bar in the world to achieve B Corp certification, setting a new global standard for sustainable hospitality.

May 6, 2026 · 3 min read

An empty cocktail bar counter with a single, untouched drink, symbolizing the reduction of cocktail options on restaurant menus.
Drinks

Top 5 Reasons Cocktails Are Disappearing From Menus

At 'The Gilded Spoon,' a high-end New York City restaurant, the 15-item cocktail menu was slashed to just five signature drinks.

May 5, 2026 · 4 min read