Among the various food manufacturing segments, the beverage industry boasts the highest automation in production and involves processing of most international raw materials. Amid the intense competition in the liberalized market, makers in the line should step up efforts to develop new products to cater to the varied tastes of consumers.

The non-alcoholic beverages and soft drinks manufactured in Taiwan include tea, carbonated drinks, vegetable and fruit juices, sports drinks, coffee, health drinks and mineral water.

The beverage market is flexible depending on the weather. Although makers have caught up with the international trends in material selection, processing technologies and sales management, they are plagued by keen market competition and thinning profit margins. To survive, makers should employ excellent manufacturing technologies, improve their business management and pursue sales growth.