Berner Food & Beverage Inc., a Dakota, Ill.-based supplier of shelf-stable dairy-based food and beverage products, said it launched a state-of-the-art retort beverage line focused on the production of ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee and latte beverages.

The new investment more than doubles Berner's existing beverage capacity. The company said it believes it is the fastest, most technologically advanced retort beverage line in the industry, with the broadest set of manufacturing capabilities. The additional capacity is expected to serve new and existing customers and will enable the Berner to supply the fast-growing RTD coffee and latte beverage category as the preferred manufacturing partner.

"We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest retort beverage line,” said Kurt Seagrist, CEO of Berner. “Over the last several years, Berner has experienced very strong demand from the RTD coffee category, fueled by large CPG companies, emerging beverage brands and private label retailers. We are excited to further strengthen our partnerships with our customers by delivering significantly expanded beverage capacity and expertise."

The new beverage line installation comes approximately two years after Berner completed its transformational facility expansion, which tripled the company's manufacturing space. Berner said it also recently expanded its distribution operations, bringing its total operating footprint to more than 1 million square feet, to service growing demand.

"Our significant investments in the business illustrate our continued commitment to serve and partner with our blue-chip customer base,” Seagrist said. “We strive to be innovation leaders with the highest degree of service, technological expertise and R&D capabilities. We appreciate our customers' partnerships and look forward to growing new and existing relationships."