Beverage Trends – 2022

Mindful Indulgence – since the concept of premium is still on the rise and customers always want to experience higher quality they have started to indulge in smaller quantity but the highest quality of premium goods. This includes full sugar beverages and Juices, they understand that these may have higher calorie counts but due to the infrequent nature of this consumption and the premium quality of the ingredients, they are assured that these beverages are not harmful but an unique experience and a true indulgence while also keeping their true goal of becoming ultimately healthier still intact.

 

E-Commerce – Over the last two years there has been a massive rise in online orders for spirits and related products and services, regular patrons were seen ordering spirits to their homes whereas the slightly more adventurous among us veered into subscription boxes, tasting boxes and mine of the month clubs. Although the bars and restaurants may have started to open back up now, the convenience of home delivery combined with the price conscious customer will see to it that this trend stays strong.  

 

Nuance is out, Bold is back – Witnessed in the seltzer and sparkling water industry, consumers have had somewhat of a turnabout when it comes to flavour profiles in these beverages. They want more than ever to relish single note, bold flavours in their drinks. We will see a rise in more nostalgic flavours as well, where the single note beverages like apple, grape, strawberry and watermelon will make a comeback. These flavours make for comforting and soothing drinks and invoke memories of simpler and more relaxed times.

 

Cocktails and Mixology – as bars open up after almost 2 years we will see an increased focus on mixology and cocktails as patrons spent the lockdowns getting themselves acquainted with mixology themselves and experimenting with cocktails at home. Customers will no longer be satisfied with the flashy tricks and juggling behind bar counters, they now want something more substantial and artistic. They will want to see creative usage of traditional spirits as well as innovative spins on classics like the old fashioned or the gimlet.

 

Low/ No ABV Drinks – Low ABV drinks mean spirits that have an alcoholic strength by volume (ABV) of anywhere between 0.05 and 12%. These spirits and drinks have soared due to the global shift towards health and wellness, where health conscious customers who still want to enjoy alcohol are choosing to do it in this way. By consuming these low ABV spirits consumers significantly reduce the risk of alcohol related issues like alcohol poisoning, injuries/ accidents related to alcohol abuse, etc.

 

Transparency and Sustainability - In today’s day and age it is paramount to be environmentally conscious and keep your processes and practices as ecologically healthy as possible. This is true for the beverage industry as well, where customers and businesses have become more concerned about the planet and our environment which in turn is informing their purchase decisions to a great extent. Customers prefer sustainable spirits like the Los Angeles based Greenbar Distillery which a carbon-negative spirits brand manufacturing vodka, whisky and other spirits organically and even plants a tree for every bottle sold.

 

Functional Cocktails and Healthy Ingredients – Health is one of the biggest concerns on everyone’s minds these days and there is no doubt that the average consumer of alcoholic beverages also shares this concern. This is why we believe that functional cocktails are going to be all the rage in the coming years. Using healthy ingredients like berries, turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, green tea, etc. are just the first step in creating a healthy menu for your patrons. Further stages could include pairing these cocktails with super-foods like nuts, organic snacks, seeds, etc. and overall moving towards a healthier consumption environment.

 

Local Spirits & Flavours – Following the trend of environmentally friendly practices and sustainable production and consumption of alcohol, we have seen a rise in demand for locally distilled spirits and locally manufactured beverages. These beverages and spirits have a significantly reduced carbon footprint due to the nature of their production. They are usually small batch production and are made with locally sourced ingredients as well as sold in relatively nearby markets in order to conserve energy, manpower, reduce pollution and drive down costs!

 

Spices to the Rescue– Consumers have become more health conscious than ever, with the coronavirus still looming over us and with the surge in home remedies to keep one hale and hearty, consumers have looked inwards to the spices and herbs at home. These not only provide a healthy kick to the beverages they consume but also help in creating higher quality experiences that play with different sensations and flavour profiles. Consumers have started using floral profiles like hibiscus, lavender and elderflower in their beverages alongside spice mixes and ingredients like turmeric, anise, rosemary and mushrooms.