Top 7 Trends in the Beverage Industry
The beverage industry constantly evolves as consumer tastes and preferences shift. To stay ahead of the competition, businesses in the sector must keep up-to-date on the latest trends in the beverage industry.
In this article, we share several emerging trends that will shape the future of the beverage market. From plant-based drinks to low-alcohol alternatives, these trends offer insight into what consumers are looking for in the beverages they purchase. Below are seven current trends in the beverage industry:
1. Health and Wellness Beverages
The beverage industry is in a near-constant state of flux, with new trends emerging each year. In particular, the demand for healthier drinks has risen consistently over the last several years.
As people become more aware of the importance of good health, they have begun to seek beverages that provide incredible flavor and include valuable nutrients. This growing trend has opened the door for innovative new products such as wellness teas, kombucha, and coconut water ⏤ all packed with antioxidants, probiotics, and other nourishing elements.
These trends in the beverage industry reflect the growing shift towards healthier lifestyles. As a result, many beverage companies are incorporating nourishing ingredients into their product lines or creating entirely new brands focused on healthy drinks.
2. Plant-Based Beverages
Another trend taking the beverage industry by storm is the growing popularity of plant-based milk and juices. As more consumers adopt vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian diets, they increasingly seek alternatives to traditional dairy milk and fruit juices.
Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, and other plant-based options have surged in popularity over the years due to their health benefits and environmental sustainability. These non-dairy drinks are often lower in calories and fat than cow’s milk while providing essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
In addition to plant-based milk, many companies in the beverage industry are introducing innovative fruit juice blends that combine unique flavors and ingredients for a delicious twist on an old trend. These options have been further cemented by current trends in the beverage industry, such as the increased availability of organic and sustainably-sourced ingredients.
3. Functional Drinks
Functional drinks are a growing trend in the beverage industry, with more and more brands poised to introduce products that offer specific health benefits. Some examples of popular drinks include energy drinks that contain caffeine and vitamins to help boost focus and alertness, probiotic beverages that promote gut health by adding beneficial bacteria to the digestive system, and collagen-infused water that can help improve skin elasticity and joint health.
Other beverage variations focused on specific health benefits include antioxidant-rich teas, immunity-boosting shots made from turmeric or ginger, and adaptogenic elixirs designed to help reduce stress levels.
As consumers become more aware of the link between nutrition and wellness, they will continue to purchase functional drinks to help them achieve their health goals. This trend in the beverage industry is showing tremendous growth, and more companies are entering the market with innovative formulations and targeted marketing campaigns.
4. Low- and No-Alcohol Beverages
The beverage world is witnessing an upswing in low and no-alcohol options as more people post-pandemic search for healthier alternatives to alcoholic beverages. Brands in the industry have responded to this demand by creating products packed with plenty of flavors but without the buzz, resulting in a surge of innovative non-alcoholic drinks.
Some examples of low and no-alcohol drinks include non-alcoholic beer and cider, which use several techniques to mimic the taste and mouthfeel of traditional brews while containing less than 0.5% alcohol. Other options include mocktails made from fresh juices, herbs, spices, and botanical-infused sparkling waters that offer a sophisticated alternative to sugary sodas.
Whether you’re looking to cut back on your alcohol consumption or want to explore new flavors and sensations, low and no-alcohol beverages can offer an enjoyable alternative to traditional drinks. While a current emerging trend in the beverage industry, they may become a staple for future generations.
5. Craft Beverages
As people become more daring in their palettes to seek out new flavor profiles, the craft beverage industry is rising to quench this thirst for a unique taste. Small breweries and distilleries now produce vast arrays of products that can stimulate any consumer’s tongue with various tastes and flavors. The craft drink movement is certainly taking off.
The term “craft” typically refers to the artisanal nature of these products. Some examples of craft beverages include small-batch beers made with locally sourced ingredients, artisanal spirits infused with exotic botanicals and spices, and natural wines fermented using traditional methods. These craft beverages often have a distinct character and complexity that sets them apart from mass-produced drinks, making them popular among discerning drinkers who value quality and authenticity.
Overall, this rising trend in the beverage industry offers consumers a more diverse range of taste experiences than regular beer, wine, or spirits. It has become increasingly popular as consumers crave unique or unusual ingredients with distinctive flavors and aromas.
6. Ready-to-Drink Beverages
Nowadays, more and more people are turning to ready-to-drink beverages for their daily needs. These drinks offer a convenient solution for anyone looking to quickly enjoy a satisfying pick-me-up without the hassle of having to brew or mix anything themselves.
Ready-to-drink coffee and tea can come in many flavors and styles, from sweetened iced teas to cold-brewed coffees with added flavors like vanilla or caramel. In addition to coffee and tea, other popular ready-to-drink beverages include sports and energy drinks, fruit juices, and nectars.
Also, many of these products offer functional benefits like added vitamins or electrolytes to reduce recovery time during or after strenuous workouts. As consumers continually prioritize convenience in their daily lives, thecurrenttrend toward ready-to-drink beverages shows no signs of slowing down in this industry.
7. Premium Beverages
Who doesn’t enjoy a luxurious, premium beverage? Consumers are increasingly investing in top-tier wines and spirits nowadays ⏤ and rightly so. If you’re going to treat yourself, why not do it the right way? These drinks often come with a higher price tag than their more affordable counterparts but are worth it for those who appreciate quality and taste.
For spirit lovers, there’s a mind-blowing amount of premium beverages to consider—ranging from aged whiskies and rare tequilas to specialty vodkas. And wine enthusiasts can delight in a vast selection of vintage bottles from around the globe or opt for organic and biodynamic wines produced with sustainable farming practices.
Not only do premium beverages taste better, but they also offer a unique drinking experience that cheaper counterparts can not replicate. For many consumers, high-end offerings represent success and are a status symbol. As a result, it’s no wonder this current trend is on the rise in the beverage industry.
Protect Your Beverages With Gorilla Shipper
Trends in the beverage industry show that more and more customers are searching for unique flavors and experiences when choosing their favorite drinks. No matter what beverage you offer, it is crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in your industry to ensure you can meet consumer demands and remain competitive.
Whether you’re a craft brewery or distillery producing small-batch beers, an energy drink company offering convenient ready-to-drink beverages, or a winery selling premium wines from around the globe, Gorilla Shipper can help you with all your packaging needs.
We offer Hexabox, pulp, and foam packaging for bottles and cans of all sizes. All our products are certified by the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) and recommended by UPS and FedEx for shipping fragile items. We also offer volume discounts so you can save more when buying in bulk. Contact us if you have any questions or need more information.
