The buzz around berries
In Part two of Superfood Trends, we look at how berries have shaped the beverage industry.
Since being elevated to “superfood” status – a term which became widespread in the last two decades or so – berries have only continued to grow in popularity, featuring in everything from juices and beers to beauty products and medicines. But what makes berries such big business, and what’s next on the horizon in terms of beverages?
A berry a day
Full of essential minerals, vitamins and fibre, berries have always been seen as a healthy addition to any diet, playing a large role in health and wellness. Indeed, and according to studies, berries could help slow down our rate of cognitive decline and risk of heart disease. And, as prebiotic-rich foods, they are also great for keeping our guts in good condition – thereby covering another key trend within health and wellness.
What’s more is the sheer number of fruits within this category, with hundreds of types of edible berries worldwide. Even if consumers don’t know which of their household staples fall under this category or not. Like aubergines, cucumbers, tomatoes, bananas and avocados. On the other hand, fruits like strawberries and raspberries are not technically part of the berry family, as it turns out. However, they are still classed as berries within the food and beverage industry.
A small but mighty influence
With that in mind, exactly what impact have berries had on the beverage industry, and what berries will move further into the spotlight in 2023 and beyond?
If we focus specifically on beverages, berries are one of the most popular superfood ingredients within this category, helping boost niche categories such as berry-infused waters and caffeinated fruit juices – think cranberry as a popular ingredient for the latter. Berries are also increasingly being used to bring colour to beverages, thus making them more appealing to consumers.
Berry appeal
As manufacturers grow more accustomed to the role of berries within their products, that also means a shift in what’s in fashion. For now, gooseberries and blackcurrants are gaining popularity within wines, beers and cordials, and natural berry flavours in general are on the up due to rising demand for functional beverages.
And though COVID-19 had a negative impact on the global berries market, the market still grew. This, in turn, continues to transform the way the beverage industry operates, with suppliers like SIG able to help manufacturers include more food types like berries into their products by way of our leading aseptic packaging and solutions like drinksplus.
In part three of Superfood Trends, we’ll shift attention to the impact of superfood vegetables within the food and beverage industry, with particular focus on fungi. Keep in the loop by subscribing to our bi-weekly newsletter SIGnals Update.
- January 19, 2023