How are consumers drinking different?
Innovation in beverages is a driving force behind the growth in this industry. Recap what is different in each beverage category in the roundup of the series.
The beverage industry is continuously evolving spurred on by market demand, changing preferences, and advancements in technology. Emerging criteria around taste, health, and sustainability are driving innovation in this competitive space, giving rise to not only new products but also transforming old favourites. So, what are the challenges and trends in each category? And how is the industry responding? Let’s look back for a reminder.
A taste of something new
Beverages are big business, and it is likely to become bigger. From fermented drinks and low-alcohol beverages to enhanced waters and functional beverages – product innovation in this space is being fuelled by increasing consumer awareness about what is better for them and the planet. And this awareness is not limited to what’s inside the pack, making sustainable packaging a game changer in consumer decisions.
What’s powering up in plant based?
Plant-based is one of the fastest growing categories in food and beverage industries, moving over from niche to mainstream rapidly. So, what is trending when it comes to beverages – are milk alternatives still the star? And how are new ingredients faring against classic ones? And how are consumer expectations evolving as more and more people shift to vegan or flexitarian diets?
Juices vs Smoothies
For juices and smoothies, the ride hasn’t been a smooth one. From being considered the epitome of health to coming under fire for added sugar, these beverages have overcome the odds and reinvented themselves with smoothies showing a record growth and juices making steady progress. So, what lies behind this turnround? How are new flavours and wellness credentials driving their growth and what are the other differentiators?
Dynamics of dairy
Dairy, once considered a conservative sector, is now innovating to offer a range of milk products that makes the cut for discerning consumers. Milk – the original health food – has evolved beyond its plain, white persona to new flavours, lactose-free and allergen-free options, fortified drinks, and more. So, which products are trending in the dairy aisle? And how are manufacturers responding to changing consumer preferences?
What’s more in your water?
Water, a basic human need, is a differentiated product on the shelves today. Packaged water has come a long way and is no longer limited to natural goodness. With added flavours and functional benefits, value-added water is the latest offering in this category. So, how is water standing out as a premium product, offering benefits beyond hydration? What is driving the steady growth in the packaged water segment?
Ready for more?
Ready to drink – a segment that caters to the needs of busy consumers – has grown phenomenally in recent times. Today, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages include both warm and cold drinks, spanning everything from functional beverages to alcoholic blends. So, what are the drivers behind the growth of RTD apart from convenience? And how can manufacturers differentiate their products in this segment?
Packaging matters
Whatever be the beverage, the package it comes in plays a vital role, for both manufacturers and consumers. While shelf-stable packaging enables manufacturers to offer a range of beverages that meets the market demand, sustainable and differentiated packs influence customers in their purchase decisions.
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