Expected beverage trends 2023
Each day, week, month and year consumer preferences are evolving and changing, and brands are challenged to keep up with these changing consumer preferences. Over recent years we have seen the growth (and demise) of Seltzer, a growing low and non-alcoholic trend, the introduction of various RTD’s and the inclusion of a ‘better for you’ category in the alcohol sector. We outline the beverages we anticipate will be beverage trends in 2023 here in Australia.
Seltzer:
The thing consumers love about Seltzer is the low carb, low sugar, low calorie offerings. It is clear that this is something consumers want, and is something brands and beverage companies must continue to cater for. However, internationally, the Seltzer segment is in decline and numerous companies have reported writing off Seltzer stock due to overstating demand and use by dates now being reached on products that are still in warehouses due to lagging consumer demand. The segment has lots to offer, but requires innovative taste and additions to keep consumers engaged. Diversification in this segment will likely be a large beverage trend in 2023.
Better for you:
The ‘better for you’ segment attracts consumers who don’t want to give up alcohol, but are looking for an alternative that is better for them than what they’ve previously consumed. Whilst this touches on low carbs, sugar and calorie offerings, it expands to incorporating additives that appeal to a consumers sense of health and wellness. In America, this incorporates CBD products (currently not permitted in Australia) as well as products with various immunity boosting or calming ingredients. The challenging part of this category in Australia is the strict ABAC guidelines surrounding calling out health benefits on alcoholic products. Rules are more relaxed in countries like the USA, but are quite rigid in Australia. Growth in the better for you segment is guaranteed to be a beverage trend in 2023.
No & low alcohol:
Overall alcohol consumption is in decline after record highs during the pandemic (Morgan, 2022), whilst the no and low alcohol segments are growing. We expect there will be an increase in low and no alcohol beverages produced, with the intent to maintain the flavour consumers love in traditionally alcoholic beverages, and produce them without the alcoholic content. This will include beer, wine, cider, seltzers, RTD’s and spirits as the sober-curious generation continues to demand new beverages. These products appearing in grocery and liquor retailers will be a big trend in the beverage industry in 2023.
More RTD’s:
The RTD portfolio was the only segment to buck the declining trend in 2022, and is expected to continue to grow into the future. With more variety being created in the ready-to-drink segment, it’s anticipated that an increase in consumption of RTD’s is a beverage trend for 2023. Expect to see more pre-made cocktails, and a wider variety of spirits incorporated into rtd products.
IDL are experts in crafting and packaging (bottle, can and keg) a wide variety of beverage products including wine, cider, seltzer, ready-to-drink products (made with vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, rum and bourbon), non-alcoholic products and low-alcohol products. Contact us today to learn more.
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