Beverage Trends Driving Change in 2023

Beverage Industry Trends- 

The beverage industry is constantly evolving due to the ever-changing dietary trends of the masses. Apart from that, some of the current trends which are influencing the growth trajectory of the market include:  

Health and wellness:  

Consumers are increasingly looking for healthier options, such as low-sugar, organic, and non-GMO beverages. This has led to a rise in popularity of functional beverages, such as energy drinks, teas, and waters with added vitamins and minerals. 

Sustainable packaging: 

Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are looking for packaging options that are more sustainable, such as glass bottles, aluminum cans, and biodegradable materials. 

Sustainable packaging is a growing trend in the beverage industry due to the growing environmental cognizance of the masses. Many people have shifted their inclination towards the adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable goods so as to minimize pollution levels.  Some of the current trends in sustainable packaging in the beverage industry include: 

• Recyclable materials: Companies are increasingly using recyclable materials, such as glass bottles, aluminum cans, and paper-based materials, to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging solutions. 
• Biodegradable materials: Biodegradable materials, such as plant-based plastics, are becoming highly popular as they can be broken down by microorganisms and do not contribute to the plastic pollution issue. 
• Lightweighting: Companies are looking to reduce the weight of their packaging to minimize material usage and decrease carbon footprint associated with transportation. 
• Reusable packaging: Companies are experimenting with reusable packaging, such as refillable glass bottles and stainless-steel cans, to reduce waste and promote circular economy. 
• Closed-loop recycling: Companies are investing in closed-loop recycling systems, where the materials are collected, recycled, and used to make new packaging. This not only helps them to minimize waste and promote circular economy. 
• Digital packaging: Companies are exploring digital packaging, such as QR codes and augmented reality, to reduce the need for printed materials and increase consumer engagement. 
• Smart packaging: Companies are developing smart packaging, such as biodegradable and compostable, which can detect and signal if the package has been opened or tampered with. 

All these trends are shaping the future of sustainable packaging in the beverage industry, and companies are adapting to these changes to earn a competitive edge and meet the demands of the consumers who are becoming more environmentally conscious. 

Top of Form 

Bottom of Form 

Non-alcoholic alternatives 

With a growing interest in moderation and health, non-alcoholic options such as low-alcohol beers, mocktails, and kombucha are gaining massive popularity. 

Let’s elucidate the ongoing trends of the Non-alcoholic alternatives beverage industry, 

• Low-alcohol and alcohol-free options: With a growing interest in moderation and health, low-alcohol and alcohol-free options, such as beers, wines, and spirits are becoming more popular. 
• Kombucha and other fermented beverages: Kombucha and other fermented beverages, such as kefir and jun, are becoming increasingly popular due to their probiotic benefits and unique flavors. 
• Functional beverages: Non-alcoholic functional beverages, such as energy drinks, teas, and waters with added vitamins and minerals, are being highly consumed due to the growing health consciousness of consumers.   
• Plant-based alternatives: Plant-based alternatives, such as oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk, are gaining robust population due to the increasing veganism trends and growing instances of lactose intolerance.  
• Ready-to-drink (RTD) options: RTD options, such as tea, coffee, and juice, are among the highly consumed beverages across the globe. Due to hectic lifestyle trends, consumers prefer to opt for beverages that can be directly consumed without laying much effort on preparation.  
• Zero-sugar and low-sugar options: With growing concerns about the health effects of sugar consumption, consumers have started to opt zero-sugar and low-sugar options since they are healthier and pose lesser risk of lifestyle diseases.  
• Sparkling water: Sparkling water has gained immense popularity as a healthier alternative to soda, with many companies innovating in flavors and packaging. 
• Creative and artisanal flavors: Consumers are looking for unique and authentic experiences, which is driving the growth of craft and specialty beverages, such as artisanal sodas, non-alcoholic cocktails and mocktails. 

Specialty and craft beverages 

Consumers are always on a lookout for distinctive and authentic experiences and therefore are always eager to try something new. This in turn is increasing the consumption of craft and specialty beverages, such as craft beer, hard seltzers, and artisanal sodas. 

Global flavors:  

Consumers are becoming more adventurous in terms of their taste preferences and are looking for beverages with global flavors and ingredients. This has led to an increased popularity of international beverages such as matcha, turmeric, and chai. 

Convenience:  

Consumers are looking for more convenient options, such as ready-to-drink (RTD) products and on-the-go packaging, which is driving the growth of the RTD market. 

Some of the current trends in the convenience category include: 

• Ready-to-drink (RTD) options: RTD options, such as tea, coffee, and juice, are becoming more popular as consumers look for more convenient options. 
• On-the-go packaging: Consumers are looking for packaging options that are easy to take with them, such as single-serve cans and bottles, as well as portable, resealable pouches. 
• Home delivery and subscriptions: With the rise of e-commerce and home delivery services, consumers can now have their favorite beverages delivered to their doorstep on a regular basis. 
• Convenience stores and vending machines: Convenience stores and vending machines are gaining robust prominence as consumers look for quick and easy options when they're on the go. 
• Convenient payment options: Companies are investing in technology to make it easier for consumers to purchase their products, such as mobile payments, QR codes, and self-checkout options. 
• Convenient preparation: Consumers are looking for beverages that are easy to prepare, such as instant coffee and tea, and ready-to-blend smoothies. 
• Convenient recycling: Companies are also investing in ways to make it easier for consumers to recycle their packaging, such as curbside recycling, deposit return systems, and collection points at convenience stores and vending machines. 

Online sales:  

With the pandemic, online sales of beverages have risen, and companies are investing in e-commerce platforms to reach customers in a more direct way. 

Online sales are a growing trend in the beverage industry, as consumers increasingly turn to the internet to purchase their products. Some of the current trends in online sales in the beverage industry include: 

• E-commerce platforms: Companies are investing in e-commerce platforms to reach customers in a more direct way making it easier for them to purchase products online. 
• Subscription models: Companies are offering subscription models, where customers can sign up to receive regular deliveries of products, to increase customer loyalty and sales. 
• Personalized recommendations: Companies are using data analytics and machine learning to make personalized recommendations to customers based on their purchase history and browsing behavior. 
• Social media and influencer marketing: Companies are using social media and influencer marketing to reach new customers and increase brand awareness. 
• Mobile optimization: Companies are optimizing their e-commerce platforms for mobile devices to make it easier for customers to purchase products on-the-go. 
• Contactless delivery: Companies are offering contactless delivery options to ensure the safety of customers and delivery personnel during the pandemic and beyond. 
• Direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales: Numerous companies have started selling products directly to consumers through their own e-commerce platforms, bypassing traditional retail channels. 

All these trends are shaping the future of online sales in the beverage industry, and companies are adapting to these changes to stay competitive and meet the demands of customers who are increasingly turning to the internet to purchase products. 

These trends together are shaping the future of the beverage industry. The noteworthy companies operating in this marketplace are adopting the aforementioned trends to earn a competitive edge and boost their overall sales.