Top Trends in Soft Drinks 2018: Exploring trends in soft drinks

Top Trends in Soft Drinks 2018: Exploring trends in soft drinks

Summary

The alcoholic drinks sector represents a highly dynamic space for growth as consumers’ quest for experimentation continues to evolve. Overarching themes include a growing demand for 'craft' soft drink options, functional hybrid beverages, sustainable and ethical drinks, and beverages with added carbonation.

The report "Top Trends in Soft Drinks 2018", has identified six innovation trends within soft drinks:

• Authentic Indulgence: High-sugar drinks are now seen as indulgent beverages to be consumed as an occasional treat rather than a habit, hence focus is shifting towards quality and authenticity.


• Beyond Plastic: The move away from plastic packaging towards more sustainable alternatives, such as beverage cartons and aluminium cans, is gaining pace.


• Natural Energizers: Health-conscious consumers faced with pressures from work and life are seeking products that deliver an energy boost to help fuel their hectic lifestyles, without compromising on health.


• Ethical Soft Drinks: Producers are supporting socio-economic or environmental causes that seek to improve the welfare of societies, communities or the environment to improve brand image and resonate with ethically-conscious consumers.


• Water Hybrids: Energy waters, sports waters, and juice-infused waters present major opportunities in the soft drink market as they deliver on a sensory and functional level while maintaining health appeal.


• Added Carbonation: A new generation of carbonated beverages includes sparkling coconut water, vinegar drinks and even RTD tea and coffee, and all are positioned as “healthful” CSD alternatives.

Companies mentioned in this report: Fentimans, Bundaberg, Fitch &Leedes, RIPE Craft Juice, Buda Juice, Baige White Pegeon, Wandering Bear, CanO Water, BluePrint, Biotta, Arepa, Naturewise, 1893 Cola, Different Juice, Charitea, Groundwork, Virtue, Cason, Alnatura, Gatorade, Coco Fuzion, Sun-Rype, Cide Road, Stumptown

Scope

• High-sugar drinks are now seen as indulgent beverages to be consumed as an occasional treat rather than a habit, hence focus is shifting towards quality and authenticity.


• The move away from plastic packaging towards more sustainable alternatives, such as beverage cartons and aluminum cans, is gaining pace.


• Health-conscious consumers faced with pressures from work and life are seeking products that deliver an energy boost to help fuel their hectic lifestyles, without compromising on health.


• Producers are supporting socio-economic or environmental causes that seek to improve the welfare of societies, communities or the environment to improve brand image and resonate with ethically-conscious consumers.


• Energy waters, sports waters, and juice-infused waters present major opportunities in the soft drink market as they deliver on a sensory and functional level while maintaining health appeal.


• A new generation of carbonated beverages includes sparkling coconut water, vinegar drinks and even RTD tea and coffee, and all are positioned as “healthful” CSD alternatives.

Reasons to buy

• Understand the relevant consumer trends and attitudes that drive and support innovation success so you can tap into what is really impacting the industry.


• Gain a broader appreciation of the fast-moving consumer goods industry by gaining insights from within your sector.


• Access valuable strategic take-outs to help direct future decision-making and inform new product development.