Soft drink trends have changed over the years. People no longer simply want a good-tasting beverage. Consumers expect other factors to be at play, such as how the drink affects their body, social responsibility of the brand, and the ingredients used. Patrons expect everyone in the soft drink industry to step up their game. And understandably so. From the use of new technological advancements to soft drink preferences, today’s consumers expect more
Consumerism is Evolving
People in this day and age are always seeking something different and new. Forbes says evolving consumers are looking for a unique experience. This could range from retail purchases to their lunchtime meals. And when it comes to their meals, people want more than what’s on the ingredients label. Beverage Daily says consumers want to see, feel, and experience their drink of choice - not just taste it.
Sense of Adventure
We live in an experience economy, where consumers want anything but dull... They want unique experiences delivered through exotic flavors, bright colors, and unique textures. A 2020 article by Food Navigator, revealed consumers want global flavors from Latin America and Asia. Such as guava, blood orange, yuzu, and cardamom. Including beverages with textured chewable ingredients such as boba and seeds. They also want bold colors, from natural ingredients like turmeric, beet, and matcha.
The Era of Plant-Based and Dairy-Free
Plant and nut milks have became increasingly popular over the past few years, coming in a variety of sweetened and unsweetened flavors. Becoming a staple in American diets, and replacing traditional milk containing dairy. Brands will opt to adding plant-based ingredients in their beverages to capture the perception of being more sustainable than animal products. A recent article revealed, 39 percent of Americans are trying to consume more plant-based products. Most dairy-free and plant-based drinks cater to vegan, vegetarian, and lactose-free diets.
Consumers Want Environmentally-Friendly Drinks
In the year of 2020, the environmental awareness movement has taken significant leaps to popularity. Consumers are demanding natural flavors, no artificial sweeteners, natural ingredients, and environmentally friendly packaging from the food and beverage industry. Consumers want to support environmentally friendly brands focused on sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. PepsiCo has committed to making 100% of their packaging recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable by 2025, and using 25% recycled plastic content in their plastic packaging by 2025.
Healthy Alternatives
People are looking for healthy alternatives now more than ever before. In the Beverage Industry’s 2018 product development outlook, 62% of U.S. consumers said they’re looking for natural beverage options. And according to a report by Grand View Research, the segment is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13%. You simply cannot overlook this trend. People want to live a long and healthy life. Sugary beverages with chemical and preservative ingredients are out, and 'all-natural' and 'naturally sweetened' beverages are taking off.
One drink on the rise is kombucha, a fermented tea drink; it has a rich source of probiotics and provides certain health benefits, quite similar to the benefits of tea. Antioxidant drinks are quickly becoming the new superheroes of the beverage aisle, these beverages are said to reduce signs of aging, provide energy, and remove toxins from the body.
Offering options that take into account the demand for healthy alternatives may help your business thrive. When it comes to your workplace, providing people with healthy drink choices in your vending machine or micro market can boost company morale.
Create Product Features to Meet Demands
The beverage industry is constantly shifting, product presentation is a key component to stimulating consumer purchasing behavior. Set your business ahead with this list of Bernick's products that align with today's 2020 beverage trends:
BUBBL'R
Sparkling water has been on the market for ages, but we guarantee you've never had a sparkling water like this... BUBBL’R is a sparkling water with a twist, containing antioxidants, natural flavors and colors, no artificial sweeteners, and naturally sourced caffeine to give you that perfect boost of energy.
KeVita
One of the first brands acquired by PepsiCo in 2016 to provide consumers a healthy alternative, this sparkling probiotic drink is a delicious and functional drink. KeVita is handcrafted in Southern California, and comes in a variety of flavors such as mango coconut, cucumber rosemary, lemon cayenne, lemon ginger, and pomegranate. A certified organic, non-dairy, non-GMO, gluten free, and vegan drink.
Deane's Kombucha
A refreshing, naturally carbonated kombucha with probiotics, amino acids, and enzymes for your health and vitality. Deane's Kombucha is handcrafted in Minneapolis, MN and is committed to providing a fresh, great tasting, local kombucha with organic ingredients. Fermented the traditional way, with no unnecessary ingredients or additives.
Bai
A beverage with a "secret superfruit," the coffeefruit. Also known as, the fruit surrounding the bean in a coffee plant. The coffeefruit is an all-natural, and healthy ingredient. Bai beverages have an abundance of antioxidants, and come in many different flavors.
Yachak Yerba Mate
Experience the taste of South America with this product. Yerba Mate is a traditional and natural beverage throughout South America. Yachak Yerba Mate products are made from natural ingredients including organic sugar from Brazil, the brand contributes to the employment of over 3,000 Fair Trade Jobs in Brazilian communities.
Naked
All natural, 100 percent juice smoothie drinks, with no added sugar! Naked is a health focused brand, striving to make sure all of their products will enhance your life and the planet's. Get a delicious, healthy, fruit smoothie drink at the tip of your fingers!
Provide a Broad Range of Products
Variety is everything. People want choices. They want to choose between different cola flavors - and they want to know if it’s good for their body. We’ve all heard the phrase, “Give the people what they want.” For soft drink consumers, they want the ability to choose between an array of exceptional products.
