Continued thrifty purchasing signals that the days of consumers leaving well drinks on the counter in favor of top-shelf spirits and premium wine will not return in the foreseeable future.
The recession stymied traffic in bars and restaurants during the last two years and industry analysts are not yet ready to predict a rebound for the on-premise industry.
Superfruits continue to appear in beverages across the aisles and have kept a loyal following among consumers this year for several reasons, but the main one is health.
Natural Products Expo West was dominated by new tea offerings as well as launches of probiotic drinks, juices, waters, herbal infusions and performance beverages.