As the carbonated soft drink (CSD) market has evolved, consumers are making their own lists about what they need and want from the refreshment beverage, including taste and functionality.
As health and wellness trends continue to be a driving factor in the beverage industry, experts highlight how exotic fruits’ functional attributes and unique flavor profiles have growing appeal.
Although on-the-go lifestyles are prompting interest in beverages with an energy and cognitive focus, experts highlight that purity and effectiveness are leading new product development.
Consumer awareness on gut health has helped probiotic and prebiotic beverages flourish in recent years, particularly as price gaps with traditional beverages have narrowed.
A report from Mintel notes that millennials are most heavily engaged with functional claims, but there is room for improvement among Gen Xers and Gen Z.
With the increasing trend of outsourcing packaging operations to specialized firms, experts highlight the key beverage trends impacting contract manufacturing.