The right tipple
Research from IRI’s 2022 Midyear Alcohol Update confirms that I am, like many others, opting to celebrate and socialise at home, especially given rising prices and reduced menus.
With many a party coming up, I note from the ones I have attended that the host(s) is becoming the barista and bartender.
As I have been asked to help out at the next gathering, I want to be prepared for anything guests want. Guests are looking to indulge and create entertaining experiences. That means we need to have a supply of goods that can accommodate even the fussiest of drinkers. I know with the right preparation, you can surprise guests with how well-stocked your supplies are.
I need some assistance and with IRI’s Midyear Alcohol Update, I am armed with a few useable stats. For one, there is a call for premium products and experimentation with ready-to-drink cocktails.
As I am well aware, consumption of healthier habits are on the rise, so better-for-you beverage alcohol options and alternative alcohol products will appeal. This will include low- and no-alcohol, lower calorie and lower sugar beverages too.
Drink parties can’t go off successfully without adding new twists on familiar favourites, and interesting flavour combinations.
To pick up on what’s on-trend, IRI’s research informs me that there are significant opportunities to pair food and drink meal enhancement — but innovation is critical.
Many of the best-selling beverages in IRI’s 2022 New Product Pacesetters had better for you claims with other points of differentiation, including unique flavours.
Being that we’re a busy society now, and particularly time poor, benefit-driven beverage options, including added caffeine, enhanced energy and hydration plus may be called for to help revive spirits later in the day.
Overall, the drinks category is meeting consumer’s demands and fuelling trends. Expectations to see a large range of drinks at home or out of home has risen, showing choice is a big factor. The experimental flare in consumers has also increased as more are now making exciting and adventurous drinks at home.
I can’t wait to see what food and drinks trends are met in the run up to, and during, the latest gathering. Certain drinks will never go out of fashion, but there is always something new and exciting that we will want to get our hands on!
I feel suitably ready for the upcoming soiree.
- Rodney Jack, editor, Food & Drink Technology.
Keep in touch via email: rodney@bellpublishing.com Twitter: @foodanddrinktec or LinkedIn: Food & Drink Technology magazine.
