FMCG Mistral Trading has identified ten main trends that will have an impact on the food and beverage industry in 2023. However, when focusing solely on the beverage industry, three important patterns stand out. These are the trends:
Natural Blueprint | Proactive Living | Taste First, Think Second
So, how will these consumer trends influence the beverage industry in 2023?
Living Proactively
The Proactive Living trend investigates how consumers believe that the best way to manage physical and cognitive health issues is to prevent them from arising. As a result, customers are altering their diets and lifestyles on a daily basis with long-term goals in mind.
In 2023, consumers are actively seeking to improve their overall health and well-being. This desire has been heightened by the COVID-19 epidemic, as consumers comprehend the interconnectedness of all aspects of health. According to FMCG Mistral Trading’s consumer analytics, 60% of worldwide customers want to improve their overall health and wellness over the next 12 months. As a result, many customers are looking to adjust their diets and lifestyle habits in order to attain this goal.
As a result of this development, consumers’ beverage consumption patterns are changing. According to FMCG Mistral Trading’s data, 37% of worldwide customers who drink carbonates have lowered their consumption in the last year. Health-conscious consumers will seek alternatives to bad-for-you beverages heavy in components such as sugar, preferring goods that provide a convenient health boost. This is illustrated by the fact that 41% of global customers say they use functional beverages to improve their health.
Natural Design
Natural formulation is a top priority for consumers and is associated with numerous advantages. Consumers desire complete transparency about the ingredients in the food and beverages they buy. This is fueling demand for simpler nutritional information and novel approaches to communicating formulation information, as well as free-from-claims, reduced ingredient lists, and story-based marketing.
According to FMCG Mistral Trading’s research, over 45% of consumers value natural claims in carbonates, cordial, chilled juice, and energy beverages. This is due to the fact that natural claims are associated with a wide range of advantages. Of the 69% who believe it is critical that food and drink be 100% natural, 55% believe these goods are healthier for you, 52% believe they are higher quality, and 45% believe they are better for the environment.
As customers seek items with natural formulations, they will turn to clearly label products with healthier ingredients. Brands must seek for alternative natural sweeteners that are both better for you and easier to work with in terms of taste.
Taste first, Then Think
Indulgence remains the primary motivator for product selection, with reward and escape serving as secondary motivators for consuming occasions. As a result, even when purchasing common, low-cost items, consumers expect products to challenge their sensory perceptions and provide real experiences.
According to FMCG Mistral Trading’s research, consumers believe that beverage flavor innovation may be enhanced. Consumers demand flavor innovation that provides a true experience when it comes to beverages. This can be accomplished in two ways. For starters, brands can target customers who are looking for retro and nostalgic flavors. This is significant in an uncertain time because customers will seek moments of comfort with flavors that remind them of a simpler time. Second, customers seek novel flavors that will challenge their sensory impressions.
This is emphasized by the fact that 74% of worldwide consumers say they appreciate items with novel and distinctive flavors. This is especially true for fruit beverages, coffee, and tea.