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RTDs and Canned Cocktails are on fire- they're redefining how we enjoy our favorite drinks. But what exactly are consumers reaching for in this booming category? Let's dive in... **ESPRESSO/COFFEE COCKTAILS** Is it the bold flavor, or perhaps a nod to the energy we once sought in Vodka-Red Bull? According to NielsenIQ's CGA Cocktail Sales Tracker, Espresso Martini orders surged by over 50% by the end of Q3 2023, and Espresso Martini RTDs were up 252% in dollar sales YoY at the end of 2023. Between these 2 articles, let’s tip our cap to Tribini Espresso Martinis, Après Hours, and Pabst Brewing Company (Hard Coffee). + Honorable mention to Snapchill for obtaining authorization to apply their patented technology (for flavorfully brewing & packaging coffee) to BevAlc products. **FAMILIARITY & CONVENIENCE** Sometimes, it’s not about the most complex concoction but rather the reliable classics that consumers can enjoy with ease. Cheers to the recognized Mimosas (Mayne & Co. and Ohza), G&Ts (You & Yours Distilling Co. and Cutwater/AB InBev), Vodka Gimlet (Post Meridiem Spirit Company), Old Fashioned (OTR: On the Rocks Premium Cocktails + Suntory Global Spirits) Sparkling Paloma (Two Chicks Cocktails), Spritzes (Saint Spritz, Campari Group, Sazerac Company), and Tequila-Soda variations (Ranch Rider Spirits Co. and Onda). Not to mention the "adult versions" of nostalgic favorites like Molson Coors Beverage Company's Arnold Palmer Spiked, and Goodwell Brands ( Dirty Shirley and Country Luau ). **MODERATION, SESSIONABILITY, & “BETTER-FOR-YOU”** Today’s consumers are embracing moderation, and smaller format RTDs are leading here for it. Tip Top Proper Cocktails (100ml can), Golden Rule Spirits (100ml can), and OM (200ml can). Shout out to Spirited Hive for using honey as a sweetener in their all-natural cocktails. **SHAREABILITY** RTS (Ready-To-Serve) cocktails are sold in larger format bottles (750ml) for a more upscale vibe. Pour some of these into a glass over a big rock- Via Carota Craft Cocktails, The Family Jones Distillery's Early Grey Negroni, The Cooper Spirits Company's Hochstadter's Slow & Low Old Fashioned, Hercules Mulligan Co., and Fabrizia Spirits LLC's Limoncello Spritz. For expertise in recruitment and hiring within the #wine & #spirits industry, reach out to me and the Protis Global team. *If you are a candidate, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gSrR7MKT Delish- https://lnkd.in/ejkP5Uaq SevenFifty Daily- https://lnkd.in/eSR_NjUj

🍸 Exploring the Latest Happy-Hour Drink Trends The beverage scene is evolving with intriguing new trends: Margaritas – An 18.34% increase in popularity, remaining a happy hour staple for their refreshing taste. 🍹 Vegetal-Style Cocktails – Featuring ingredients like mushrooms, avocado, kale, and celery, appealing to health-conscious consumers. 🌿 Aperol Spritz & Negroni – Amaro liqueurs bring a bitter-sweet complexity that's increasingly sought after. 🍊 Savory & Herbaceous Cocktails – With ingredients like basil, dill, turmeric, and cilantro, these cocktails add depth and refreshment. 🌱 Premium RTD Cocktails – Offering convenience and quality, these ready-to-drink options are gaining traction for their affordability and premium feel. 🍸 Understanding these trends helps us cater to evolving preferences and enhance the happy-hour experience. #DrinkTrends #HappyHour #BeverageIndustry #UrbanSimple #Cocktails

Is the rise of canned cocktails a threat or an opportunity for traditional spirits? 🍸🤔 Canned cocktails, born from the wave of hard seltzers like White Claw, are now shaking up the beverage industry. 🌊 The evolution towards premium, spirit-based options signals a major shift in consumer preferences - one that’s driven by the dual demand for convenience and quality. But with this shift comes a pressing question: Do these ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails complement the premiumization trend, or do they pose a risk to traditional spirits? 👈 On one hand... High-quality, pre-mixed cocktails in a can offer a tantalizing alternative for consumers who might otherwise go for lower-priced options. These RTD cocktails bring the bar experience home, catering to the rising demand for premium experiences without compromising on convenience. This presents a golden opportunity for brands to reach new audiences and retain those thinking of trading down. 👉 But on the other hand... The surge in these convenient, often lower-priced options could lead some consumers to skip traditional premium spirits altogether, potentially disrupting the market. As category lines blur, brands face a clear challenge: How do you maintain the allure of premium spirits while embracing the convenience trend? 💡 The answer? It might lie in how brands position their RTD offerings. By focusing on the quality, craftsmanship, and unique flavor profiles that define their premium spirits, brands can tell a story where canned cocktails aren't just a substitute but a complement to the broader premiumization movement. Leveraging data-driven insights to target specific consumer segments can further ensure these products enhance, rather than erode, the premium spirit market. The rise of spirit-based canned cocktails isn’t just a passing trend. Brands that adapt to this shift while staying true to their premium roots will be best positioned to thrive in this new landscape.

Beverage Industry Magazine reports that canned cocktails are currently dominating the market. This latest article reports the global #cannedcocktail market captured a valuation of more than $25 billion in 2020, and is expected to register a compound annual growth rate of 20% from 2020 to 2030. They also report a rise in non-alcoholic canned #cocktail options. https://lnkd.in/gvk_79MN

Liquor vs Liqueur💭 For those of us in the food and beverage industry, distinguishing between liquor and liqueur is essential knowledge. Here’s a concise breakdown: 🔅Liquor: These are distilled spirits with a high alcohol content, typically between 40-55% ABV (alcohol by volume). Examples include whiskey, vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and brandy. Liquors are usually enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base in cocktails. 🔅Liqueur: These are sweetened spirits made by infusing liquors with flavors such as fruits, herbs, spices, or nuts. Examples include Amaretto, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Grand Marnier, and Kahlua. Liqueurs generally have a lower alcohol content, typically between 15-30% ABV, and are often used as mixers in cocktails or served as digestifs. Key Differences: • Alcohol Content: Liquors have a higher ABV compared to liqueurs. • Flavor: Liquors are usually not sweetened, while liqueurs are sweet and flavored. • Usage: Liquors are the backbone of many cocktails and can be enjoyed on their own. Liqueurs add depth and flavor to cocktails and are perfect for a sweet finish to a meal. In my experience working in the luxury hospitality industry, understanding these distinctions helps in crafting the perfect drink for guests, whether they prefer a robust spirit or a sweet, flavorful treat. #Spirits #Liquor #Liqueur #Hospitality #BeverageIndustry #LuxuryService #CareerInHospitality

Looking for inspiration to your summer beverage menu? Stay ahead of the curve this summer by incorporating 2024’s hottest drink trends: good read :) #foodservice #summermenu #beverages #trends

Are Ready-to-Drink Cocktails Owning the Hot Summer Months? As the temperature rises and summer unfolds, the beverage industry experiences a dynamic shift in consumer preferences. One trend that has taken center stage this season is the skyrocketing popularity of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails. These convenient, flavorful, and innovative beverages have become a staple for summer gatherings, beach trips, and casual relaxation. The appeal of RTD cocktails lies in their convenience and variety. They offer a hassle-free way to enjoy expertly mixed drinks without the need for bartending skills or a collection of ingredients. But while RTD’s are enjoying their moment in the sun, other beverage categories are experiencing a decline. Beer: Traditional beer sales have seen a slowdown as consumers shift towards more flavorful and diverse RTD options. The younger demographic, in particular, is showing a preference for cocktails over beer. Wine: Although wine remains popular, its growth has been overshadowed by the meteoric rise of RTD cocktails. The casual and fun nature of RTD beverages makes them more appealing for summer outings compared to wine. Hard Seltzers: Once the darling of summer drinks, hard seltzers are now facing stiff competition from the more complex and flavorful RTD cocktails. While hard seltzers still enjoy a solid consumer base, their rapid growth has plateaued. Spirits: Sales of traditional spirits have also taken a hit as consumers opt for the convenience of pre-mixed cocktails. This shift is particularly noticeable among younger consumers who value ease and portability. RTD cocktails are undoubtedly owning the hot summer months, reshaping the beverage landscape, and setting new trends. And while some categories may be losing out, the overall market is evolving, promising an exciting future for the beverage alcohol industry.

Some great insights shared today by The Spirits Business from the Global Cocktail Report 2024 (CGA by NIQ). 💡 Cocktails are now the fourth most-consumed category in the global on-trade. 💡 Tequila and agave spirits were highlighted for their popularity with the Margarita and Tequila Sunrise seeing year-on-year growth. 💡 Espresso Martinis have increased by two percentage points from 13% to 15%, with cocktails with a coffee flavour rising from 19% to 22% over the past year. 💡 Beyond the type of cocktail alone, other factors influencing cocktail drinker decisions include good value (43% surveyed had a preference for this), high quality (41%) and a sense of premiumness (23%). Full article here: https://brnw.ch/21wNQsb

The Rise of Zero-Proof Cocktails: Redefining the Beverage Experience As we move toward a more wellness-focused lifestyle, it’s no surprise that zero-proof cocktails are on the rise. More people want a sophisticated drinking experience without the alcohol—and the beverage industry has been responding in creative ways. Zero-proof cocktails have evolved beyond simple “mocktails.” Today, mixologists are crafting drinks with layered, complex flavors, using botanicals, herbs, spices, and exotic fruits to create refreshing, elevated options. These non-alcoholic beverages are designed to deliver the same flavor depth and aesthetic appeal as traditional cocktails. From a chef’s perspective, these drinks open up exciting new possibilities for pairing. Imagine enjoying a beautifully plated dish with a carefully curated zero-proof cocktail designed to enhance the flavors of your meal—an experience that’s immersive, inclusive, and satisfying. The trend towards zero-proof cocktails is not just about abstaining; it’s about reimagining the way we enjoy beverages. It’s an exciting time to be part of the food and beverage industry, witnessing and contributing to this transformation. What’s your favorite zero-proof beverage or ingredient to work with? Let’s hear some of your thoughts! 🍹🥂 #ZeroProof #FoodTrends #Wellness #BeverageInnovation #FoodandBeverageIndustry #LinkedInFood

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐏𝐑𝐄-𝐌𝐈𝐗𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐒𝐓 The frenzy of modern times has led to an increase in consumption of "𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤" (Rtd). There are currently several types of drinks: from breakfast products made of tea or coffee to soft drinks for the aperitif. Among the alcoholic versions you can find distillates, spirits or liqueurs expertly mixed by 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 with fruit juices or soft drinks. The latest research by 𝐂𝐠𝐚 𝐛𝐲 𝐍𝐢𝐪 reveals that 𝟐𝟒%  of Italians have consumed this type of drink in the last six months and 𝟓𝟑% are willing to try it. You can read the entire article on 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞, at the following link: https://lnkd.in/dKJGqSHc #ReadyToDrink #SoftDrink #Freedlgroup #Liquor #Premixed #Cocktails #CGA #Italy #GenZ