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Top Beverage Industry Trends

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The beverage industry is constantly evolving. From the growing popularity of concentrates and the continued growth of cold coffee, to the emergence of sparkling teas, the industry is responding to new consumer attitudes by prioritizing sustainability, health, and menu diversity. 

These trends are based both on changing consumer tastes but also external changes such as rising energy costs, climate concerns, and post-pandemic shifts. As operators seek to capitalise on these opportunities, they also need to manage the challenges and innovate to drive their profits and value with their customers.

While the desire for a comforting cup of coffee or tea remains steadfast, the methods of consuming these beloved beverages are rapidly evolving. Looking to 2023 and beyond, the beverage industry faces exciting opportunities.

Let’s explore what’s driving beverage culture, discover the industry trends that lie ahead, and see which solutions are helping operators to embrace it.

The Rise of Concentrated and Cold Coffee in the Beverage Industry - Marco Beverage Systems

1 – The Rise of Concentrated and Cold Coffee in the Beverage Industry

Cold coffee isn’t going anywhere. In 2022, customers preferred chilled drinks, with some retailers reporting up to a 30% increase in cold coffee orders, while Starbucks noted the rising popularity among Generation Z customers. As a result, cold drinks have driven 75% of the company’s beverage sales.

In this space, coffee concentrate has been growing in usage as it allows for the preparation of high-quality beverages quickly and consistently. Used as a base for cold coffee, it allows sites to explore a wide range of flavour combinations but also can be used for different types of drinks, such as classic iced coffee or premium cold brew. 

One solution that helps businesses to make the best out of cold brew is Marco ColdBRU. It delivers coffee concentrate with an average of 4% extraction in under 3 hours. Using ColdBRU makes workflow easy and quick by eliminating the need for pre-mixing or dealing with messy grounds and wet filter papers. Plus, ColdBRU doesn’t require paper filters, meaning sites can save cost on that particular consumable. 

To complement ColdBRU, POUR’D is the perfect equipment solution for businesses looking to serve this growing market demand. The beverage container from ColdBRU can be directly connected to POUR’D, allowing operators to use concentrate coffee as the basis for their cold coffee menu. 

POUR’D automates the dilution and dispense of coffee concentrate, so sites can offer cold coffee directly from the tap OR dispense the concentrate directly into iced mochas or lattes; streamlining the process and ensuring consistent flavour.

Sparkling Tea Is More Than a Trend - Marco Beverage Systems

2 – Sparkling Tea Is More Than a Trend

Tea has been gaining new appeal, particularly with the rise of sparkling tea. Offering a refreshing beverage with irresistible flavour, sparkling tea is a key beverage trend for the industry.

A fusion of tea concentrate and sparkling water often with added health benefits, sparkling tea is an easy alternative for consumers. Tea concentrate can also be a base for creative cocktails and alcohol-free mocktails. This is particularly appealing for operators and coffee shop owners as 66% of US Millennials are actively reducing their alcohol intake, according to Finlays Global Beverage Industry Trends Report.

FRIIA, a water dispenser with three temperature options, enables you to craft a delightful variety of sparkling teas. This sleek solution is perfect for attracting new consumers looking for beverages made from natural ingredients, boasting low sugar content, and featuring tea bases with healthful antioxidants. 

POUR’D also embraces the demand for healthier beverage options that continues to rise and can be used as a dispenser for sparkling iced tea. In collaborating with Origin Tea, a renowned premium tea blend, attendees of this year’s MICE event, will be able to a delicious sparkling iced tea served by POUR’D, which will show all the versatility of this solution.

3 –  Sustainability Is Shaping the Future of Beverage

Looking ahead, the coffee industry faces increasing focus on carbon emissions and sustainability. With government regulations and growing consumer demand for climate-friendly products, foodservice, catering, and coffee companies are expected to adapt to this scene. 

European regulations will impact companies worldwide, emphasising the importance of establishing transparent supply chains. However, it is not just about the regulations. 

The younger generation, particularly Gen Z, will also play a crucial role in pushing for fair labor practices and environmental protection, making sustainability a non-negotiable priority for brands aiming to appeal to this socially conscious cohort.  One in five global consumers will stop buying a product if the company has an unsustainable supply chain, says Finlays Trends Report. 

With the  Marco MIX hot water system, you can serve a range of beverages and even soups while reducing your environmental impact. Marco MIX stands out from the competition by being up to 70% more energy-efficient, making it a smart and eco-friendly choice for foodservice, catering, or coffee business needs. 

Health Benefits Is Driving Customer Choices - Marco Beverage Systems

4 –  Health Benefits Is Driving Customer Choices

Thanks to the growing interest in health-focused beverages, customers now seek more than just traditional beverages; they desire added health benefits from their drinks. 

Powder ingredients like Matcha, Lions Mane, Chaga, Beet Root, and Spirulina are rapidly gaining popularity and finding their way into providing added functional benefits. On the other hand, the demand for beverages promoting relaxation and productivity is higher than ever. Brands are tapping into this need by incorporating green tea, matcha, coffee, l-theanine, and botanicals.

These beverages are often served hot or iced, with organic oat milk and pure maple syrup. As consumers become more conscious of their beverage choices, these health-focused drinks are establishing themselves as staple menu items for the future.

5 – Embracing New Beverages Experiences

The tea industry is moving towards elevating the tea service experience. The demand for personalized and technically precise tea experiences has emerged as one of the beverage trends in the industry, leading to increased requests for tailored and exciting tea menus, according to Finlays Trends Report. 

From high-mountain oolongs to non-traditional herbals like Osmanthus, the diversity of tea offerings is capturing the imagination of tea enthusiasts, fostering a newfound appreciation for tea consumption.

We can also observe the growth of the concept of “ingestible beauty,” revolutionizing the beverage industry. Driven by the increasing demand for functional drinks that not only quench thirst but also provide beauty-enhancing benefits. Since China approved hyaluronic acid for food and beverages, we are now seeing a remarkable surge in beverage launches containing this popular beauty ingredient and making the food service and the beauty industry come together.

Marco MIX is also perfect for tea offerings that require precise temperature control. With its capability to dispense three different temperatures from one innovative system, MIX is ideal for meeting the diverse range of tea preferences and expanding the offer to embrace the beauty and wellness benefits of beverages.

Marco MIX and the Beverage Industry Trends

In Conclusion

As we can see, the beverage industry is experiencing a dynamic and transformative period, with trends catering to consumer demands and preferences, emphasizing innovative and delightful beverage experiences. 

Sustainability has become a top priority, driven by consumer awareness and government regulations, pushing companies to adopt transparent supply chains and cater to the socially conscious Gen Z demographic. Moreover, health-focused beverages are gaining traction. The industry is witnessing a shift towards elevating the tea service experience, with businesses emphasizing presentation and personalized menus. Additionally, “ingestible beauty” is revolutionizing the industry, combining food service and beauty to create functional beverages that enhance well-being and aesthetics. 

To thrive in the ever-evolving beverage industry, having the right equipment is not just beneficial but essential. Solutions like ColdBRU, POUR’D, FRIIA, and MIX are perfect for helping you explore new possibilities, streamline workflow, boost profitability, and maintain consistency in your offerings. 

By embracing these cutting-edge solutions, you can stay ahead of the competition, cater to diverse consumer preferences, and elevate your business. 

 

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