As 2020 brings in a new decade, it is also revising the beverage industry, setting the stage for several recent trends for bars and restaurants to keep in mind when building new menus and purchasing inventory. Bright, fun, and sustainable drinks are moving your way.
Embrace the Color
Whether it is an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage, the use of bright and exotic colors captures the attention of diners everywhere. Soft drinks and plain water are not elevating the experience for these customers. This is a trend that has been developing in the food industry as a whole. It has taken off with beverages for all diners, from children to adults.
Exotic Flavors on the Rise
Your primary fruit flavors are no longer relevant for your spontaneous drink menu. New trends of ginger and exotic fruits are all the rage in the beverage industry. Citrus flavors and fruits like the following are making their way into popular drink options:
- Dragon Fruit
- Coconut
- Ginseng
- Prickly Pear
- Blood Orange
- Guava
The need to incorporate these new flavors give beverages a new dimensional layer and brings forth a nutrient-rich drink. With the added health benefits of these fruits and flavor options, they are becoming more attractive to customers looking for healthier alternatives to quench their thirst.
Health Conscious
These added health benefits are many reasons why these diners are turning to these flavors and fruit options. The name of the health game is all-natural, which these flavors and fruits provide. These diners are less likely to opt for processed sugars, choose natural sweeteners, and offer actual health benefits. The goal is not to get the energy boost from caffeine but to detox their body while enjoying their beverage.
New Trends With Alcoholic Beverages
When you are stocking your bar for your restaurant, you will see trending changes over the next year or two. While alcoholic beverages are still in-demand, the amount and the type of alcohol are shifting differently.
Limited Alcohol Cocktails
While alcohol is still a fan-favorite among many of your diners, consuming drinks with less alcohol is trending. These diners want to enjoy their favorite alcoholic beverages without consuming too much alcohol too quickly. The younger customers who are of drinking age have shown that they are not as heavy of drinkers as former generations. Growing up with an awareness of alcohol abuse and mental health has shifted many of these customers from excessive amounts of alcohol.
Wine Sales on the Rise
The alcohol of choice that does seem to be soaring is wine. While beer and liquor led alcohol sales for previous decades, wine sales have been steadily increasing for the last few years. Wine spirits and cocktails are on menus in bars across the country as the demand increases.
Choosing Sustainable Beverage Options
With all eyes on the environment and a need to be eco-friendly, diners are looking for beverage options that are environmentally friendly to the planet. Over the last couple of years, the use of plastic straws has been declining rapidly with more demand for either paper straws or opting for no straws at all. Recyclable plastic and paper are also trending in the beverage industry as companies and restaurants strive to match economically friendly options to deliver their beverages.
No matter how many changes develop in the beverage industry, the bar and beverage equipment experts at Eaton Marketing are available to help you stay up to speed with the latest trends. Click below to receive your FREE bar and beverage consultation.
