It’s no surprise to hear that people are tightening their belts as economic conditions continue to look uncertain. But when people do head out to bars and restaurants, they want to make the most of the occasion and are still prepared to pay for premium products.
“Consumers will want to see points of difference in their soft drinks, and will be open to trying new, different and exciting flavor combinations,” says the botanical drink company, which prides itself on the slow extraction of natural flavors to allow for rich and complex drinks.
1. Citrus fruit
Citrus will continue to be a classic in 2023 and beyond: but expect to see brands play around with sour notes and sweet spots.
"Classic flavors such as orange and lime are ever popular, and we anticipate flavors including yuzu and pomelo will drive the expansion of citrus in the drinks industry as the desire for experimentation grows. The combination of sweet and sour citrus notes creates a naturally refreshing taste with perceived healthy qualities," says Fentimans.
"Expect to see pomelo, key lime, lemon peel/zest, pink grapefruit, orange, yuzu and clementine."
2. Herb
Herbs help give beverages an authentic, natural feel - another continually important attribute for today's consumers.
"Consumers are paying more attention to natural ingredients, and we are seeing a growing interest in organic and natural flavors, with some people choosing to grow their own produce," says Fentimans.
"We predict the authentic aroma of herbs will be more widely used across the drinks industry to enhance the taste and smell of beverages.
"Expect to see gentian, lemon balm, ginseng, lemongrass, basil and rosemary."
3. Flower
The range of power flowers is growing - expect, for example, to see hop flowers increasingly come into the mix.
"Floral flavors have been growing in popularity over the last few years, and we expect to see the trend peak in 2023. Adding floral notes elevates a dish or beverage, enhancing the flavor experience and perception of quality. We anticipate premiumization will be an important factor in consumers’ choices going forward.
"Expect to see cherry blossom/sakura, lavender, hop, orange blossom, jasmine and hibiscus."
