Personalising the Drinking Experience in the Technological Age
Anna Ward
The impact of technological advances and the rise of digital channels is now unmistakably evident across alcoholic drinks. One promising consequence is an increasingly personalised consumer experience, facilitated by tailored communication and customised drinks. And that can take many guises.
14° Simposio lberoamericano de VLB de Tecnologia Cervecera y del Envasado
Diego Borjas
Since 2008, VLB organizes this technical conference, especially focused on the Ibero-American beer sector. The 14th VLB Ibero-American Symposium on Brewing & Filling Technology will be held on this occasion in Mexico City, including a technical visit to the Heineken Brewery in Toluca (by invitation of Heineken Mexico).
Spirits: Premiumisation in An Age of Uncertainty
Anna Ward
Premiumisation forms the foundation of modern spirits demand and has proved remarkably resilient over the trials of the last few years. Yet, it is not invulnerable to external pressures. Consumers are now having to reassess spending habits given the prolonged strain on disposable incomes, and, unavoidably, rates of premiumisation are slowing.
Indian Manufacturers Spice Up the Gin Market
Amulya Pandit
Craft gin continues to gain prominence among younger consumers in India. Historically, a perceived lack of high-quality domestically-produced gin has hindered its consumption, as imported alternatives tend to be expensive. Recognising a gap in the market, several local entrepreneurs launched their own, home-grown craft gin brands, which were made primarily from indigenous botanicals.
RTDs: The Spirit of Diversification
Anna Ward
The search for flexibility is a key theme running through company strategies in alcoholic drinks – more so now than ever. The nature of competition is gradually shifting, as maturity and changes in consumer behaviour prompt companies to diversify and seek opportunities outside their traditional areas of specialisation. The ready-to-drink (RTD) sector is a shared expansion focus.
Mindful Drinking: No/Lo Comes of Age
Spiros Malandrakis
Functionality cues are increasingly replacing simplistic dealcoholisation approaches, and botanical alchemy and molecular experimentation with new ingredients are making the no/lo landscape one of the most innovative and exciting in the alcohol ecosystem. It is here to stay.
Another Round at the Bar? On-Trade Facing Post-Pandemic Challenges
Anna Ward
The turbulence of the last few years has left on-trade alcoholic drinks in a precarious state. The rise of retail was already underway prior to the pandemic, but the shift is becoming increasingly entrenched in much of the world. On-trade volumes are still notably below 2019 levels, while retail continues to climb. That partly reflects still-incomplete pandemic recovery, but also likely indicates a more structural adjustment. What do the changing patterns mean for on-trade engagement?
Top Drink Trends at the IFT FIRST Conference
Nik Allen
As explored in Euromonitor International’s recent food-focused article, the Institute of Food Technologist’s (IFT) annual conference highlights the newest developments in food and ingredient production, research, and innovation. While the primary focus of the conference was on trends and breakthroughs in the food industry, the implications of the findings and concerns in the edible space hold relevance in the potable space. The nutritional trends and expansive academic studies warrant a closer look.
Japan Leads the Sober Curious Culture in Asia Pacific
Tomomi Fujikawa
Sober curious culture is a trend that is about drinkers trying to moderate their consumption levels rather than fully abstaining from alcohol. In Japan, the first signs of the sober curious trend are emerging, as “dry” initiatives are beginning to take place.