Drink Asia March-April 2020 | Page 26

Raising a Toast is contributing to its success with quality-demanding consumers. Within the global juice/juice drinks market, zero-proof drinks account for approximately 1-1.5 percent of the share, with the segment expected to demonstrate moderate growth, according to FMI. “Ongoing advancements in the zero-proof drinks market with innovative efforts have further enhanced their demand,” FMI’s Choudhury says. “Manufacturers are concentrating on [research and development] (R&D) activities to improve the multifunctional profiles of zero-proof drinks, which offer high health benefi ts, in order to have a meaningful impact on the category.” Related to this, Mordor Intelligence LLC, Hyderabad, India, reports that the functional beverage market will reach $208 billion by 2024 and witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6 percent during this forecast period, citing consumers’ inclination toward non- alcohol beverages as the reason behind the increased demand for functional beverages. in product development practices, coupled with technology upgradations, would drive the market for functional beverages in the forecast period.” Demographics also play a role in the functional, health-and- wellness market. Generation Z (ages 18-24) and millennials (ages 25-39) are prime targets for zero-proof and functional beverages. Growth in the zero-proof drinks in 2020 is projected to be 2.5 percent, and around 2.9 percent during the next fi ve years, FMI states. FMI states that innovation has been key to success in the beverage industry, so brands utilizing ingredients such as natural food/beverage colors, low-calorie natural sweeteners and kosher ingredients also are gaining traction. What this means for brands “One of the major advantages of a functional beverage is consumers are ready to pay a premium price for its functional advantages,” FMI states. “Advancement According to New York-based Nielsen’s “Total Consumer Report 2019,” based on the top wellness claims this quarter, consumers hold a particular interest in products that benefi t their bodies. Drinkers are becoming adventurous and promiscuous, breaking the boundaries between drink categories to gain [a] multi- sensory drinking experience “There’s no shortage of access to products that meet a variety of health and lifestyle needs. So, companies need to do more than simply make consumers aware of their products and tell them where they’re available,” the report states. “[Companies] need to convince consumers both to try and continue to buy their new products.” In addition, for manufacturers in the zero-proof and functional beverage space, seeking and pursuing innovation will be key to maintaining a fi rm foothold in the market. “The ‘demand for more’ is a key factor leading the beverage industry over the years. Drinkers are becoming adventurous and promiscuous, breaking the boundaries between drink categories to gain [a] multi-sensory drinking experience,” FMI’s Choudhury says. “In the global functional zero-proof herbal juice/drink market, product innovation is a continuous process that has evolved the beverages market over the decades.” As such, and with the outlook for projected growth looking bright, brands and retailers paying attention to trending demands for zero-proof and functional beverages, and investing in the innovation to meet those demands, will maintain a strong foothold in the beverage market for 2020 and beyond. Source https://www.bevindustry.com/ Drink Asia 26 March-April 2020