January 2023 Newsletter
Dry January Extends Into 2023 and Beyond
According to new research released by the International Wines and Spirits Record (IWSR), no- and low-alcohol products grew by more than +7% in volume across 10 key global markets in 2022. And while low-alcohol offerings are showing popularity, the research firm highlights that alcohol-free drives 90% of that growth. The global market value of the space now exceeds $11 billion.
What’s driving this growth?
IWSR gives a nod to “improved taste, production techniques, and a diversification of consumption occasions” as drivers of growing interest.
58% of global consumers are drinking more non-alcoholic and low-ABV cocktails than a year ago (2022 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report).
Awareness and purchase of non-alcoholic RTDs and Spirits are significantly higher among Gen Z and Millennial audiences (18-41 years old) compared to other generations (FlavorSum Proprietary Study).
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Alcohol-Free Deep Dive
Connecting with the no-alc consumer starts with a review of their lifestyles and habits. In our non-alcoholic blog post, we set out to understand what’s driving the increased interest in moderation. We found many factors play a part, such as:
- Healthfulness: alcohol moderation can help people reach health and wellness goals
- Generational shifts: younger generations are championing the non-alc movement
- Personal preference: alcohol-free isn’t always a replacement for alcohol-full
Similar to alcohol beverage consumption, time of day and situation drives use as well. People reach for non-alc beverages throughout the day for different reasons, including as a dinner add-on, with lunchtime meals, and when around groups of people. People also seek out alcohol-free offerings to relax.
Check out the blog post to learn more about the alcohol-free category, such as:
- What are the formulating challenges associated with alcohol-free?
- How can formulators deliver delicious taste in an alcohol-free beverage?
- What are the flavor trends in non-alcoholic beverages?
Webcast
Free from Alcohol, Full of Flavor
Although the no-alcohol category is quickly picking up pace, many developers are just beginning to explore the emerging market. Some questions bubbling up include:
- Are consumers aware of non-alcohol offerings in the marketplace?
- Why do people purchase no-alc beverages, and how does this shift across different demographics?
- What are the desired flavor profiles for alcohol-free drinks?
Are you looking for answers to these questions and details about other key topics in the no-alcohol space? Join FlavorSum Director of Marketing Lisa Jackson as she shares data, trends, and insights from our recent proprietary study on the emerging non-alcoholic adult beverage market.
We also share a special mocktail recipe crafted by our very own beverage guru, Blake Lyon.
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Delivering Gut Health Through Foods and Beverages
Are you a product developer examining ways to bring gut health benefits to your customers? With more than 1 in 5 consumers recently purchasing products with gut health claims and 57% seeking gut health benefits, now is the time! In fact, Innova identified “Gut Glory” as one of their Top Trends for 2022.
In our recent blog post, you will learn about ingredients that deliver gut health benefits, categories with high rates of innovation around gut health, and flavor trends in growing categories. For instance, over the past three years, the top five flavors in spoonable yogurt, a traditionally popular segment in the gut health space, have been vanilla, strawberry, peach, blueberry, and lemon.
Supply Chain Corner
Preparing for Another Year of Unpredictability
In 2020 and 2021, procurement teams faced the global pandemic and related supply challenges. In 2022, many continued working through the impacts of the pandemic and added geo-political conflicts and inflation to the list. What’s on the horizon for 2023? Experts say we will need to meet another year of uncertainty with problem-solving. In a recent Food Dive article, Neil Saunders, managing director with Global Data, shares that 2023 will be “quite a difficult year … because the consumer is still under a lot of pressure.”
While running the gauntlet of complexities during the last few years, many companies found creative ways to work around the problems they face and will continue to flex this year. What is it that they say? “Failing to prepare means preparing to fail.” The Food Dive article highlights proven strategies, including creating products that resonate with people and finding ways to automate and create efficiencies. The FlavorSum team is here to brainstorm solutions and support your NPD and flavor sourcing needs.
Regulatory Corner
FDA Issues Final FSVP Guidance
On January 10, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released final guidance on the requirements for a foreign supplier verification program (FSVP). The FSVP guidelines were put in place to ensure importers of human and animal food products only import products that meet applicable U.S. safety standards, including:
Products must not be adulterated
Human food products must not be misbranded with respect to allergen labeling
According to the final guidance, “food” is defined as:
Articles used for food or drink for man or other animals
Chewing gum
Articles used for components of any such article
The draft was originally filed in 2018, and the final guidance helps bring clarity around what information must be tracked and ownership over the FSVP activities. Compliance guidance was also included, such as how to analyze food for hazards and evaluate for risk.
Stay Informed with FlavorSum Discover
Are you curious about the latest food and beverage trends, consumer behavior and attitude shifts, and flavor news? Sign up for FlavorSum Discover to receive insights from our experts, including our weekly blog, monthly newsletter, on-demand webinars, and more. You can select your applications and categories to ensure you receive the most relevant content for you and your projects!
FlavorSum Team News
Celebrating our Growing Team
Helping you reach your food and beverage development goals is a priority at FlavorSum, where our team commits to doing what’s right for your brand every day. We’re expanding our bench strength and welcoming the following team members to FlavorSum:
Robyn B. – Production
Donte F – Production
Aaron C. – Quality
Visit our Careers page to learn about new opportunities on the FlavorSum team
How would you rate our insights?
In the February issue of FlavorSum Insights:
How Generational Habits Can Shift Food and Beverage Trends
Let’s Connect and Share Daily Flavor News!
Past Issues
FLAVORSUM 2022 ANNUAL REVIEW
The Faces of FlavorSum
October 2022
2023 Food and Beverage Predictions
SEPTEMBER 2022
Boosting Refreshing Beverages with Function and Flavor