UK Beverage Trends

Beverage Britain is Booming

What does the future of the beverage industry look like?

This is our top 10; a list of the most exciting movements in the category right now. It’s not exhaustive, neither are some of these new. After all, trends don’t crop up overnight. But right now, these are the main drivers behind Beverage Britain. But first ...

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So, what’s hot (metaphorically, not physically) right now in drinks for the year 2020?

Organic

Nothing relatively new here given seven years of consecutive growth, but the clean reputation of organic products matched with other key trends make this a winning beverage category, providing consumer peace of mind and a world with less chemicals, pesticides and GMOs. We’ll drink to that. 

Vegan

Not slowing down anytime soon, the surge for vegan beverages isn’t just linked to die-hard vegans. We feel the greatest growth is with consumers who have an awareness of vegan trends and the reasons why - because who wants hidden animal products  in their wine? Keep the fish on the plate, or better still in the sea.

Plant Based

Intrinsically linked to vegan but a category in its own right, the overwhelming growth of plant based drinks is troubling agriculture and closing dairies. It is the most disruptive category on our list and increasingly the largest. Barista drinks lead the way.

Functional

This category is blossoming and increasingly varied. CBD beverages, naturally protein-enriched drinks, naturally fortified milk alternatives, gut friendly drinks and clean energy form a few examples. Consumers are still searching for a magic elixir, and producers keep innovating in a bid to unearth them. 

Ferments

This is more than kombucha. We’re seeing big strides in this world as ‘booch’ comes of age and alternatives such as Jun and Sourdough Kvass join the party. This is the fastest growing ‘ready to drink’ category in Britain. Kefir is also making waves and quickly becoming a consumer norm.

Natural Energy

Slow, steady and plant-based energy drinks are on the rise. Shaking hands, cold sweats and heart palpitations were never really in fashion, so the rise of clean and natural energy drinks aims for a healthier buzz for those in need of a boost.

Cold Brewed

The UK has been behind on cold brew offerings compared to other markets, but a recent surge in cold brew coffee demonstrates we’re catching on. Watch this space.

Zero Sugar

The obvious link is the UK sugar tax, but for us the changes in consumer tastes and healthier lifestyles overall are the key drivers for zero sugar or sugar replacement. Not all sugar replacements are great either, FYI, so check your labels and do your research.

Low or No Alcohol

As younger consumers increasingly ditch the sauce, the low and no alcohol category is one that established alcohol brands need to be a part of. As the category matures, the quality and authenticity improves with the ultimate goal of replacing the taste of alcoholic beverages, not just pretending to be one.

Planet Based

Last but by no means least, the world is at a tipping point and consumers are tumbling with it. Plagued with guilt by nonstop coverage of the state of the world, the term ‘planet based’ is about changing the world one drink at a time. Not expected to solve all of the worlds problems, but contributing to solutions that help the case for a more sustainable world. Food miles occupy a large part of this conversation, particularly for UK consumers.