The pioneer of organic, cold-pressed beverages expands into a new category with plant-based protein shake line
Suja Organic, a leader in cold-pressed, organic beverages in the U.S., announced the launch of Suja Organic Protein Shakes, a new line of elevated ready-to-drink (RTD) protein. It offers 16 g of plant-based pea, rice and hemp protein, and convenient, transparent nutrition from plants. Available in three varieties including Vanilla Cinnamon, Chocolate and Coffee Bean. The new product offering marks Suja Organic’s entry into the fast-growing RTD protein market.
Suja Organic’s purposeful protein blends combine powerhouse whole foods, functional ingredients, essential vitamins (Vitamins A, B, C, D and E), minerals (iron, calcium and potassium), and macro-nutrients for foundational nutrition. Each shake is 200 calories, blended with almond milk and coconut cream for rich smoothness, with 3 – 4 grams of Acacia fiber.
Additional flavour details include:
- Vanilla Cinnamon – The perfect balance of vanilla with a swirl of cinnamon and a smooth finish. Think of the milk you look forward to drinking at the end of a bowl of cereal.
- Chocolate – Cocoa and salt support a bold chocolatey flavour. A mix of memorable flavours like chocolate pudding and chocolate milk comes through with each sip.
- Coffee Bean – Subtle coffee flavour with underlying notes of creamy, smooth vanilla and cocoa in a plant-based offering.
Suja Organic was founded in 2012 with a mission to provide foundational nutrition. With the introduction of Suja Organic Protein Shakes, the company aims to further its purpose by providing customers with a healthy, convenient beverage as part of a well-balanced diet. The high-quality, plant-rich concentrated blends harness nutrition straight from nature with protein from real organic plants, vitamins, and nutrients that recharge, balance, and fuel the body.
Suja Organic Protein Shakes will retail for $4.99 per 12oz. bottle and are available in the U.S. in Target stores and on target.com.
About Suja Organic:
Suja Organic is a leading organic, Non-GMO, cold-pressed juice brand and among the fastest growing beverage companies in the U.S. Suja began from a shared dream to help people transform their lives through conscious nutrition and is notably one of the first juice companies to offer organic, cold-pressed juice. Each of Suja’s handcrafted lines are certified organic, Non-GMO project verified and cold pressured to preserve maximum nutrition and taste. With cold-pressed juices and functional shots, there’s a product for every lifestyle. Suja is available for purchase at most major grocery and natural foods stores in the U.S. and select products can be purchased online at SujaOrganic.com.
Arla Foods Ingredients will serve up innovative concepts for high-protein ready-to-drink (RTD) tea and coffee at Vitafoods Europe (May 9th to 11th).
The market for functional RTD teas and coffees is predicted to grow 6 – 7 % by 2026,* creating opportunities for both sports nutrition manufacturers and mainstream health brands. To support them, Arla Foods Ingredients has created two inspirational new RTD concepts:
- A cold brew coffee that works as either a morning caffeine boost or a pre-workout energiser. High in protein, calcium and caffeine, but low in sugar and fat, it will appeal to the 58 % of consumers who choose functional food and beverages that increase their energy levels.*
- A refreshing RTD tea, designed as the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Flavoured with yuzu and high in protein and calcium, it’s tea but with an invigorating new twist, and is ideal for the 57 % of consumers who choose products that support strong and healthy bones.*
Both concepts owe their high protein and calcium content to Lacprodan MicelPure®, a micellar casein isolate produced using gentle membrane filtration technology. As well as allowing on-pack nutrition claims, its benefits include a mild milky taste and low viscosity throughout a product’s shelf life. During production, Lacprodan MicelPure® offers outstanding heat stability, unlocking a range of processing, packaging and flavour options.
Troels Nørgaard Laursen, Director for Health & Performance at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “Consumers are increasingly seeking out beverages that are novel and convenient and also offer a nutritional boost. RTD teas and coffees with functional benefits are riding a major wave right now, and these concepts demonstrate how they can deliver an on-trend combination of protein, calcium and caffeine.”
Arla Foods Ingredients will exhibit at Vitafoods Europe on Stand G30. Other concepts on show will include a multi-textured bar with protein in every layer, a special edition of which has been created for Vitafoods, and Rehydrate & Restore – a clear refreshing RTD beverage solution which combines protein with electrolytes.
*Innova Market Insights
Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a new concept that brings together whey protein and electrolytes, targeting two of the most important sports nutrition goals.
With fluid loss of just 2 % reducing athletic performance by around 10 %1, and awareness of the importance of replenishing electrolytes growing, rehydration is fundamental to sports nutrition. Science also demonstrates the importance of restoration, with protein intake between sessions driving optimal muscle recovery.2
Unsurprisingly, active consumers are heavily focused on rehydration and restoration, with 43 % looking for added protein in exercise related-products and 28 % favouring those with electrolytes.3
Arla Foods Ingredients’ new ‘Rehydrate and Restore’ concept demonstrates how brands can meet both needs without sacrificing on taste. The clear refreshing RTD beverage solution features Lacprodan® SP-9213, a whey protein isolate that retains its functionality when combined with electrolytes.
Packing 25 g of whey protein into a convenient 500 ml bottle, it allows on-pack claims such as high-protein4, as well as “contains electrolytes”, low sugar and low lactose. With a light refreshing taste, it is optimised for a range of different flavours.
Mathias Toft Vangsoe, Sales Development Manager, Health & Performance Nutrition, at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “The high-protein and hydration trends are two of the most important drivers in sports nutrition right now – as demonstrated by the popularity of functional waters. This inspirational new concept shows how brands can help consumers simultaneously rehydrate and recover with beverages that contain both electrolytes and high-quality protein. This is a combination that many of our customers have asked us for, and we’re delighted to help them meet two of the biggest needs in the sports nutrition space.”
1James, L. J., et al. (2017). “Hypohydration impairs endurance performance: a blinded study.” Physiological Reports 5(12)
2Kato, H., et al. (2016). Protein requirements are elevated in endurance athletes after exercise as determined by the indicator amino acid oxidation method. PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science. 11.
3HealthFocus® International, Global Trend study, 2020
4EU Regulation (EC) 1924/2006 and 21 CFR Part 101
Celerant Capital, a specialised private equity sponsor, announced the acquisition of Krier Foods, a fifth-generation family-owned beverage company.
Founded in 1908, Krier is a premier manufacturer of a wide variety of Ready to Drink (RTD) beverages packaged in aluminum cans. Krier has a long history of driving canned beverage innovation through its Jolly Good brand and providing high quality contract manufacturing services for its customers’ portfolio of established and emerging brands. Krier’s production of carbonated sodas dates to the beginnings of the package format in the 1960s. With decades of institutional knowledge and a modern facility, Krier will continue its legacy of quality, service, and enabling its customers’ growth. Krier’s dedicated team and culture of excellence will continue to be the foundation of the Company’s success.
Krier announced the appointment of John Kowalchik, formerly CEO of Baxters North America and a veteran co-manufacturing leader, as its new CEO. Former CEO, John Rassel, who will continue as an advisor to the Company, will transition out of the day-to-day leadership of the Company to pursue charitable and community opportunities in Southeast Wisconsin. The senior leadership team of Krier will continue to lead it from its headquarters in Random Lake, WI (US).
Celerant Capital is a specialised private equity sponsor led by food manufacturing industry veterans that focuses exclusively on investing in food, beverage and enabling technologies. With highly-experienced senior industry professionals, Celerant focuses on acquiring businesses with competitive advantages and significant opportunities for value creation.
Brown-Forman Corporation and The Coca-Cola Company announced a global relationship to debut the iconic Jack & Coke cocktail as a branded, ready-to-drink (RTD) pre-mixed cocktail option.
Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola RTD, inspired by the classic bar cocktail, will be made with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Coca-Cola. The beverage will be available in markets around the world, with initial launch planned for Mexico in late 2022.
The can and packaging, which will feature two of the world’s most recognizable and valuable trademarks in Coca-Cola and Jack Daniel’s, will include clear responsibility symbols stating that it is to be enjoyed only by consumers of legal drinking age. Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola RTDs will adhere to responsible marketing practices held by Brown-Forman and The Coca-Cola Company.
The global benchmark for alcohol beverage volume (ABV) is 5 % but will vary depending on the market. A zero sugar version of the beverage will also be available.
QminC from Tera Food & Beverage Co., Ltd., Thailand’s leader in health beverages with revolutionary nano-liposome technology and zero preservatives, has unveiled 2 herbal-based health and functional drink flavours ‘QminC Ginger with Honey’ and ‘QminC Finger Root with Honey’.
Thanthit Yuenyongtechahiran, President of Tera Food & Beverage Co., Ltd., said, “The launch of concentrated ginger extract drink with honey under QminC brand is creating a phenomenon for the health and functional drink industry. It is the first time that a concentrated ginger drink is made available in a ready-to-drink bottle in Thailand. We are responding to the high demand of the health-conscious in the global market and to the trend of natural functional drinks, which is likely to have remarkable and rapid growth every year”.
QminC also plans to make a strong overseas presence in CLMV as well as the United States, China, Singapore, South Korea, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates and is ready to go fully online to give consumers extra convenience in response to the current trend of people boosting immunity and reducing inflammation while keeping a social distance.
The first flavour QminC Ginger with Honey contains 1,000 mg. of USDA-approved ginger extract imported from the United States. It also has 100 mg. of beta-glucan which provides immunity for the body and prevents infection from microbes making it widely recognised for being anti-inflammatory as well as vitamins C, D, E, and Zinc with the spicy flavour of ginger and natural sweetness of honey to give a perfectly great taste.
QminC Finger Root with Honey has 1,000 mg. of finger root extract, the famous herb in Thailand with pinostrobin, which has been recognised in studies by many institutions for its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It also contains beta-glucan, vitamins C, D, A, and Zinc. With QminC’s manufacturing innovation (nano-liposome technology), it tastes great with an aroma and leaves no bitter taste or odour typical of finger-root beverages.
The two latest QminC’s drinks are now available in Thailand in a 150 ml bottle and retail for 25 Baht (0.7 USD). The drinks offer a low energy density of only 15 kilocalories.
T. Hasegawa announced the release of their Japanese citrus flavour portfolio. T. Hasegawa’s Japanese heritage combined with their team of highly skilled flavour chemists carefully crafted a rich array of sweet, sour, tart and refreshing Japanese citrus flavours that are grown and harvested across the country of Japan.
Each citrus in the collection has a distinctive taste and aroma that will enhance a variety of products from beverages, bakery, dressings, dairy, frozen desserts, sauces, seasonings, snacks and much more. The portfolio includes the following flavour profiles available in water-soluble, oil-soluble and powder form.
Yuzu – Versatile with sour, tart notes and resembles a grapefruit with a hint of mikan orange.
Sudachi – Slightly spicy, sharp, with a tangy taste accented by bergamot notes.
Kabosu – Mild juiciness with a slight metallic note and is an ideal replacement for lime in fish and meats.
Mikan – Fresh, sweet with a juicy character and ideal for the North American palate.
Shikuwasa – A rich citrus flavor with a sour taste and lends itself well to desserts, chips, sweets, juices, jams, dressings and alcoholic beverages.
Iyokan – Sweet and sour profile and can be used as an alternative to orange in confectionery and dessert.
Natsumikan – Slightly bitter, sour and juicy, which makes the perfect accompaniment for dessert and herbal sparkling beverages.
Hassaku – Characterized by its crisp, fresh floral and grapefruit-like notes this citrus.
“The flavours of Japan are often a source of flavour inspiration for product developers across the globe and continue to show strong market growth” says Doug Resh, Director Commercial Marketing. “We are excited to provide our customers on-trend flavours that will elevate and deliver a unique twist to their brand.”
Yuzu in particular has opened up the world to Japanese citrus profiles. Over the last several years, Western chefs featured yuzu as an aromatic and flavourful ingredient in Japanese-inspired dishes; while consumer packaged foods companies featured yuzu in sweets, sauces, vinegars and RTD beverages
According to Mintel, demand for Japanese food increased in the United States by 19.1 % between 2015-2018. With consumers continuing to experience a stronger desire to travel during quarantine, authentic and functional ingredients with engaging stories can quell the frustrations of staying put. Consuming world cuisine offers a substitute for travel, encourages experimentation and it’s easy on the wallet as an affordable excitement.
About T. Hasegawa USA Inc.
Being a global top-10 flavor and fragrance company, T. Hasegawa continues to pioneer the flavour industry with a customer experience that is optimized to rapidly respond with technical expertise. We deliver superior products that meet all your requirements no matter how complex the demand. Recognizing that the food industry needs flexibility, we proactively listen to our customers’ needs in an effort to develop better ways of delivering formulations that have excellent taste and aroma to fit form and function.
On 3 November 2020, Coca-Cola European Partners announced it has entered into binding agreements to acquire Coca-Cola Amatil Limited (CCL), one of the largest bottlers and distributors of ready-to-drink non alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and coffee in the Asia Pacific region.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to bring together two of the world’s best bottlers to drive faster and more sustainable growth. Since the creation of CCEP four years ago, we have proven our ability to create value through expansion and integration. Now is the right time to move forward by taking on these great franchises and markets.
“The strategic rationale behind this transaction is compelling, solidifying our position as the largest Coca-Cola bottler by revenue. I am eager to apply our proven formula in Western Europe to Coca-Cola Amatil’s markets, including leadership in areas such as revenue growth management, in-market execution, digital and sustainability. However, I am equally excited and genuinely convinced that there will be many more opportunities as we move forward together with speed, scale, excellent people and a richer, more diverse culture.
“This larger platform will unlock enhanced value for our shareholders, all underpinned by an even stronger and more aligned strategic partnership with The Coca-Cola Company and our other brand partners. We look forward to executing on the ambitious growth plans ahead of us, as we build on the best of who we are and create a very exciting future together.”
Damian Gammell
CEO, Coca-Cola European Partners
The incorporation of sleep-friendly ingredients in food and drinks is expected to have future potential as it closely aligns with many consumers’ want for a better night’s rest through natural methods, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
According to the company’s Global 2019 Q3 Consumer Survey, a notably higher proportion of Gen X and Gen Y consumers worldwide (79 %) are concerned about tiredness/fatigue than the retired Silent Generation (58 %). Among Gen Y, the pressure that comes with starting a new career, combined with a typically higher propensity to watch television or stream apps, could play a part in preventing regular sleep, leading to fatigue in day-to-day life.
GlobalData’s report, ‘Foresights: Night-Time Foods and RTD Beverages’, highlights a growing awareness among consumers that their diets can have a major impact on their sleeping patterns.
New health trend opportunity as sleep-friendly ingredients enter beverages and snacking, says GlobalData
The incorporation of sleep-friendly ingredients in food and drinks is expected to have future potential as it closely aligns with many consumers’ want for a better night’s rest through natural methods, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
According to the company’s Global 2019 Q3 Consumer Survey, a notably higher proportion of Gen X and Gen Y consumers worldwide (79 %) are concerned about tiredness/fatigue than the retired Silent Generation (58 %). Among Gen Y, the pressure that comes with starting a new career, combined with a typically higher propensity to watch television or stream apps, could play a part in preventing regular sleep, leading to fatigue in day-to-day life.
GlobalData’s report, ‘Foresights: Night-Time Foods and RTD Beverages’, highlights a growing awareness among consumers that their diets can have a major impact on their sleeping patterns.
Ramsey Baghdadi, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “As fatigue and tiredness are such a high concern for consumers globally, foods and beverages with ‘sleep-friendly’ claims will perform well in an otherwise highly saturated market, as they create a point of differentiation against traditional energy-boosting counterparts.”
Younger consumers are most vulnerable to feeling sleep deprived due to their hard-working, digital-orientated lifestyle. As a result, manufacturers in the past year such as the sleep-easy ice cream brand Nightfood and sleep-friendly ready-to-drink (RTD) brand Snoooze, have been focusing on foods and beverages specially designed to be consumed shortly before bed to improve sleep patterns.
Baghdadi states: “Such products are also an innovative example of how manufacturers can stand out from the competition by highlighting unique benefits to consumers such as specific lifestyle/health benefits, as product specificity is a key driver in consumer purchasing behavior. Manufacturers should use more natural ingredients in their products as a significant proportion of consumers globally are concerned about chemical/pharmaceutical sleep solutions, following global trends towards simpler and more natural lifestyles.
“The key to these sleep-friendly snacks is that they contain more plant-based ingredients that claim to improve digestion, natural melatonin levels and are low in sugar, leading to a deeper sleep.”
Ramsey Baghdadi, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “As fatigue and tiredness are such a high concern for consumers globally, foods and beverages with ‘sleep-friendly’ claims will perform well in an otherwise highly saturated market, as they create a point of differentiation against traditional energy-boosting counterparts.”
Younger consumers are most vulnerable to feeling sleep deprived due to their hard-working, digital-orientated lifestyle. As a result, manufacturers in the past year such as the sleep-easy ice cream brand Nightfood and sleep-friendly ready-to-drink (RTD) brand Snoooze, have been focusing on foods and beverages specially designed to be consumed shortly before bed to improve sleep patterns.
Baghdadi states: “Such products are also an innovative example of how manufacturers can stand out from the competition by highlighting unique benefits to consumers such as specific lifestyle/health benefits, as product specificity is a key driver in consumer purchasing behavior. Manufacturers should use more natural ingredients in their products as a significant proportion of consumers globally are concerned about chemical/pharmaceutical sleep solutions, following global trends towards simpler and more natural lifestyles.
“The key to these sleep-friendly snacks is that they contain more plant-based ingredients that claim to improve digestion, natural melatonin levels and are low in sugar, leading to a deeper sleep.”
Juice has been acknowledged as a rapidly declining soft drinks category, with volumes weakening by 3 % in 2019, compared to the same period in 2018, according to leading data and analytics company GlobalData’s UK Quarterly Beverage Forecast in Q4 2019.
Holly Inglis, Beverages Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Although the juice category is free from the sugar tax levy in the UK, consumption has still seen a downward turn in recent years, with consumers opting for other soft drinks categories such as iced/ready-to-drink (RTD) teas and enhanced waters, although none of these promote lean tags.
Another finding from GlobalData’s surveys include that a total *43 % of UK consumers claim they pay a high to very high amount of attention to the ingredients used in the food and drinks they consume.
An attempted turnaround in 2020 is Tropicana Lean – a new juice variant that indicates a movement towards better-for-you beverages in line with current consumer beverage trends.This poses the question whether Tropicana is taking a leap of faith with promoting a lean juice, or in fact we will welcome a new entry into the soft drinks market that combines hydration with health.
Inglis noted: “Tropicana’s innovation comes soon after the brand’s release of Tropicana Whole Fruit in May 2019, which attempted to impact the market with its high-fibre claims.”
*GlobalData’s Q3 2019 Consumer Survey
Moriyama first to run commercial production using SIG filling technology in Japan
Tokyo-based 50-50 joint venture DNP • SIG Combibloc Co., Ltd has announced that pioneering dairy manufacturer Moriyama is the first customer in Japan to run commercial production using SIG filling technology and the first to offer premium ready-to-drink (RTD) products in SIG carton packs locally filled in Japan.
Japan is one of the most competitive and highly developed markets for food and beverages in the world, with innovation being the key to success. Food safety and quality is of paramount importance with extremely high requirements on both aseptic and industrial standards. SIG’s market entry in Japan with Moriyama clearly demonstrates such high-quality standards, for both filling technology and packaging.
Moriyama’s new premium RTD products, in combifitMidi and combiblocMidi 1000 ml aseptic carton packs from SIG, will be filled at the company’s production plant in Kanagawa Prefecture on a CFA 812 filling machine from SIG. The new products, including cocoa, organic tea and organic coffee, and packaging fit perfectly within Moriyama’s extensive and diverse product portfolio, offering a high level of differentiation in such a mature and challenging environment.
Moriyama is also an important co-packer within the Japanese market and the new filling technology from SIG will benefit this side of its business, helping to expand its market position in the longer term.
DNP • SIG Combibloc Co., Ltd and Moriyama work together on product innovation and differentiation as part of SIG’s Value Proposition, which aims to deliver innovative product and packaging solutions that enable businesses to satisfy ever-changing needs.
Ardagh Group’s Nitro Can has been adopted by the UK’s number one cocktail mixer company Funkin Cocktails in a collaboration that sees the first-ever range of ready-to-drink nitro canned cocktails hit the shelves. With premium cocktails increasing in popularity, but traditionally demanding time and skill to serve to customers, Funkin have opted for Ardagh’s Nitro Can to deliver their ground-breaking range of canned cocktails. The slim aluminium can features a fixed nitrogen-infused widget that mixes the cocktail instantly, ensuring maximum product quality and consistency and producing an unrivalled multisensory experience for the consumer.
The Nitro Can technology was devised by Ardagh in 2016 to capitalise on the trend for nitro coffee, and with Funkin’s new range it now enters the fast-growing RTD alcoholic beverage market. Nitro Can’s innovative design makes the indulgent pleasure of a hand-mixed cocktail readily accessible in a convenient format. Upon opening the tab, the widget is activated, triggering an attention-grabbing ‘whoosh’ sound as micro-bubbles of nitrogen are released through the product. All the scents, flavours and colours of a bar-made cocktail are retained during the cascading pour, resulting in the instant delivery of an attractive beverage with a long-lasting foam head and the smooth, velvety sensation that is normally only achieved in a traditional cocktail shaker.
Not only does the Nitro Can offer an engaging consumer experience, its stable in-can environment is the perfect packaging solution to protect Funkin Cocktails’ quality ingredients. The 200 ml range contains real fruit, which makes retaining the integrity of product flavour and safety essential, and the can guarantees shelf stability both in refrigerated and ambient temperatures.
Consumers can enjoy Funkin’s four great flavours – Espresso Martini, Passion fruit Martini, Amaretto Sour and the on-trend Pink Gin Fizz – at home, out-and-about or in busy commercial environments previously unable to meet demand for quality mixology, such as restaurants and festival bars. The eye-catching cans feature Funkin’s brand new livery, a silver theme with bold graphics depicting the flavour varietals.
Funkin’s range is now available in the UK market.
As National Coffee Day (September 29) approaches this weekend, consumers are looking for options beyond their typical cup of joe in favor of ready-to-drink (RTD) varieties offering functional benefits. When asked what their ideal bottled/canned cold coffee drink would include, new research from Mintel reveals that US RTD coffee consumers want options that include antioxidants (47 %), promote brain health (40 %), are anti-inflammatory (35 %) or have added probiotics (30 %).
Aside from functional benefits, there is also potential for coffee that encourages consumption beyond the usual morning or afternoon pick-me-up. More than two in five (42 %) RTD coffee consumers say their ideal bottled/canned cold coffee drink would help them relax, while over one third (35 %) are interested in products with added protein.
Innovation in the RTD coffee segment has contributed to its strong growth. In fact, while roasted coffee is the largest segment of the coffee category (39.2 % market share), RTD coffee continues to drive the category as the fastest growing segment, growing 31 % in the last two years. Overall, total coffee retail sales in the US are estimated to grow 4 % in 2018 to reach $14.4 billion, with steady growth expected to continue through 2023.
“Innovation is vibrant and diverse in the RTD coffee segment and includes new products that are carving out sometimes surprising territory and often taking inspiration from unconventional beverage categories. What’s more, our research shows that iGeneration* consumers are more likely to drink RTD coffee than brewed coffee, indicating this is how they are entering the market. Consumer interest in better-for-you beverages is also shaping the market as demand for organic and non-GMO coffee or functional formulations enhanced with all-natural flavors, protein and vitamins grows. The broader trend of beverage blurring is also opening up opportunity for innovation and brand extension, especially in the RTD segment,” said Caleb Bryant, Senior Beverage Analyst at Mintel.
Non-dairy milk makes a splash
The better-for-you beverage movement extends to consumers’ coffee preferences both at-home and away. As non-dairy milk sales continue to rise, consumers are increasingly looking for it in their coffee, too: more than one third (36 %) of RTD coffee consumers say their ideal RTD coffee would contain non-dairy milk. What’s more, Mintel research shows that just as many dairy milk consumers add dairy milk to their coffee/tea as non-dairy milk consumers add non-dairy milk to their coffee/tea (32 % respectively). Dairy alternatives are making a splash on-premise, as well. According to Mintel Menu Insights, the use of non-dairy milk as an ingredient in coffee drinks on US menus grew 107 % in the last two years**, with almond milk as the standout star, growing 198 % in the same time period.
“Non-dairy milk is a fast-growing segment of the non-alcoholic beverage market, with many consumers, especially iGens and Millennials***, switching from using dairy milk to non-dairy milk on an everyday basis and as an addition to their coffee. While soy milk is the most common non-dairy milk used in both coffee and tea drinks, it is falling out of favor. Meanwhile, almond milk has experienced strong growth on menus across the US, indicating that we can expect to see operators swap soy milk for other non-dairy milks, with oat milk emerging as another rising star to watch,” continued Bryant.
Generation X drives third wave coffee movement
Innovation within the on-premise coffee market is spurring increased consumption among consumers as Mintel research reveals that one quarter (25 %) of those who drink coffee away from home (AFH) say they are buying coffee drinks AFH more often in 2018 compared to a year ago. Those who are ordering coffee AFH more often are not only trying out new drinks (39 %), but are also buying more premium and cold coffee beverages (32 % respectively).
While younger consumers are driving consumption of cold coffee drinks, with 28 % of iGens who drink coffee AFH saying that they most often order flavored iced coffee, Generation X consumers**** are driving the third wave coffee movement. In fact, Generation X consumers who drink AFH are the most likely generation to say they enjoy treating themselves to expensive coffee (38 % vs 33 % overall) and that they would be motivated to visit a new coffee shop for premium coffee beans (31 % vs 21 % overall)—staples of third wave coffee.
“The third wave coffee movement demonstrates that a sizable population of coffee drinkers view coffee as something that should be celebrated. Gen Xers, while a smaller segment of the US population compared to Baby Boomers***** and Millennials, are a prime target for shops offering third wave drinks as they are most likely to treat themselves to drinks made with premium coffee beans. Further, the growing presence of third wave coffee drinks means younger iGens will likely enter the third wave coffee market at a relatively young age. While iGens love flavored and iced coffee drinks now, operators must follow this generation throughout their ‘coffee career’ as many will ‘age out of’ these drinks and eventually join their older counterparts in the third wave coffee movement,” concluded Bryant.
*Aged 11-23 in 2018; in this report, only adult iGens aged 18-23 were surveyed.
**Between Q1 2015-Q1 2018.
***Aged 24-41 in 2018.
****Aged 42-53 in 2018.
*****Aged 54-72 in 2018.
