Pepper infusions in alcoholic beverages and mixers are on the rise
Implications - Alcoholic beverages flavored with notes of pepper are on the rise in everything from beer to hard liquors. This shift comes as self-proclaimed "foodie" consumers aim to be more experimental in the products they purchase, and seek out both global and local flavors that they can mix and match.
Insight - Foodies today are exposed to much more culturally diverse options as North American cuisine adapts to various regional influences. Combined with the mainstream exposure and spotlight on social platforms and media, consumers are becoming much more accustomed to diversity in their cuisine. With that, emerges a desire to experiment with ingredients, taste and flavor in typically traditional offerings.
Insight - Foodies today are exposed to much more culturally diverse options as North American cuisine adapts to various regional influences. Combined with the mainstream exposure and spotlight on social platforms and media, consumers are becoming much more accustomed to diversity in their cuisine. With that, emerges a desire to experiment with ingredients, taste and flavor in typically traditional offerings.
Workshop Question - How could your brand add an unexpected additional element to its product/service?
Trend Themes
1. Pepper-infused Alcoholic Beverages - As "foodies" become more experimental in the products they purchase, beverages infused with notes of pepper are on the rise, offering a diverse range of flavors.
2. Superfood Mixers - More Millennials are seeking a healthier drinking experience, and companies like DRGN are creating "smart mixers" infused with superfoods like turmeric, ginger, and ginseng.
3. Spice-infused Whiskies - Collaborations between alcohol brands like George Dickel and McIlhenny Company's TABASCO Brand Pepper Sauce are creating spice-infused whiskies that appeal to whisky drinkers and hot sauce fans alike.
Industry Implications
1. Alcohol and Beverage Industry - As consumers become more adventurous in their taste preferences, businesses in the alcohol and beverage industry can create innovative new products that offer unique and diverse flavor profiles.
2. Health and Wellness Industry - With Millennials seeking healthier drinking experiences, the health and wellness industry can make strides in creating functional and superfood-packed mixers that offer added health benefits.
3. Food and Spice Industry - Collaborations between alcohol brands and food and spice companies like McIlhenny Company's TABASCO Brand Pepper Sauce create new opportunities for cross-industry innovation and product development.
