All the market studies show that the non-alcoholic drinks sector has enjoyed a tremendous boom, a phenomenon also linked to consumers' desire for a more ethical way of life and a desire for... Wellbeing. A trend that was reflected at the last edition of the gourmet selection trade show, where some twenty brands (...) Were present in 2024.

The market for non-alcoholic drinks is booming. A trend that reflects new consumption patterns that promote health and well-being. More and more consumers are rejecting alcoholic beverages or high-sugar soft drinks.

Instead, a real trend is emerging for non-alcoholic ‘drinks’ in the form of light sodas with or without fruit juices, alcohol-free beers and mocktails. According to a survey on non-alcoholic drinks conducted by Nutrimarketing, 52% of French people want to reduce their alcohol consumption, 16% have already started, and 33% have followed the ‘Dry January’ in 2023. Motivations include an effort to reduce alcohol consumption (40%), concerns about calories (20%) and health (38%), as well as an attraction to the taste of these drinks (33%).

Overall, according to the study published by Nutrimarketing, the global market for non-alcoholic beverages (i.e. containing less than 0.5% alcohol) was valued at 1,300 billion dollars in 2023. It is estimated that it will more than double by 2035 to reach a value of 2,900 billion dollars. This represents average annual growth of 6.9% between 2024 and 2035.

Asia-Pacific is the biggest consumer of soft drinks, with a volume of 195.917 billion litres in 2023. The United States remains the largest consumer of soft drinks by country, with 98 billion litres in 2023. Nutrimarketing indicates that this market should exceed 102 billion litres in 2028.

 

A dynamic french market

Nutrimarketing also analyses the French market in detail. On this market, sales of non-alcoholic drinks increased by 5.5% in volume terms between April 2022 and April 2023. At the same time, sales of alcoholic beverages (excluding wine) fell by 2.5% over the same period.

In value terms, the market reached €10.441 billion in 2023 and should approach €12 billion in 2028, representing annual growth of 2.8%. In terms of volume, however, the market is set to decline from 13.5 billion litres in 2023 to 13.35 billion litres in 2028, an annual fall of 0.2%. There are three main trends behind this trend: eco-friendly packaging, premiumisation and sugar reduction.

Nutrimarketing points out that growth in the soft drinks market is driven by a diversification of the product range. Innovation - whether technological or taste - plays an essential role in improving the taste of products and perfecting production techniques. Packaging is also a factor influencing consumer behaviour. Environmental concerns encourage the purchase of products in cans and other recyclable packaging.

Trendy’ drinks are segmented as follows:

  • NoLo (No/Low Alcohol) such as alcohol-free beer and spirits or mocktails.
  • Health drinks containing less sugar, prebiotics and fermented drinks, relaxing drinks for mental well-being, vitamin, protein and/or vegetable waters, beauty drinks and bubble teas.
  • Energy and sports drinks.
  • Fruit juices (37.8% of French people say they drink them every day) and flavoured waters.
  • Iced teas (10.9% of the soft drinks market in France).
  • Hot drinks.

 

Healthy ingredients and unique flavours

Well-known brands, but also a growing number of start-ups and local producers, are launching new products that meet consumers' health concerns and food preferences. We are seeing a proliferation of purely plant-based ‘drinks’ (around milk in particular, with the emergence of coconut milk and oat milk drinks). We're also seeing the emergence of drinks perceived as natural remedies. This is the case, for example, with Kombucha, a fermented drink rich in yeast and bacteria with tea added. At the last edition of Gourmet Selection, Kyo Kombucha (present under the Nolow Plurielles brand) presented flavours such as raspberry/lime or peach/elderberry.

Cold-pressed juices are also very popular, as they retain all their natural goodness. Maison Bissardon, a loyal Gourmet Selection brand, offers its 100% pure juice flavours through its ‘L'Arbre à jus’ brand.

And to better meet consumer demand for healthy products with a gourmet twist, manufacturers are increasingly incorporating exotic ingredients. This is the case, for example, with Gili and Gimber, both exhibitors at Gourmet Selection 2024. The two brands work with ginger as a key ingredient, both in terms of flavour and health.

Innovative ingredients therefore play an essential role in stimulating demand in the soft drinks market. They capitalise on the interest of consumers who have become more adventurous in their culinary explorations. Ingredients such as superfoods, adaptogens and botanical extracts add distinctive flavours. The Unaju brand, for example, combines strawberry with basil and raspberry with marjoram in its drinks.

Probiotics, antioxidants and vitamins offer potential health benefits. Finally, the ‘exotic’ or ‘local’ value of the product is significant. At Gourmet Selection 2023, Sapinca was introduced, a cocktail inspired by the Inca culture of Peru, with ingredients as exotic as blue agave, maca, lucuma and liquorice root. Taken together, these ingredients give a real identity to a drink that can stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

All these factors are contributing to the growth of the soft drinks industry. And they should continue to give rise to surprising new flavours that can be discovered and, above all, enjoyed without moderation at Gourmet Selection... because they're alcohol-free!

Source:

Nutrimarketing food innovation and communication - Soft Drinks market study - September 2024

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