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Last month we visited Imbibe Live to see if we could spot any new trends bubbling to the surface, and what trends are continuing to rise. It’s always great to see new players entering the market trying to carve out some space and stand out in the crowd.
Key takeouts
Recycled & recyclable packaging is omnipresent, as it should be, but it is clear brands are looking for new ways to build sustainable innovation into their stories to help amplify their presence.
NoLo continues its steady growth as brands try to connect with Gen Z and consumer demands. It was interesting to see the magnitude of brands pushing their NoLo Sugar credentials, tapping into the trend of healthier beverage options.
Riffing off the healthier beverage options, “natural” messages, stories and credentials were everywhere. Natural botanicals, natural ingredients, naturally sourced, natural naming conventions the list goes on as brands harness the natural world to connect with consumers.
Everleaf Non-alcoholic aperitifs are certainly responding to consumer demands, interesting flavour profiles, natural ingredients (supported by product naming), & signature spritz serve, all bring a wonderful touch of sophistication to the NoLo category.
Image credit: Everleaf
Opius was founded in 2020 by 2 cocktail enthusiasts with “the shared belief that an exciting drink shouldn’t always be alcoholic”. Alchemy underpins their process, batch production (200 bottles at a time) elevates their liquids, and “local” sourced botanicals promise to stimulate, this brand is a serial storyteller.
Image credit: Opius
Karmaceuticals is again a NoLo alternative but can be enjoyed with alcohol, however, this brand is much more. For us they’re positioning themselves as a wellness brand. They offer a range of elixirs that are aimed to enhance social experiences. This is a brand to keep tabs on with their experimental approach bringing a refreshing approach to traditional herbal medicine.
Image credit: Karmaceuticals
Wow Cacao is a bold and refreshing brand, bringing some serious energy to “water”. Made from waste cacao pulp, and packed with antioxidants, this sweetish water alternative has no added flavours, sugar or sweeteners but with a few extra electrolytes thrown in. Is this the new Vita Coco in town?
Image credit: Wow Cacao
Aphro Spirit has brought the highly popular West African drink Akpeteshie to the UK. Aphro’s premium palm spirits are carefully distilled and infused with vibrant fruits, herbs and spices with 2 variants available (The Moor & The Nubi). As consumers are experimenting more, seeking new experiences could Aphro thrust this West African drink into the mainstream?
Image credit: Upfrica.co.uk
As a lover of Vietnamese flavours how wasn’t I drawn in? Mothaiba is named after the expression “Mot Hai Ba!” that people enthusiastically chant before toasting in Vietnam, this drink is something worth toasting. Although it’s infused with 4 botanicals the star of the Vodka is Pandan, which has an enjoyable grassy taste.
Image credit: Joanne Yee
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