Functionality, Naturalness and Stevia Key to Developing Beverages to Fit Today’s trends

Healthy beverages recover to outperform conventional counterparts

As consumer confidence restores, value demand for health-positioned drinks is returning and growth of health and wellness beverages is set to outperform the wider soft and hot drinks industry over 2012-2016.

Consumers demand more than just low calories

Demand for healthy beverages is moving away from purely low-calorie variants to those which whilst low-calorie also offer added health benefits through either greater natural ingredients or added functionality.

Superfruit juice moving up the value chain

Superfruit juice has become more appealing to the mass market as manufacturers offer healthy, convenient beverages with modern packaging at affordable prices. To improve affordability, the juice content is being lowered and by 2014 global sales of superfruit juice drinks (up to 24% juice content) are set to overtake 100% superfruit juice.

Stevia has given reduced sugar beverages a much needed boost

Reduced sugar beverages remain popular, but consumers increasingly associate these with artificial ingredients. The authorisation of stevia has given this category a much needed boost worldwide, and products such as carbonates, functional bottled water and RTD tea are set to benefit, as they are most suited to its use.

Consumers looking for added value through functionality

Fortified/functional beverages outperformed reduced sugar beverages in most regions over 2006-2011 as tough economic times have led consumers to look to gain added value from products. Consumers are becoming more aware of ingredients which offer added functionality and, as such, the likes of fruit/vegetable juice and bottled water have seen significant development. Claims allowed by the EU?s Article 13.1 general health claims regulations will help boost knowledge of functionality.

What this report includes

• Up-to-the minute analysis of the latest trends in the industry
• New product development, forecasts and other themes
• Unique graphics and illustrated case studies
• Most recent brand and company news
• New insight into the size and shape of the market

Why buy this report

• Clear, concise powerpoint format makes it easy to digest
• Leading industry opinion keeps you abreast of latest news and trends
• Forward-looking outlook on a category, market or issue affecting the industry
• Latest five year forecasts assess how the market is predicted to develop
• Understand the competitive environment, the leading players and brands