Let’s get one thing straight: I live for a sweet little drink. From work to errands to a chill day on the couch, you’ll almost always find me with something to sip on in hand.
If there is anything social media has gifted me, it’s the abundance of produce-centric beverages that often grace my TikTok and Instagram explore pages. You may be asking, “Where does a social media post fit among the pages of a magazine centered entirely around fresh?” Well, the mere ability to snap and share a pic flexing your mixology prowess has inspired a wide range of shoppers to embrace luxury in their lifestyles, all the way down to their beverages. Part of this act of embracing luxury often leans on the aesthetic aspects, meaning consumers not only want their mocktails or cocktails to taste good; they want them to look good too.
And that’s where fresh produce comes in.
One scroll through my saved Instagram posts will reveal a bevy of gins, juices, teas, and more all accentuated by a host of fresh offerings. Take, for example, a blood orange cranberry mojito, a peach pomegranate lemonade, or a simple-yet-sufficient lemon ginger green tea. (If you’re looking for even more enticing options, check out this issue’s Libations for All Occasions for a delicious strawberry mojito recipe). Consumers in search of a little extra kick have tapped into the flavor profile of jalapeños and other peppers to spice up their refreshments as well.
Even drinks as simple as water are constantly being visually and flavorfully enhanced with the addition of many citrus varieties, cucumber, herbs like mint or basil, and more.
While revitalizing beverages with the addition of fresh produce isn’t necessarily a revolutionary concept in 2023, the trend is becoming increasingly more popular. When it comes to harnessing this momentum as a buy-side opportunity, all it takes is an eye-catching display of fresh items complemented by a unique drink recipe or two.
Don’t just take it from me. FoodMix Marketing Communications’ food trend predictions for 2023 also highlight this rising demand, anticipating that “mocktails will get more creative (and healthier) with the addition of fresh produce” this year*. FoodMix also noted that social media will continue to play a big role in driving food trends at the consumer level. See, it’s all coming together now, isn’t it?
In the eyes of many shoppers, drinks are no longer just a simple day-to-day indulgence. Instead, creative beverages have become the statement piece at a gathering of friends and family or the ideal accessory for an impromptu photo op.
That means increased consumption and inspiration among consumers—and a vastly untapped channel of demand for the buy-side.
What you choose to do with it is up to you.
