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Insight of the Day: Fashion brands continue to stir up the drinks market

Writer's picture: InsightTrendsWorldInsightTrendsWorld

Detailed Findings:

  • Fashion and Alcohol Convergence:  Fashion brands, particularly those targeting younger demographics, are increasingly venturing into the alcoholic beverage market through collaborations and branded products.

  • PICANTE's Spicy Margarita: The London-based fashion label PICANTE has released its second batch of a ready-to-drink (RTD) Spicy Margarita, developed in partnership with a mixologist from a well-known London bar.

  • RTD Market Growth: The global RTD cocktail market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for convenience and quality.

  • Gen Z and Millennial Drinking Habits: Younger generations are drinking less overall but are seeking more meaningful and curated experiences when they do consume alcohol.

  • Emotional Connection with Brands: Young consumers are looking for brands that offer more than just a product; they want an emotional connection and alignment with their lifestyle and values.

  • Accessible Luxury: Cross-industry partnerships between fashion and alcohol brands offer a way to market accessible luxury in a challenging economic climate.

Key Takeaway:

  • Fashion brands are leveraging the booming RTD market and the evolving drinking habits of younger generations to create new revenue streams and build deeper connections with consumers by offering alcoholic beverages that embody their brand's lifestyle and aesthetic.

Trend:

  • Lifestyle Branding in Alcohol:  Fashion and lifestyle brands are extending their brand identity into the alcoholic beverage space, creating products that reflect their aesthetic and target audience.

  • Premiumization of RTDs:  The RTD market is moving beyond basic offerings, with a growing emphasis on high-quality ingredients, craft cocktails, and sophisticated flavor profiles.

  • Cross-Industry Collaborations:  Partnerships between fashion, lifestyle, and alcohol brands are becoming increasingly common, creating unique and engaging products and experiences.

  • "Less is More" Drinking Culture: Younger generations are drinking less overall but are more discerning about their choices, prioritizing quality, experience, and brand alignment.

Consumer Motivation:

  • Convenience: RTDs offer a convenient and portable way to enjoy cocktails without the need for mixing or preparation.

  • Quality and Taste: Consumers are seeking high-quality RTDs that deliver a premium cocktail experience.

  • Brand Alignment: Younger consumers are drawn to brands that reflect their lifestyle, values, and aesthetic preferences.

  • Emotional Connection: They desire a deeper connection with brands and seek out products that offer more than just a functional benefit.

  • Affordable Luxury or "Accessible Luxury": They are looking for ways to experience luxury and status without the high price tag of traditional luxury goods.

What is Driving the Trend:

  • Evolving Drinking Habits of Gen Z and Millennials:  Their "less is more" approach to alcohol consumption and focus on experience and brand alignment.

  • Growth of the RTD Market: The increasing popularity and availability of high-quality RTDs.

  • Economic Uncertainties: Consumers are seeking affordable luxuries and value-driven experiences.

  • Desire for Lifestyle Integration: Consumers want brands that seamlessly integrate into their lifestyle and reflect their personal identity.

Motivation Beyond the Trend:

  • A desire for curated experiences that feel authentic and tailored to their individual preferences.

  • A sense of belonging and community through shared brand experiences.

  • A way to express their personal style and identity through their consumption choices.

Who are the people the article is referring to?

  • The article primarily focuses on Gen Z and Millennials, who are driving the trends in the alcohol and fashion industries.

Description of Consumers, Product, or Service the Article is Referring to and What is Their Age:

  • Consumers: Gen Z (born 1997-2012) and Millennials (born 1981-1996) who are interested in fashion, lifestyle, and curated experiences. They are drinking less overall but are more discerning about their alcohol choices.

  • Product: The article focuses on ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, particularly those that are positioned as premium, high-quality, and aligned with a specific lifestyle or aesthetic. It also touches upon the general crossover between fashion and alcoholic beverages.

  • Service: The article doesn't focus on a specific service but implicitly refers to the broader lifestyle and brand experience that companies are creating through their products and collaborations.

Conclusions:

  • The convergence of fashion, lifestyle, and alcohol is a significant trend that is likely to continue.

  • RTDs are a key growth area within the alcohol industry, particularly for brands that can offer premium, curated experiences.

  • Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping the alcohol market with their "less is more" approach and focus on brand alignment and emotional connection.

Implications for Brands:

  • Embrace Cross-Industry Collaborations: Explore partnerships with fashion and lifestyle brands to create unique and engaging products and experiences.

  • Focus on Premiumization of RTDs: Develop high-quality RTDs that cater to sophisticated palates and offer a premium cocktail experience.

  • Target Gen Z and Millennials: Understand their values, preferences, and drinking habits, and tailor products and marketing accordingly.

  • Build a Strong Brand Identity: Create a clear and compelling brand narrative that resonates with the target audience and extends beyond the product itself.

  • Offer "Accessible Luxury":  Find ways to provide a sense of luxury and exclusivity at a more attainable price point.

Implication for Society:

  • Potential for increased alcohol consumption among younger generations, particularly through the appealing format of RTDs.

  • Further blurring of the lines between different industries and lifestyle categories.

  • Shifting perceptions of luxury and status, with a greater emphasis on experience and brand alignment.

Implications for Consumers:

  • Greater access to convenient, high-quality cocktail experiences.

  • More opportunities to engage with brands that align with their lifestyle and values.

  • Potential for increased spending on alcohol, particularly on premium RTDs.

Implication for Future:

  • The trend of fashion and lifestyle brands entering the alcohol market is likely to accelerate.

  • RTDs will continue to evolve and diversify, with a growing focus on premiumization, craft ingredients, and unique flavor profiles.

  • The drinking habits of Gen Z and Millennials will continue to shape the alcohol industry, with a greater emphasis on experience, moderation, and brand authenticity.

Consumer Trend:

  • Premium RTD Consumption: Consumers are increasingly seeking out high-quality, ready-to-drink cocktails that offer convenience and a sophisticated experience.

Consumer Sub-Trend:

  • Fashion-Forward Drinking: Consumers are drawn to alcoholic beverages that are associated with fashion brands and reflect a particular lifestyle aesthetic.

Big Social Trend:

  • Lifestyle Convergence: The boundaries between different lifestyle categories, such as fashion, food, and drinks, are becoming increasingly blurred.

Local Trend:

  • London's Influence: The article highlights London as a hub for both fashion and innovative RTD development.

Worldwide Social Trend:

  • "Less is More" Alcohol Consumption: Globally, younger generations are drinking less overall but are more discerning about their choices, prioritizing quality and experience.

Name of the Big Trend Implied by Article:

  • The Fashionable Drink or The Rise of Lifestyle Alcohol

Name of Big Social Trend Implied by Article:

  • Lifestyle Convergence or The Curated Consumption Culture

Social Drive:

  • Identity and Belonging: Consumers are driven by a desire to express their personal identity and connect with like-minded individuals through shared brand experiences.

  • Accessible Luxury or Affordable Indulgence: Consumers are looking for ways to enjoy luxury and status without necessarily spending a large amount of money.

Learnings for Companies to Use in 2025:

  • Gen Z and Millennials are drinking less but are more discerning about their alcohol choices, prioritizing quality, experience, and brand alignment.

  • RTDs are a major growth area, particularly those that offer a premium, curated experience.

  • Cross-industry collaborations between fashion, lifestyle, and alcohol brands can create unique and engaging products and experiences.

Strategy Recommendations for Companies to Follow in 2025:

  • Develop Premium RTDs: Focus on high-quality ingredients, craft cocktails, and sophisticated flavor profiles.

  • Collaborate with Fashion and Lifestyle Brands:  Explore partnerships to create co-branded products or experiences that resonate with the target audience.

  • Target Gen Z and Millennials: Tailor marketing and product development to their values, preferences, and drinking habits.

  • Build a Strong Brand Narrative:  Communicate a clear and compelling brand story that extends beyond the product itself and connects with consumers on an emotional level.

  • Emphasize "Accessible Luxury": Offer a sense of luxury and exclusivity at a price point that is attainable for younger consumers.

  • Focus on the "Emotional Connection": Go beyond simply selling a product; strive to create an experience.

Final Sentence (Key Concept):

  • The convergence of fashion and alcohol, driven by the evolving drinking habits of Gen Z and Millennials and the booming RTD market, presents a significant opportunity for brands to create accessible luxury experiences that blend lifestyle, identity, and taste.

What Brands & Companies Should Do in 2025 to Benefit from the Trend and How to Do It:

  • Alcohol brands should collaborate with fashion and lifestyle brands to develop and market premium RTDs that cater to the desire for convenient, high-quality, and aesthetically-driven drinking experiences, while fashion brands should seek out opportunities to extend their brand identity into the lucrative and growing alcoholic beverage market, particularly through the RTD format.

  • How to do it:

    • Product Development:

      • Focus on Premiumization: Use high-quality ingredients, develop sophisticated flavor profiles, and create visually appealing packaging for RTDs.

      • Craft Cocktail Focus: Offer RTD versions of popular cocktails, emphasizing the use of real spirits and natural ingredients.

      • Consider Lower ABV Options:  Cater to the "less is more" drinking trend with lower-alcohol or alcohol-free RTDs.

    • Collaborations:

      • Identify Fashion/Lifestyle Partners: Seek out brands that align with the target audience and have a strong lifestyle presence.

      • Co-Create Unique Products: Develop limited-edition RTDs or co-branded experiences that leverage the strengths of both brands.

      • Cross-Promote: Utilize the marketing channels of both brands to reach a wider audience.

    • Marketing and Communication:

      • Target Gen Z and Millennials:  Use language, imagery, and channels that resonate with these demographics.

      • Emphasize Lifestyle and Experience:  Position the product as part of a broader lifestyle and create a sense of community around the brand.

      • Leverage Social Media:  Utilize platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase the product's aesthetic appeal and engage with consumers.

      • Focus on Storytelling: Communicate the brand's story and values in a way that connects with consumers on an emotional level.

      • Highlight "Accessible Luxury": Emphasize that the product offers a premium experience at an attainable price.

    • Distribution:

      • Ensure Availability: Make the product readily available in channels where the target audience shops, including online retailers, convenience stores, and select on-premise locations.

      • Consider Exclusive Partnerships:  Partner with select retailers or venues to create a sense of exclusivity.

By strategically implementing these recommendations, both alcohol and fashion brands can capitalize on the growing trend of "The Fashionable Drink" or "The Rise of Lifestyle Alcohol". They can tap into the "Premium RTD Consumption" and "Fashion-Forward Drinking" sub-trends to reach Gen Z and Millennials who are embracing "Less is More' Alcohol Consumption" but still want "Accessible Luxury." This will allow brands to stay relevant in the ever-growing "Lifestyle Convergence" or "The Curated Consumption Culture" that is developing across multiple industries.

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