top of page
Writer's pictureInsightTrendsWorld

Insight of the Day: Nascent revival of on-trade a bright spot for beverage alcohol

Detailed Findings

  1. On-Trade Revival:

    • Key markets like China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the UK, and the US are seeing a resurgence in on-trade (bars and restaurants) consumption, particularly among American Millennials.

    • Scotch, liqueurs, and sparkling wine are benefiting most from this trend.

    • A renewed focus on premium experiences and diversified offerings is driving growth in these settings.

  2. Market Dynamics:

    • The global beverage alcohol market is recovering cautiously, with emerging markets (India, Brazil, South Africa) showing robust growth.

    • Moderation trends dominate mature markets, where consumers are opting to reduce consumption rather than abstain entirely.

  3. No-Alcohol Products Gaining Momentum:

    • Over 25% of total beverage alcohol (TBA) drinkers have tried no-alcohol products in the past six months, particularly in North America, India, and China.

    • Germany and Spain have the highest penetration rates (40%), but the category remains price-sensitive.

  4. Premiumisation:

    • Higher-income consumers sustain demand for premium categories, such as single malt Scotch and Cognac, despite economic pressures.

    • Premium products are seeing significant growth in emerging markets like India, with a 20%+ increase in typical spend per bottle.

  5. Emerging Market Growth:

    • India (+4%), Brazil (+4%), and South Africa (+5%) are driving H1 2024 volume growth due to improved economic sentiment and rising on-trade occasions.

    • India’s growth is bolstered by a confident urban middle class and younger consumers experimenting with new categories.

  6. Consumer Behaviors:

    • Moderation is reshaping drinking habits globally, with light drinkers becoming the largest group in Europe, North America, and APAC.

    • Temporary abstinence and reduced intensity are popular strategies, particularly in India, South Africa, and Latin America.

Key Takeaway

The global beverage alcohol market is witnessing a nascent revival in on-trade consumption, while trends in moderation, no-alcohol products, and premiumisation continue to reshape the industry landscape.

Main Trend

The main trend is the revival of on-trade consumption, fueled by premium offerings, growing consumer confidence, and an evolving focus on experiential and social drinking occasions.

Consumer Motivation

  • Social Connection: Consumers return to bars and restaurants to socialize and enjoy premium experiences.

  • Wellbeing: Moderation and no-alcohol products reflect a shift toward healthier lifestyles.

  • Exploration: Younger cohorts in emerging markets are keen to try new categories and premium options.

What is Driving the Trend?

  • Economic Recovery: Improved consumer confidence in key markets.

  • Changing Preferences: A shift toward premium, diversified, and no-alcohol options.

  • Cultural and Social Norms: The social aspect of on-trade drinking is driving its resurgence.

Who are the People?

  • American Millennials: Over-index for propensity to go out and participate in on-trade occasions.

  • Urban Middle-Class Consumers in Emerging Markets: Driving premiumisation and experimenting with new categories.

  • Health-Conscious Drinkers: Seeking moderation or no-alcohol alternatives.

Description of Products/Services

  • Premium Alcohol: Single malt Scotch, Cognac, and sparkling wine leading growth in premium categories.

  • No-Alcohol Beverages: Gaining popularity, particularly no-alcohol spirits in the US and Europe.

  • Diversified Offerings: Innovative and localized options to attract on-trade consumers.

Conclusions

The global beverage alcohol market is entering a phase of recovery and evolution, with on-trade revival, moderation, and premiumisation shaping its future.

Implications for Brands

  • On-Trade Investments: Focus on experiential and premium offerings to capitalize on social drinking trends.

  • Moderation and No-Alcohol Products: Expand no-alcohol portfolios to meet rising demand for healthier options.

  • Target Emerging Markets: Leverage the growing confidence and experimentation of younger urban consumers in regions like India and Brazil.

Implications for Society

  • Increased adoption of moderation behaviors signals a shift toward responsible drinking.

  • Growth in no-alcohol products supports broader health-conscious lifestyle trends.

Implications for Consumers

  • Greater access to premium and no-alcohol options, allowing for a more tailored drinking experience.

  • Enhanced on-trade experiences focused on socialization and quality.

Implication for Future

The long-term growth of the beverage alcohol market will depend on adapting to moderation trends, supporting no-alcohol innovation, and expanding premium on-trade offerings.

Consumer Trend

Rising demand for experiential, premium, and health-conscious alcohol consumption.

Consumer Sub-Trend

Increased preference for no-alcohol and light-drinking options.

Big Social Trend

The revival of social drinking and experiential on-trade consumption.

Local Trend

Emerging markets like India, Brazil, and South Africa lead in volume growth and premiumisation.

Worldwide Social Trend

Global adoption of moderation and no-alcohol drinking behaviors alongside a return to social drinking occasions.

Name of Big Trend

On-Trade Revival and Moderation Evolution.

Name of Big Social Trend

Premium and Health-Conscious Beverage Experiences.

Social Drive

Economic recovery and evolving drinking habits prioritizing moderation, premium quality, and social connection.

Learnings for Companies to Use in 2025

  • Invest in on-trade experiences that highlight premium and localized offerings.

  • Expand no-alcohol portfolios while addressing price sensitivity.

  • Target emerging markets with premiumized and innovative options.

Strategy Recommendations

  1. Focus on Premium Experiences: Develop offerings tailored for on-trade social and experiential occasions.

  2. Support Moderation: Emphasize no-alcohol and low-intensity products to align with consumer preferences.

  3. Expand in Emerging Markets: Target urban, younger demographics with innovative, premium products.

Final Sentence

The global beverage alcohol market is evolving with a focus on on-trade revival, moderation, and premiumisation, reflecting shifting consumer preferences for social, health-conscious, and quality-driven experiences.

Comentários


bottom of page