Drinks Industry Ireland May/June issue spotlights summer drinks trends
Summer Alcoholic Drinks (wine, spirits, beers & ciders)
CGA’s research shows how good weather tends to lift sales of drinks well-suited to the outdoors, like packaged beers, cider and spirits. Last summer, we also saw the growing popularity of infused and flavoured vodka. And of course, on sunny days, we know that Irish consumers increasingly choose rosé as an option. The season is nearly upon us, so time to focus on the popular summer drinks and get stocked up.
Summer Soft Drinks
The trend towards sugar reduction has not waned, and many of the soft drink premium offerings are focusing on better quality, all-natural ingredients. Following the rise in popularity of customers drinking less but more premium drinks, there has been a need for these brands to broaden their product offering to include healthier choices that improve the consumers’ experience in terms of taste, service, and enjoyment. In our industry report on soft drinks, we look at how soft drinks manufacturers have responded to both the consumers’ inclination towards premium, health and sophistication and looking beyond the traditional soft drinks choices for more interesting taste profiles.
Summer Cocktails
Cocktails have been a boom category in the on-trade for several years now, according to CGA by NielsenIQ’s Ireland, and there’s no sign of the growth easing. The popularity of cocktails has been big business for the on-trade, who can charge premium prices for premium style drinks. Premium spirits that used to sit on shelves gathering dust are now moving due to being an important ingredient in popular cocktails. For consumers choosing not to drink alcohol, mocktails are a popular choice for those who want something special when they are out socialising.
Poitín
Poitín’s resurgence as an ideal white spirit for use as a cocktail base has seen its popularity grow. Ireland’s ‘white whiskey’ has come a long way. In much of the west of Ireland poitín was a high-quality artisan spirit made almost exclusively from barley, oats and other grains – ingredients that it shared with whiskey. While once it was deemed an illegal spirit, it was officially declared legal in 1997. Poitín has proved popular in its appeal to young spirits drinkers seeking excitement mixed with tradition. Today there are around 15 distilleries currently producing poitín around Ireland. We report on the current health of poitín in the on-trade.
Sustainability
Sustainability has become an increasingly important focus in the drinks industry, as both producers and consumers prioritise environmental and social responsibility. Producers are adopting greener practices, such as reducing water and energy consumption, minimising waste, and sourcing raw materials from local, sustainable suppliers. Many companies are also investing in renewable energy sources and improving packaging to reduce plastic waste, opting for recyclable and biodegradable alternatives. Additionally, the Irish drinks industry is exploring ways to offset carbon emissions, with some businesses even committing to achieving net-zero targets in the coming years. This shift towards sustainability not only helps protect the environment but also resonates with an eco-conscious consumer base, enhancing the reputation and competitiveness of Irish drinks brands on the global stage.
Summer Festivals
With the summer comes summer festivals and there are a huge array of them on this summer from Beyond the Pale in June to Kaleidoscope in July, All Together Now in August and Electric Picnic in September to name just a few. This is the perfect time to connect with consumers and the likes to RTDs, cocktails in a can and beers are big business during these events. Despite Ireland not making the World Cup, it is still going ahead so as friends meet for matches or host parties at home, the beers and ciders in particular will be in demand during the summer months this year.
The deadline for this edition is May 22 for editorial/images, and May 29 for adverts
If you have any queries or would like to discuss advertising, product shots, interview opportunities and/or editorial please contact ian.mulvaney@mediateam.ie
