Trends in Wine and Spirits, Beer and Cider for 2014

Analysts at London-based MarketLine forecast the global alcoholic drinks industry will exceed $1 trillion in 2014.  In terms of volume, the liquid kind, it will amount to about 210 billion liters.

For the US and Canadian markets, a team at Technomic, a research and consulting company in the food and drink industries, sees a number of interesting trends for 2014.   For example, while sweet flavors will continue to dominate vodka, a trend to spicy and herbal flavors is emerging.  They list ginger, cucumber and lemongrass.  For rum, it is spice such as cinnamon, and for whiskey the flavors are honey and maple.

We’ve seen and reported on cider finally regaining popularity.  It was, after all, the drink of choice of the early settlers.  It doesn’t hurt that major producers such as Anheuser Busch InBev, MillerCoors and Heineken are putting their muscle behind the category.  By popularizing the cider category it can help the craft producers who are offering interesting and localized ciders.  Think craft beers, the only category that is in growth mode in the beer industry.

Which demographic groups will be the focus of wine and spirits and beer producers in the coming year?  Technomic predicts it will be millennials, Hispanics and women.  Sounds a lot like 2013.

Consumers are ready for more on-tap drinks.  Bars are sure to jump on this one and it should be good for the wine industry as it gives patrons a chance to sample different wines, hopefully at more affordable prices.  No more bottles of wine-by-the-glass that have been sitting around for days will be a good thing.  Tap cocktails will be more of a challenge but the technology is there to make it happen.

We can look forward to a steady steam of new products in wine and spirits and beer; independents, both on and off premise will find ways to connect with and provide service to customers, outpacing chains.  They may also raise prices.  Craft beers will continue to grow as will craft distilled spirits.