Many consumers believe in the premise, “They are what they put in their body!” If you are in the beverage industry, no doubt you know this all too well.
Soft drinks have been consumed by Americans for generations. Now, with the focus on healthy options (eating as well as drinking), soft drinks have taken a decided back seat by many consumers, with Millennials and Generation Z leading the pack in banishing soft drinks. Bottled water is the drink of choice followed by hot/iced coffee, tea and craft-brewed beers. Hence, it is all about the flavor that is naturally and organically inspired with minimum or no sugar.
Years ago, beverage entrepreneurs and large soda manufacturers joined the race to make the best water. It was imperative to place a stake in the ground against this trend of consumer’s buying water, in some form or another, to capitalize as it continued to grow. With soft drink sales expected to continue to decline, other flavor options such as tea become a viable option. Just look at the success Argo Teas storefronts and others independents have realized as this became a popular drink alternative.
It is interesting to point out one factoid about sodas: Coca-Cola took a measure to stave some of the declines. The creation of their “Coca Cola Free Style” machine which can be seen at your favorite AMC movie theatres (as example) is a means to reinvigorate soda options with no sugar or low calorie options mixed with your favorite Coke product. After all, there are still a few soda drinkers in the marketplace!
