Revolution in Refreshments: Exploring the Future of Beverages in Global Foodservice

Report Unveils Emerging Trends in Global Beverage Market for Foodservice Professionals

Global Beverage Insights

The beverage sector in the global foodservice industry is undergoing a dynamic evolution, as revealed in the latest Beverage Global Menu Category Report by Technomic. With comprehensive analysis of the industry's size, consumer behavior, and emerging trends, this report is a treasure trove for restaurant and foodservice professionals looking to stay ahead in a highly competitive market.

The Rise of Specialized Beverage Chains

Specialized beverage outlets are seeing remarkable growth, outshining other key menu categories. Aaron Jourden, Technomic's director of international research and insights, highlights the robust expansion of these chains, particularly in Asia. Notable brands such as Heytea, Cotti Coffee, and Luckin Coffee are redefining the landscape, especially in China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.

Drinkable Yogurts: The New Frontier in Healthy Indulgence

A surprising trend identified in the report is the rise of drinkable yogurts. Tapping into the 'healthy indulgence' wave, these new beverages are gaining traction. This niche is not just limited to beverage specialists; major quick-service players like McDonald's with CosMc's in the U.S. and KFC's KCOFFEE in China are also innovating in this space.

Soaring Sales and Consumer Preferences

The report showcases a significant rebound in the beverage sector post-pandemic, with leading global coffee cafe chains reporting a 16.5% increase in sales over their pre-pandemic performance. Chains focusing on coffee and tea have notably outperformed other categories in terms of sales growth in 2022.

Luckin Coffee's Remarkable Growth

One of the report's highlights is the extraordinary rise of China-based Luckin Coffee, now the third-largest coffee chain globally by location count. This reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics in the beverage sector.

Beverages as Between-Meal Snacks

Interestingly, about a third of global consumers are increasingly choosing to order drinks as snacks between meals. This shift indicates a growing opportunity for restaurants and foodservice providers to innovate in their beverage offerings.

The Drive-Thru and To-Go Revolution

In response to the increasing demand for off-premise consumption, beverage chains are developing new drive-thru formats and to-go-focused prototypes. This strategic shift is critical for capturing the evolving consumer behavior towards convenience and speed.

Avocado and Yogurt Drinks Meet Health-Conscious Demands

To meet the demand for healthy indulgence, chains are introducing innovative beverages featuring ingredients like avocado and yogurt. This trend aligns with the growing consumer preference for healthier options without compromising on taste.

The beverage sector within the global foodservice industry is ripe with opportunities, driven by evolving consumer preferences and innovative trends. Technomic's report provides invaluable insights for industry professionals looking to capitalize on these developments and redefine the beverage experience for their customers.