Flavorman Predicts 2025 Beverage Industry Trends

Beverage experts at Flavorman project rise in tropical fruits and international spices for upcoming year

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (November 12, 2024)—Flavorman, a leading custom beverage development company, has released its 2025 Beverage Trends predictions, continuing the company’s seven-year streak of foreshadowing industry trends for the upcoming year.

After countless hours of combing through flavor formulas, dissecting ingredient lists, and studying consumer cravings, the Flavorman Beverage Architects have unveiled several different upcoming trends surrounding flavor, ingredients, and brand strategies.

For the coming year, Flavorman projects a notable rise in global-inspired flavors, particularly tropical fruits and international spices. Predicted popular ingredients include coconut, papaya, dragon fruit, turmeric, star anise, coriander, and others, suggesting a consumer interest in beverages that bring a taste of the world to their cup.

Reflecting on its 2024 predictions, Flavorman accurately anticipated the “sweet heat” trend, with flavors like mango-habanero and spicy margarita capturing consumer interest, demonstrating Flavorman’s insight into evolving preferences.

Flavorman’s 2025 predictions also reveal a shift in consumer interest toward ingredient transparency. In previous years, Flavorman accurately projected the rise of functional beverages, yet findings now suggest this trend is changing its tune.

With lawsuits targeting functional beverage brands for inaccurate label claims, Flavorman’s Beverage Architects predict consumers will take a closer look at ingredients and any associated health claims. Rather than relying on bold, catch-all statements, brands should prepare for a shift in consumer behavior, as drinkers scrutinize what’s really in each can.

This trend toward wellness aligns closely with the “sober curious” movement now sweeping the spirits industry. Flavorman Chief Technical Officer, Kristen Wemer, notes, “The sober curious lifestyle encourages consumers to re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol, often leading to reduced consumption.” She adds, “We’re seeing a significant rise in clients looking to develop ready-to-drink mocktails, non-alcoholic spirits, and NA beers and wines to meet this demand.”

Despite the rise of alcohol-free options, the spirits industry remains resilient. In response to a growing preference for lower-ABV options, Flavorman forecasts that spirits like aperitifs, liqueurs, and bitters will see increased interest in 2025, as drinkers seek flavorful, lighter options.

On the branding front, Flavorman previously anticipated brand collaborations and product line extensions, citing examples like Coca-Cola’s co-branded launch with Oreo and SunnyD’s entry into the alcoholic beverage market. Flavorman anticipates an overarching trend of consumers wanting complete control and transparency of their drinks in 2025, noting that consumers are placing even greater value on variety and customization. Beverages featuring customizable components, such as flavor cartridges, are expected to perform well. Likewise, marketing campaigns highlighting new flavors, variety packs, and “mystery flavors” will offer consumers a “pick and choose” experience they crave, creating a dynamic space for brand engagement.

Flavorman, headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is committed to assisting clients of all sizes in bringing custom beverage products to market. From concept to production planning and quality control, Flavorman has played a pivotal role in creating over 84,000 beverage formulations for diverse brands.

For more information about Flavorman and its services, visit www.flavorman.com.

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About Flavorman

Founded by David Dafoe in 1992, Flavorman is an industry-leading custom beverage development company based out of Louisville, KY. “The Beverage Architects” ™ create custom-made recipes and flavors for each individual client. For over 30 years, Flavorman has led the beverage industry as the single-source partner in beverage architecture and product development. Flavorman’s clients range from start-up entrepreneurs to major international players in the global marketplace. Flavorman’s 77,000 square-foot headquarters is one of the largest beverage development facilities in the United States, including a state-of-the-art, fully equipped flavor laboratory, research & development laboratory, warehouse, and production facility. Flavorman’s in-house capabilities, industry expertise and product innovation offer its clients a wide range of services to turn their great ideas into money-making beverages.

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