What’s in your glass? Essential Beverage Trends for 2016

Conscious consumer behaviours are shaping trends on beverage consumption around the world with alcohol consumption dropping considerably for 18-35 year olds for the first time in 10 years. International beverage expert and HIM Lecturer, Peter Slade shares the top trends of 2016 straight from the International Hotel Industry.

1. The psychology of menus has shifted. In the past you might have found 50 different types of whiskeys – today it is not uncommon to find a quirky assortment of teas!

 

2. For the first time in history, sales of bottled water has overtaken sales of branded soft drinks.

 

3. Women have drastically shifted away from sweet or light coloured alcohols toward stronger and darker alcohols that require sipping.

 

4. Locally sourced beverages are on the rise. Previously, you could find the exact same beverages in large chain hotels that crossed internationally. Today, it is much more common to find local wines and local brews served up.

 

5. The indoor smoking ban has radically affected design. Rather than dark wood or leather which masks smells and stains, today’s designs are lighter, brighter and feature softer furnishings. This has also opened up the opportunity for women and families to takeover spaces that were originally monopolized by older gentlemen drinkers.

 

6. There is a rise in locally crafted and small micro-breweries – but the interesting part is that the different flavours are opening up beer to a larger demographic since they cater to more varied palates.