What are 2020’s drink trends going to be?
Using cutting-edge in-house tools Mode* and Pourtraits**, our sister company Bibendum’s insight team have been analysing the lists of the UK’s most influential bars and restaurants, to discover the hottest new drinks trends before they hit the mainstream.
Top 10 drinks predictions for 2020:
1. Influence from the far East
Japan, China, Korea and South East Asia are influencing the UK drinks scene. 3 in 10 trendsetting wine venues in the UK list Sake, while 10% of all cocktails in Mode-tracked bars include liqueurs or ingredients from the Far East. These exotic ingredients include the citrus fruit Yuzu, the Pandan plant and Miso seasoning.
Our pick:
ENTER.Sake – Black Honjozo
ENTER.Sake is a boutique sake collection curated by fully-trained sake sommelier and renowned DJ Richie Hawtin. Richie has been exploring the world of sake for 20 years during his many trips to Japan as one of the world’s leading electronic music artists.
The Black Honjozo presents a bouquet of white mountain flowers. The clean and soft silky texture on the palate is followed by a cleansing acidity, which also provides good structure. The subtle fruitiness is dominated by hints of mango, peach and pineapple.
2. Sustainable packaging
In 2020, packaging will be top of the agenda across all categories, channels and quality levels. 87% of consumers are concerned about packaging, with the majority believing responsibility lies with producers. From wine in cans, to wine and cocktails on tap, and innovative beer packaging, expect to see brands stepping up to reduce their environmental impact in 2020.
Our pick:
‘Small But Perfectly Formed’ Wine in a Can coming soon, by Bibendum and Walker & Wodehouse
These single serve, lightweight and 100% recyclable cans will be available at the end of January 2020.
3. Craft coffee infusions
Coffee cocktails aren’t news, but as coffee cements its place in the ‘craft’ movement, its influence on beer, spirits and RTDs will continue to evolve. Cold brew, Guarana seeds and unroasted ‘green’ coffee beans have been seen as ingredients in 67% of trendsetting bars, and in 2020 we expect alcoholic ‘hard’ coffee RTDs to catch on – a trend already gaining traction in the US. Stout lends itself well to coffee flavours, so expect some beer and coffee fusions too.
Our pick:
Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
Mr Black was founded in 2013 following the belief that coffee is delicious and drinking it is fun. Each bottle is made by hand at the coffee roastery and distillery just north of Sydney, Australia.
Made of 100% Arabica coffee from top growing regions, Mr Black has a rich and intense coffee taste, with a smooth finish.
4. Austria
Austrian wine features on 9 in 10 of the most trendsetting wine lists. Austria may be best known for its Grüner Veltliner, but other indigenous grapes, like Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt and Saint Laurent, as well as Austrian Sparkling, are starting to gain in popularity.
5. Hard seltzers
Typically low calorie, low sugar and with an ABV of 4-6%, Hard Seltzers have been a roaring success in the US, where sales have surged +210%. This grain-based drink is aimed at younger drinkers, who are looking for ‘healthier’ options on a night out. They are sure to be a success when they hit the UK in 2020.
6. Think pink
We’re still waiting for its official release, but Pink Prosecco could well be hitting the market in 2020. And with sales of Prosecco continuing to see double-digit growth in the On Trade (+28%), along with 1 in 4 consumers regularly ‘drinking pink’, we expect to see it fly off the shelves. But it doesn’t stop at Prosecco; rosé cider and pink gin will still be huge in 2020.
Our pick:
Fitz Pink Sparkling Wine
With Prosecco sales continuing to boom, up 55% in value and 39% in volume in 2018, three clever wine enthusiasts sort to reclaim some of that territory with something similar but home-grown. And so, in 2016, Fitz was born.
Hints of redcurrant and raspberry on the nose with a creamy red berry palate, this vibrant pink sparkling wine will impress you with a crisp, refreshing finish.
7. Regional Spain
While Rioja is the UK consumer’s favourite winemaking region globally, next year will bring increased consumption of alternative Spanish regions. In the top-end of the premium On Trade, just 20% of Spanish listings are from Rioja, while regions such as Catalonia, Galicia and the Canary Islands have a strong presence. Next year, expect to see a broader range of grapes than the classic Tempranillo, such as Carignan, Verdejo and Bobal, not to mention the already popular Albariño.
Our pick:
Moli dels Capellans Trepat Conca de Barbera 2017
Founded as recently as 2007, Moli dels Capellans is set in the hills of the D.O. Conca de Barbera, just west of Barcelona. They follow biodynamic practices from vineyard to bottling and use indigenous grape varieties.
Made of 100% Trepat, this wine is full of spice and red fruit, with savoury notes on the palate. Lovely fine tannins and refreshing acidity mean this wine is perfect slightly chilled.
8. South America
In 2020, more consumers will drink wine from alternative South American countries (think Uruguay and Bolivia) and regions (think Patagonia) as well as lesser-known grapes like Bonarda, Touriga and Tannat.
6. Neo-Natural
Natural winemaking is proving to be far more than a passing trend, as winemakers across the globe opt for low-intervention methods to produce high quality wine. Next year, we will see the natural trend trickle into the craft beer market, as brewers begin to experiment with ‘wild’ or ‘spontaneous’ fermentation – instead of using cultured yeast. In wine, naturally fermented Pet-Nat sparkling is a firm favourite of the premium On Trade.
10. Low and no hits new categories
The trend for low and no is nothing new, but 2020 will see the diversification of this segment as it hits new categories, including dark spirits, aperitifs and RTDs. Beer is currently the leading category in low and no, and next year we’ll see it migrate onto draught in the On Trade. As brands raise the bar in choice and quality, consumption will continue to rise.
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To download the original report, visit the Bibendum website.
