2023 Drink Trends: Why RTDs Are Here To Stay

The RTD category isn’t new. It’s been around for decades. Distilled Spirits Council of the United States President and CEO Chris Swonger , however, points out that:

U.S. consumers gravitated toward RTDs as a convenient way to enjoy their favorite cocktail at home during the height of the pandemic, and demand and preference for spirits-based RTDs have continued to grow at a steady rate.

With the RTD category now firmly established, he added, it’s not surprising that “consumers are seeking equal access to these spirits-based RTD products in the marketplace, and states are responding.”

According to Robert Blizzard , partner at Public Opinion Strategies who conducted the survey, one of the study's more interesting findings was that “when it comes to RTD beverages, the majority of alcohol consumers prefer those that are spirits-based.”

He added:

American consumers are increasingly prioritizing convenience, taste, variety, and quality in their choice of beverages. Spirits-based RTDs fit squarely into this trend, so it’s no surprise these products are leading the spirits category in both market growth and consumer popularity.

The consumer surveys on which the report was based also highlighted, according to DISCUS:

... adult consumers overwhelmingly want greater access to spirits-based RTDs in the marketplace, including at restaurants and bars, grocery and convenience stores, and entertainment venues like concerts and sporting events.

(A snippet from an article published on Forbes )

Our take is: Over the past few years, the market for "ready-to-drink" (RTD) beverages has expanded significantly and innovations have proliferated in this sector. Customers can now pick from a variety of RTD products that are malt-, wine-, spirits-, and cider-based, including wine spritzers, hard seltzers, and premixed cocktails with spirits as the main ingredient.

The belief that the demand for RTDs would decrease after the pandemic has proven to be untrue. The category has claimed its place in the market.

Isn't RTD in an era of refinement and premiumization? ??

Consumers seem to be inclined towards RTDs that are jam-packed with herbal and botanical flavors, new and distinct flavors that muddle with the well-known, less sugar, and a variety of spirits. Due to the consumer preference for familiar products with a hint of novelty, demand for traditional RTDs with a twist will also be observed.

Also: As the 2022 trend follows, there can be an increase in RTDs that contain tequila, such as Texas Ranch Water.

Source: DISCUS Research & Forbes Article

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