Sales of RTD alcoholic beverages continued to expand in the last year, despite pandemic-related closures of bars and restaurants. International Wine & Spirit Research (IWSR) predicts RTDs will double their market share by 2025, moving to 8 percent of the global alcoholic beverage market (up from 4 percent in 2020). The trend reflects the broadening availability and variety available to a growing audience who is responding to the convenience and taste of a RTD alcoholic drink.

• A recent survey from Bacardi revealed that more than 40 percent of consumers worldwide plan to drink an RTD adult beverage in 2022.
• The category generates stronger appeal in the U.S., where 80 percent of adults plan to explore their RTD alcoholic beverage options at retail or online.

What's fueling RTD alcoholic beverage growth in North America? And what's next for a category that pushes the boundaries of the alcoholic beverage landscape? The FlavorSum team recently explored the RTD market and consumer dynamics in North America. Here are notable insights about opportunities bubbling up for producers.

The organic section of the grocery store is no longer a small corner of the produce department. Organic options have shifted beyond fruit and vegetables and now feature products in almost every aisle. Sales of natural and organic products, including food, beverage, supplements, household, and personal care, are pacing +4-5% growth and may surpass $300 billion by 2023 and $400 billion by 2030. (Nutrition Business Journal).

Let’s explore trends in the North American organic food and beverage market to learn what’s driving recent innovations, which categories are growing, and which flavors are trending.

2020 was a banner year for organic food and beverage launches in North America. Sales data from the Organic Trade Association show 8% growth in organic sales in Canada and 14% in the U.S. New product launches are also on the rise. According to Mintel, organic launches have reached a 9% compound annual growth rate over the past decade. In 2020, organic launches accounted for 24.8% of total launches in North America. 

But getting new organic products to market is often a complex, challenging process.