As RTDs come of age, Rachel Badham explores how brands are innovating and diversifying in line with key consumer trends to help the category continue on its upward trajectory While hard seltzers struggled to capture consumer attention in the UK, despite their popularity in the US, RTDs – and in particular premixed cocktails – are continuing to gain popularity with both retailers and…

With more consumers cutting down on their drinking than ever before, Rachel Badham takes a look at what 2024 holds for the low/no category beyond the first month “Moderate drinking is no longer just reserved for the month of January and, for the majority of people, making more mindful decisions around alcohol consumption has become the norm,” says Tom Wiggett, co-founder of Long…

Around 40% of drinkers in the UK have reported that they have been drinking less often in 2023, compared to 33% in 2019, according to the latest research from Drinkaware. The Drinkaware Monitor 2023, which was carried out by YouGov on behalf of Drinkaware, found that of the 10,473 adults (aged between 18 and 85) surveyed, more drinkers reported a reduction in their…

Vodka’s place as the neutral party drink is old news, finds Jaq Bayles, as terroir, taste and texture take it to new heights Despite its ubiquity, the first rule of vodka seems to be: “You don’t talk about vodka.” But that may be starting to change as some brands are taking cues from brown spirits and trying to spark a conversation around vodka’s…

The world of cider cocktails stretches well beyond the winter months, finds Laura Foster  When thinking of cider cocktails, the first thing that comes to mind is Mulled Cider, the staple of many an autumn/winter menu. This is selling cider’s mixability short, however. As an apple-based, usually crisp and refreshing drink, it has plenty to offer for cocktails in the warmer months too. “We…