According to new Technomic research, foodservice beverage sales rose sharply last year, with 71% of consumers now purchasing beverages away from home twice a week or more, up from 66% in 2010, Marketing Daily reports.
As reported in Technomic’s Beverage Consumer Trend Report, more than two-thirds of consumers surveyed said they drank hot coffee (68%) and soft drinks (66%) at least once in the past month, while half said they purchased hot coffee (46%) and soft drinks (53%) from a foodservice establishment at least once in the last month.
Among beverages purchased at QSRs within the past month, the breakdown includes regular soft drinks (48%), diet soft drinks (26%), regular hot coffee (20%), iced tea (16%), milkshakes (14%) and lemonade (9%).
Specialty coffees emerged as a beverage leader in the restaurant segment, with their availability on menus growing 10% over the past two years. Specialty teas doubled in the same period, mainly on the strength of sweet tea. Smoothies grew 8.5%, with protein-enhanced varieties spiking 123%.
Technomic said the results point to new opportunities, especially as the economy rebounds, with high-margin products that boost traffic.
“… [I]nnovative operators are creating value by crafting new and unique beverages including specialty lemonades, handmade sodas and 'mocktails' that are flavorful, fresh and better-for-you options,” said Technomic Executive Vice President Darren Tristano.
