Alcohol trends have an impact on a wide variety of industries including restaurants, bars, liquor stores and retail establishments. Having a healthy knowledge of trends, traditional spirits, new brands and the latest cocktails is a must for small business owners who’s sales are alcohol driven. Regardless of your industry, these are 8 trends in the world of alcohol that you should become familiar with.

1. Craft Beer Keeps Growing

Some have worried that the craft brewing market would become oversaturated with so many new companies emerging. However, this has not been the case thus far. In reality, it is the larger brewing companies who continue to see their sales decline. With many brews having a local flair and small breweries opening their doors for tours and tasting sessions, microbrews have developed a very loyal following. 

2. Wine Drinkers Getting Younger

The well-known health benefits and a sense of sophistication have led younger generations to embrace the wine industry. Adding variety and improving the quality of your wine selection can increase sales on an item with a very high profit margin. Additionally, wine pairs with nearly every food and can even be used to sell side items like artisanal cheeses, breads and chocolates.

3. Infused Spirits Diversify Market

There are a plethora of new liquor companies and traditional producers that have adapted to offer sweeter, naturally infused products with an eye on targeting drinkers from novice to connoisseur. A variety of herbs, fruits and extracts that have different flavors, effects and health benefits are being added to traditional spirits such as vodka, rum and gin.

4. Artisanal Food Pairings

Having an in-depth knowledge of what wine, beer or spirit goes with a particular dish is an invaluable skill in the food and retail industries. In retail, you can package these items together at a slight discount. For the service industry you’ll want to create entrees and shareable platters that are pair with a particular beverage. You can design tasting menus based on your beverage selection.

5. Less Juice, More Spirits

Because of the poor quality of the spirits being produced during prohibition the cocktail was born. The only way some of the bootleg alcohol could be consumed was by cutting it with sweet fruit juices and soda. With the quality of liquor now available there has been a turn towards being able to taste the true flavor of a fine spirit. Along with caloric concerns this has increase demand for higher quality spirits and fewer additives.

6. Traditional Labels Make a Comeback

Older distilleries have started to increase sales by focusing marketing efforts on showcasing their tradition and prestige. While there are a lot of trendy brands out there with a quality product, the classics have withstood the test of time and are making a comeback as drinkers become more sophisticated.

7. Local Brands In Demand

This is a trend that is sweeping across all sections of the food and drink industry. When people go to a bar, restaurant or liquor store they’re looking for and requesting local brands. Being able to identify with the producer kick-starts the nostalgic vibe so closely associated with enjoying a fine beverage. It’s important, particularly for those in the tourist trade, to have a wide variety of local selections.

8. Ecommerce

Personal kegs, wine barrels and alcohol accessories such as corkscrews, glasses and mugs are big money makers and draw attention to your company if branded correctly. Online alcohol ordering does have some laws and regulations that you should become familiar with prior to launch, but the long term potential gains are well worth the investment.

Quikstone Capital Solutions has been providing small business owners with merchant cash advances to stabilize and improve their companies for more than 10 years. If you are in need of a cash to cover unexpected costs, or if you’re looking to make long overdue improvements, a merchant cash advance could be right for you. With the ability to quickly qualify and get your money in a timely fashion, there is no more convenient option.

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