Seven consumer drinks trends to watch in 2020

Waitrose has released its annual food and drinks trends report for 2019, revealing some seismic shifts in the way we buy alcohol today.

Big flavours, small ABVs and fancy formats are all in vogue now, according to the supermarket’s head of beer, wine and spirits, Pierpaolo Petrassi MW.

“We’re seeing a marked change in attitudes towards drinks,” Petrassi said.

“Many people have a broader repertoire than ever before, and think carefully about what they’re drinking, looking for an experience and a sense of the occasion, company or season.”

The retailer carried out consumer research with 2,000 people of all ages – not exclusively Waitrose shoppers, which was supported by focus groups in which participants were asked about their shopping, cooking and eating habits.

These insights are then backed up with Waitrose’s sales data from the last 12 months.

We’ve poured over the report and picked out the alcohol trends that we think will continue to make waves in 2020, from booze-free serves that are big on flavour, to global fizz and the return of the tinny.

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