A TASTE OF THE FUTURE
How Finlays is using AI to support customers develop exciting beverage solutions.
Words: Siân Edwards
IN 2022, MINTEL GNPD RECORDED OVER 45,000 NEW BEVERAGE LAUNCHES, UP 64% COMPARED TO THE NUMBER OF LAUNCHES IN 2012.
The majority (60%) of these beverages were flavoured* and we also know that 65% of global consumers typically choose new, trendy or unusual flavours in beverages, motivated largely by curiosity**. In this increasingly competitive beverage landscape, these insights demonstrate the importance of developing great-tasting and innovative products to attract and retain customers.
At Finlays, we’re starting to use cutting edge AI technology to map flavour trends and help our customers stay ahead of the curve. Mintel’s ‘Flavourscape AI’ brings the most up-to-date flavour analysis by combining data science with 10-plus years of rolling product launch data. It enables us to establish the predominant flavours in a market/beverage category, while also identifying novel and emerging flavours that create excitement and intrigue for consumers.
For example, in the North America RTD/iced tea category, peach is the second most common flavour on product launches, making it a firm consumer favourite, but we’re seeing floral flavours, such as lavender and orange blossom, gaining popularity – so we might recommend developing a peach and orange blossom tea as an exciting new twist on a classic.
We can also understand common flavour pairings, and work with our customers to develop something differentiated and unique for their consumers.
At Finlays, we’re starting to use cuttingedge AI technology to map flavour trends and help our customers stay ahead of the curve
*Source: Mintel GNPD, 2023 / **GlobalData Plc, 2022
