TRENDS OF THE FUTURE
(according to AI)
AI is Collins Dictionary's 2023 'Word of the Year', reflecting the profound impact of artificial intelligence on everyday life. At Finlays, we leverage AI for flavor trend mapping using Mintel's FlavourScape AI, but haven’t used it for trendspotting.
So we decided to put AI to the test by asking ChatGPT for its top five future beverage trends . Find out how it did....
ChatGPT Suggested:
Biometric Customization: Advances in biotechnology could enable beverages tailored to individuals based on their genetic makeup, health data, and personal preferences.
Real-Time Adjustments: Smart beverages might dynamically adjust flavor profiles, nutritional content, and even temperature based on real-time feedback from wearable devices or embedded sensors.
Our Verdict:
This year's report highlights hyper-personalization as a significant trend in the beverage industry, in addressing individual health needs.
'Smart beverages' appear to be the natural evolution of this trend, expanding personalization beyond the individual to situational contexts. The challenge for beverage brand owners lies in determining how to effectively implement and capitalize on this evolving trend.
ChatGPT Suggested
Closed-Loop Production: The beverage industry might adopt circular economy principles, utilizing closed-loop production processes and innovative recycling methods to minimize environmental impact.
Carbon-Negative Ingredients: Development of carbon-negative or carbon-neutral ingredients and production methods to address climate change concerns
Another key trend from our report this year is the growth in proactive climate solutions, not just minimising impact, so Chat GPT feels broadly in-line with the direction of travel for the beverage industry.
Finlays is already reusing, recovering or recycling 95% of waste, across the business to minimise impact, and have set the ambitious target of carbon neutrality by 2030 to challenge the business to further reduce impact, and introduce tangible initiatives and positive solutions.
Virtual Taste Experiences: Advancements in sensory technology could allow consumers to virtually taste and experience beverages through augmented reality, enhancing the overall enjoyment and engagement.
Neurostimulation Integration: Emerging technologies might enable the integration of neurostimulation for heightened sensory experiences, amplifying taste, aroma, and texture perceptions.
The notion of virtual taste is intriguing, especially as the metaverse evolves into a tangible concept. It's plausible to envision beverages playing a role in this virtual universe.
With consumers consistently seeking novel beverage experiences, the potential for this trend to extend into virtual realms is noteworthy. The extent of its mainstream adoption and the impact on the beverage industry remain uncertain.
Space Tourism Influence: With the potential growth of space tourism, there could be innovations in beverages designed for space travel, addressing unique challenges such as zero gravity and packaging considerations.
Astronaut-inspired Flavors: Space exploration might inspire a trend of beverages featuring exotic flavors and ingredients associated with other planets or celestial bodies.
Global space tourism is expected to surpass $13bn by 2032, at a 39% CAGR[i]. Companies such as Virgin Galactic are making significant investments to make space travel more accessible to consumers.
Beverages suitable for anti-gravity could represent a major innovation in the industry. Space-inspired beverages are more adjacent to current trends, for visually exciting beverages, inspired by the zeitgeist.
Synthetic Culinary Creations: Advances in food science might lead to the creation of entirely synthetic beverages replicating the taste and experience of complex culinary dishes.
Multi-Sensory Experiences: Beverages might offer multi-sensory experiences, integrating taste, smell, touch, and visual elements to create immersive and memorable consumption moments.
Consumers continue to prioritise natural beverages and ingredients, with 79% seeking natural claims when making purchasing decisions[i]. This coexists with the rise of synthetic beverage components, especially as cost-effective substitutes for ingredients like vanilla. A 'clean label' image and showcasing authenticity will be crucial.
