Alison Donaldson, Technical Sales Manager for EXBERRY® by GNT, explains how colours made from fruits, vegetables and plants can be used to build connections with consumers
Innovation is at the heart of the modern drinks industry, with adventurous consumers seeking out new and exciting beverage experiences.
To help manufacturers meet expectations, we’ve identified five top trends in beverages – with tips on how our vast rainbow of plant-based EXBERRY® colours can bring them to life.
Beauty Drinks
The intersection of beauty and wellness is redefining the beverage sector. Beauty drinks offer consumers a “beauty from within” approach, tapping into the growing demand for holistic health solutions.
These drinks combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, focusing on natural, sustainable ingredients that align with the “clean beauty” trend.
Why it works: Beauty drinks appeal to consumers seeking more efficient, natural ways to enhance their appearance.
How colour can help: Providing a natural, calming aesthetic, soft pastel shades with subtle hues and cloudy bases perfectly complement this trend.EXBERRY® solutions: EXBERRY® can deliver a broad array of pastel hues. If a pink is desired, for example, Shade Brilliant Pink (“sweet potato and carrot concentrate”) can provide an excellent solution. The pink can also be combined with EXBERRY® Shade Blue (“spirulina concentrate”) for a lavender tone.
Botanical Booze
Botanicals are big in alcoholic drinks, driven by consumer demand for natural ingredients and unique flavours.
In Africa, this trend ties into the rise in popularity of Afro-fusion drinks – including alcoholic options such as hibiscus beers. The most discussed ingredients in Afro-fusion beverages across social media and online platforms include hibiscus, moringa, rooibos, honeybush and sorrel.[i]
Why it works: Botanical flavours bring complexity and depth to a wide range of products – from gins and vodkas to frozen cocktails and RTDs – and deliver a sensory experience that feels premium and refreshing.
How colour can help: Vibrant hues ranging from hibiscus’ deep red to honeybush’s vibrant yellow can showcase and complement botanical drinks’ sophisticated sensory qualities.
EXBERRY® solutions: Shade Rubescent Red (“sweet potato and carrot concentrate”) can help to evoke flavours such as hibiscus and sorrel. For vibrant yellows, EXBERRY® Shade Lemon (“safflower and lemon concentrate”) or EXBERRY® Yellow Carotene (“colour: algal carotenes”) can provide effective options.
Seeking Sicily
In a world that’s constantly evolving, consumers want to embrace authenticity and tradition. This has helped Sicily become a major inspiration in the world of beverages.
Manufacturers are taking inspiration from Sicily’s renowned lemon-based drinks – from limoncello to sodas – as well as its selection of amaro liqueurs.
Why it works: Italian food and drink has had a significant cultural influence globally and Sicily is well known for its world-leading lemons.
How colour can help: The bright yellow of Sicilian lemon drinks make them visually striking and demonstrate their powerful flavours, while the Sicilian amaro varieties feature amber, golden and reddish hues that showcase their bitterness.
EXBERRY® solutions: EXBERRY® Shade Lemon (“safflower and lemon concentrate”) and EXBERRY® Yellow Carotene (“Color: Algal Carotenes”) can provide vibrant yellow shades. For amaro, options such as EXBERRY® Purple Plum (“black carrot and hibiscus concentrate”), EXBERRY® Sunstone Orange (“sweet potato and safflower concentrate”) or EXBERRY® Shade Golden Brown (“caramelized sugar syrup and apple concentrate”) may be used depending on the target shade.
Bold Browns
Brown is nothing new, but the variations of shades and formats are giving this colour a new spot in the trend limelight. In recent years, there has been a rise in premium brown soft drinks such as craft colas and artisanal root beers, with a focus on quality ingredients and sophisticated flavours.
Consumers are also embracing new options. Ashotchu, for example, is a popular fruity iced drink from South Korea that has attracted global attention as a hybrid between coffee and tea.
Why it works: Browns have a nostalgic appeal in soft drinks, evoking familiarity and tradition.
How colour can help: Rich, deep browns help to signal more complex, deep flavours.
EXBERRY® solutions: EXBERRY® Shade Autumn Brown (“caramelized sugar syrup and carrot concentrate”) and EXBERRY® Shade Golden Brown (“caramelized sugar syrup and apple concentrate”) can be used to deliver brown tones ranging from yellow-brown to red-brown to dark brown.
Cheeky Cherry
Taking inspiration from the cosmetic and fashion industries, cherry is proving a massive hit with the new generation of consumers. From the soda float trend on social media to the growing demand for refreshing and fruity beverages, cherry is currently flowing through all elements of life for Gen Z.
It can be seen in sodas, cocktails, mocktails, infused waters and more.
Why it works: Cherry can evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding people of childhood treats or classic desserts, while cherry-wine hues offer a sense of luxury and indulgence.
How colour can help: The rich, dark shades help evoke cherries’ sweet but tart flavour, setting the tone for a satisfying and familiar flavour experience.
EXBERRY® solutions: EXBERRY® Shade Pink Red (“sweet potato and carrot concentrate”) is ideal for achieving cherry hues in a wide range of beverages.
At GNT, we offer a complete spectrum of sustainable, plant-based EXBERRY® solutions to help you achieve the exact colours you need for your beverage project.
We make using plant-based colours simple, too. Our team of experts is on hand to guide you through the process – from concept innovation to selecting the right colour to ensuring regulatory compliance. We provide personalised support, including samples, detailed product guides, colour matching and more.
Whether you want to tap into the latest beverage trends or just clean up your ingredient lists, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Visit www.exberry.com for more information
