CHICAGO — Value meals are key to driving beverage sales, according to a recent study by Chicago-based research firm, Technomic.
According to the company’s “Canadian Beverage Consumer Trend Report,” 46 per cent of consumers are more likely to purchase value meals with beverages included, up from 40 per cent in 2012. “Operators have room to leverage beverage value in a way that aligns with their concept positioning and won’t detract from their bottom line,” said Kelly Weikel, senior consumer research manager at Technomic Inc. “Bundled meals, for example, can help limited-service operators increase check averages and provide consumers value and convenience. Full-service restaurants, on the other hand, can find other ways to implement value across beverage menus — from off-peak beverage specials to food and beverage pairings for snack occasions,” she adds.
Many consumers are turning their attention to beverages that boast functional benefits, such as drinks that are rich in antioxidants (51 per cent); all-natural (61 per cent); and contain no artificial ingredients (57 per cent). The fastest-growing beverage flavours are coconut, vanilla, lime, cranberry and pineapple.
For more information on the Canadian Beverage Consumer Report, visit Technomic.com.
