Building up the demand for at-home cocktails and sugar free options
AT-HOME drinking occasions have changed dramatically since the pandemic as more consumers aim to recreate that bar experience.
CGA Strategy research found that 47% of UK consumers that drank cocktails during lockdown said they would continue to do so, making it a big opportunity for retailers.
But you can’t get too far in cocktails without the right mixers and Amy Burgess, senior trade communications manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), has suggested retailers keep a varied stock in store.
She said: “Nearly half of UK consumers who were drinking cocktails at home during lockdown said they would continue to do so, while 8% planned to mix their own drinks at home more often.
“As such, it is more important than ever for retailers to offer a strong and varied mixers range.”
It’s with this in mind that CCEP is pushing its range of Schweppes mixer options including its renowned Schweppes Tonic Water and Schweppes Slimline Tonic variants to help bring a classic staple to consumers’ nights who are looking for that extra way to mix up their evening.
Of course, not every consumer is looking to satisfy their needs in cocktails and for those looking for a soft drink for their night in, CCEP reckons one trend retailers can tap into is offering a broad portfolio of low and no sugar options.
While offering a diverse portfolio of options in sugar-free, CCEP has shouted out its newly rebranded Sprite range, including Sprite Zero which comes in both a 330ml can format as well as a larger 500ml bottle to suit the different consumer desires for any night in.
Burgess said: “We anticipate that big nights in will continue to be a huge opportunity for retailers as we move into summer, with friends and families enjoying socialising together at home – whether that’s dinner parties or a relaxed night watching TV. Our broad portfolio provides options to suit all needs and occasions.
“To make the most of this opportunity, retailers should focus on key categories such as colas, carbonates and mixers, and the most popular brands within these categories – like Coca-Cola, led by Coca-Coca Zero Sugar, the fastest-growing major cola brand in retail by value and volume; Fanta and Schweppes, the number one mixers brand in convenience, more than twice the size of its nearest competitor by value and volume.”
