Consumers look to beverages for an experience which is influencing innovation. There are many experiences a consumer might seek out like a health-boost from functional ingredients or a cultural journey via globally inspired flavors. I look forward to judging the 2019 World Beverage Innovation Awards and will be paying close attention to the following six considerations for stand-out products:

• Meal in a Bottle – Convenience is a key driver of beverage purchases which is why more products are being jam-packed with nutrient-dense ingredients for an all-in-one boost. Combinations of caffeine, protein, superfoods, and whole grains that address satiety and more make meal time more convenient than ever.
• Ancient Wisdom –Consumers are becoming more familiar with functional ingredients deep-rooted in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine because they have appeared in products like coffee, smoothies, wellness shots and cold-pressed juices. These ingredients have been used for centuries in certain cultures and are gaining traction in countries outside of their origin because of their physical and emotional benefits.
•  World’s Fare – Consumers are expanding their culinary education by seeking out authentic globally inspired beverages. The strongest influences are from Latin American, Asian, and Mediterranean countries. Spicy and exotic true-to-fruit flavors are especially exciting to consumers and will capture my attention.
• Fermentation – Fermented beverages can have a multitude of benefits, but improved gut health is the most top of mind. These types of products have valuable enzymes, vitamins and probiotics. The fermentation process also creates new and exciting flavor profiles that consumers are embracing.
• Plant-Based – Plant-based ingredients have gained momentum and are not sought out solely by vegetarians and vegans. Many consumers are adopting a flexitarian lifestyle because they believe that plant-based ingredients are healthier and more sustainable than animal products. Use of novel plant-based ingredients or a cutting-edge formulation would be very interesting to me.
• Reducing Waste – Awareness about the impact that beverage manufacturers have on the environment has put a spotlight on sustainability in the industry. There has been a lot of buzz about upcycled ingredients and innovative use of spent ingredients or byproducts would get my attention.

Learn more about the criteria of the other judges at FoodBev.