Imbibe will be closed on October 3, 4, 17, 18, 25, and 26. Please expect delays in responses during this time.

Flavor Drop: Honey Apricot and Merlot

flavor drop 3

Our customers lean on us for on-trend and captivating flavors that support the story they want to tell their customers. We use flavor drop to feature a new set of flavors with every launch, so that we can inspire a taste profile that can help get your next product to market. As we approach the new year, you are probably already thinking about your 2024 projects, email marketing@imbibeinc.com OR fill out out contact form (located at the bottom of this page) to request flavors and to get added to receive for future drop samples! 
 

Honey Apricot

Honey went viral last year, as consumers started freezing the single-ingredient snack for a pure and sweet treat. Consumers are continuing to go crazy for the golden liquid, with Hot Honey experiencing a 101% increase in menu mentions from 2018-2022.1 Combined with the complex and naturally-sweet notes of honey, Apricot (that is reminiscent of a plum or peach) has a sometimes sour flavor profile that works in harmonious union on the palate. 

44.6% of surveyed consumers are interested in trying Apricot in sparkling water and 34.4% in frozen desserts.2

Honey/Apricot-inspired market products:

   

Popular Honey Pairings3
FD 3 1Persimmon FD 3 2Eggnog FD 3 3Pumpkin

flavor drop 3 2

Merlot

Most often spotted swirling around in a stemmed glass, the dark and fruity flavors of Merlot offer a sophisticated twist for consumers looking for this taste profile in different formats. Seen in varying market categories, like sparkling water, ice cream, and gummies, this flavor can appeal to consumers across the spectrum – from those with elevated palates to those that are looking to cut back on their alcohol intake. Non-alcoholic wine grew by 42% in total market share sales from 2021-2022, highlight the opportunity to harness the deep flavors that this flavor embodies to deliver an alcohol-forward tang to those looking to have the same experience of drinking wine, without the hangover.4 

Merlot-inspired Products:

Trending flavors for Merlot2
cherryCherry orangeOrange rosemaryRosemary

Do any of these flavors pique your interest?
Could you see these flavors fitting into your portfolio? Click below to request a sample.


Contact Us

  1. Datassential, 2022.
  2. Imbibe Percolator, 300 consumers, General Population, 2021.
  3. Tastewise, 2022.
  4. Drizly Non-Alcoholic Wine, Beer, and Spirits Report, 2022.
Keep Reading:

Masking Isn’t the Solution—It’s One Part of It

Considerations like format, processing, shelf life, and label constraints all influence how a solution performs in the final product. What works in one system may not translate directly to another.
READ MORE

Why Natural Color Reformulation Requires More Than a Color Swap

Switching to natural colors affects more than appearance. Learn how natural pigments interact with flavor, pH, and formulation—and why many R&D teams rely on formulation partners during reformulation.
READ MORE

Indulgent Flavors Are Evolving—And Consumers Are All In

Indulgence isn't just about decadence. It's about delivering moments of reward, comfort, and sensory satisfaction in formats that fit into daily life.
READ MORE

Notice: Holiday Closure

Imbibe will be closed April 2, 3, 8, and 9. Please expect some delays in our response during these dates.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.