L'épicerie | La popularité des cocktails sans alcool prêts-à-boire

Summary

This video discusses the growing trend of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktails, which have gained popularity across Canada. These products offer convenience and cater to consumers seeking responsible consumption options. With various brands now offering a range of flavors—from classic cocktails to innovative infusions—the market for non-alcoholic drinks has expanded significantly. The video touches on how these drinks meet a rising demand for healthier, low-sugar, and alcohol-free alternatives. Experts discuss the challenges of creating these beverages, including the need for natural flavors and minimal preservatives, as well as the experience of consuming them versus a freshly prepared cocktail.

Takeaways

• 😀 The demand for non-alcoholic ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails is growing rapidly, as both industry professionals and consumers are increasingly turning toward them.
• 😀 Non-alcoholic RTDs can taste similar to traditional alcoholic cocktails but often lack the 'punch' due to the absence of alcohol.
• 😀 In Canada, there are dozens of non-alcoholic cocktail brands available, ranging in price from 2 to 6 dollars per 355ml, with options like Negroni or Gin & Tonic.
• 😀 Atypique was one of the first to offer non-alcoholic RTDs in Quebec, and other companies like Roméo Jin quickly followed suit, noting an emerging consumer demand.
• 😀 In 2022, Roméo Jin sold about 70,000 cases of non-alcoholic cocktails in grocery stores, nearly matching the sales of their alcoholic counterparts.
• 😀 The non-alcoholic RTD trend is more than just a passing fad; it's seen as a response to the growing demand for responsible consumption, particularly among younger generations.
• 😀 Non-alcoholic cocktails offer convenience, allowing people to enjoy a drink on the go, while also catering to changing consumption habits.
• 😀 There’s a growing diversity in the types of non-alcoholic cocktails available, with options ranging from classic cocktails to innovative infusions with spices or fruit extracts.
• 😀 Many non-alcoholic RTDs are made with natural flavors, but they may still contain trace amounts of alcohol (less than 2.5%) due to the base ingredients used for flavoring.
• 😀 Non-alcoholic RTDs often have added preservatives due to the lack of alcohol, which typically helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains product stability.
• 😀 While there is concern about the sugar content in some non-alcoholic cocktails, people still tend to prefer the sweeter varieties, indicating a discrepancy between what consumers claim to want and their purchasing behavior.

Q & A

What is the current trend in the cocktail industry discussed in the transcript?

The current trend is the rise of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktails, which have gained popularity among both industry professionals and consumers. These products offer a convenient, responsible alternative to alcoholic drinks.

What makes non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktails appealing to consumers?

They are convenient, easy to carry, and can be consumed on various occasions. Additionally, they offer a responsible consumption option, especially as awareness around reducing alcohol consumption grows.

How does the market for non-alcoholic cocktails compare to alcoholic ones in terms of sales?

Sales of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktails are rapidly increasing, with some brands nearly achieving parity with alcoholic options. For example, one brand sold almost as many non-alcoholic products as alcoholic ones in 2022.

What types of cocktails are being offered in non-alcoholic versions in the market?

Non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails like gin & tonic, Negroni, and Paloma are available. There is also a trend towards more innovative flavors, including those made with natural infusions and spices.

Why are natural flavors used in non-alcoholic cocktails, and how does this impact the product?

Natural flavors are used to create authentic tastes. However, because these natural flavors often contain trace amounts of ethanol, products are classified as 'low alcohol' due to the presence of minimal alcohol content.

What challenges do manufacturers face when creating non-alcoholic cocktails?

One challenge is preserving the product without alcohol, as alcohol typically acts as a preservative. To address this, manufacturers use minimal amounts of preservatives to maintain product stability.

How does the sugar content vary in non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktails?

The sugar content can be quite high in some non-alcoholic cocktails. For example, certain products contain up to 30 grams of sugar, which may affect the overall taste and health-conscious appeal.

Why do some consumers prefer sweeter non-alcoholic cocktails?

Some consumers enjoy the sweeter taste in non-alcoholic cocktails, despite the fact that many claim to prefer low-sugar options. This reflects a disconnect between what people say they want and their actual purchasing behavior.

How is the packaging and labeling of non-alcoholic cocktails designed to avoid confusion with alcoholic products?

Non-alcoholic cocktail products are carefully labeled with clear indications that they are alcohol-free. Some packaging is designed to visually differentiate these products from alcoholic ones to avoid confusion.

How does the experience of drinking a ready-to-drink cocktail compare to a freshly made cocktail?

While non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktails offer convenience, they lack the personal interaction and experience of a bartender preparing a fresh cocktail. The ritual and social aspect of cocktail preparation cannot be replicated in a ready-to-drink version.