RTD Alcohol Trends
Top Trends in the Ready To Drink Market 2025
In an ever-evolving beverage industry, the Ready To Drink (RTD) market stands out as one of the fastest-growing segments. Ready-to-drink categories continued their meteoric rise, capturing a significant market share.
Consumers today demand convenience, quality, and innovation, and RTD producers are responding with creative and sophisticated offerings. As we look ahead to 2025, staying ahead of trends is essential for anyone in the alcoholic beverage industry. From premiumisation to sustainability, the future holds many opportunities for those ready to innovate and adapt.
What Are the Top Trends in the Alcoholic Ready To Drink Market for 2025?
The alcoholic Ready To Drink (RTD) market continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Driven by changing consumer preferences, innovation, and sustainability, 2025 is set to bring exciting new opportunities for producers of RTD beverages. As consumers seek convenience, quality, and novel flavours, the RTD alcohol trends highlight key developments to watch. From premium offerings to low-alcohol options, these trends are shaping the future of the RTD beverages market.
Here are the top trends in the alcoholic RTD market for 2025 that every beverage producer should be aware of.
1. Premiumisation and Focus on Quality
Premiumisation remains one of the leading RTD alcohol trends for 2025. Consumers are increasingly looking for premium RTD drinks that offer sophisticated and complex flavour profiles. This trend towards higher-quality beverages means producers need to invest in premium ingredients, craft processes, and innovative packaging to meet these demands.
RTD cocktails and spirits-based drinks that offer a “bar-quality” experience are particularly popular. This focus on premiumisation reflects a broader movement in the alcoholic drinks market where consumers prefer “less but better” consumption.
2. Rise of Tequila and Agave-Based RTDs
Tequila and other agave spirits continue to surge in popularity, becoming a cornerstone of spirits industry trends for 2025. The demand for tequila-based RTDs like margaritas and palomas is driven by the unique and authentic flavour profiles these spirits offer.
Agave spirits appeal to consumers seeking exotic and artisanal drinking experiences. This trend highlights the growing opportunity for producers to innovate with agave-based RTD beverages to capture a growing market segment. Canadian Whiskey also saw a strong performance in 2024 in a category which experienced a moderate slowdown volume decline on -2,3%
3. Increasing Demand for Low- and Non-Alcoholic Options
The “sober curious” movement is reshaping alcohol consumption trends, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. As health-conscious consumers look to moderate their alcohol intake, the demand for low-ABV and non-alcoholic RTDs is on the rise.
Producers are responding by creating low-alcohol and zero-alcohol RTDs that deliver on taste and experience. These options allow consumers to enjoy flavourful beverages without the effects of high alcohol content, making them a key focus for the alcoholic beverages market in 2025.
4. Focus on Tropical and Citrus Flavours
Tropical and citrus flavours are dominating the RTD alcoholic beverages market. Flavours like lime, pineapple, passionfruit, and blood orange are seen as refreshing and ideal for social occasions, especially during warmer months.
This trend reflects a growing preference for vibrant, fruity drinks that offer a sensory escape. Producers can capitalise on this by creating tropical-themed RTD drinks that appeal to a wide audience.
5. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Packaging
Sustainability is a critical factor driving beverage industry trends in 2025. Consumers, particularly younger generations, are demanding eco-friendly packaging and sustainable practices. This trend offers an opportunity for producers to differentiate by adopting recyclable materials and promoting environmentally responsible processes.
Using glass, aluminium, and plant-based packaging not only reduces environmental impact but also aligns with the values of eco-conscious consumers. A recent study from Nielsen and Mckinsey concluded that products with clear ESG claims had a 2,5 times higher CAGR sales growth than products without claims.
6. Botanicals Flavours
The use of botanical flavours is gaining traction in the RTD spirits market. Drinks that incorporate a mix between fruity, herbaceous and floral flavours appeal to consumers seeking complex, health-oriented flavours.
These innovative flavour profiles provide a unique twist on traditional RTDs, blending the benefits of functional ingredients with the indulgence of alcoholic beverages.
7. Experimental and Global Flavours
Consumers are showing a growing interest in experimental and globally inspired flavours. Ingredients such as Mangosteen, Lychee, and Yuzu flavours are making their way into RTD alcohol beverages. These exotic flavours provide a unique drinking experience that caters to adventurous palates. Coined by MMR the discovery Era covers a market trend at which consumers crave and demand new bold products and flavours and Gen Z in particular views new and novel products as a key value driver.
For producers, this trend represents a chance to explore new flavour combinations and appeal to consumers seeking authentic and culturally diverse experiences ranging from exciting Asian flavours to bold flavours from The Americas.
8. Cocktail-Inspired and Hybrid RTDs
The demand for cocktail-inspired RTDs continues to rise. Classic cocktails like mojitos, margaritas, and gin-based drinks are being reimagined in convenient RTD formats. Additionally, hybrid products that combine elements like tea, botanicals, and spirits are becoming more popular.
This trend reflects a desire for bar-quality drinks that are easy to enjoy anywhere, highlighting the need for producers to offer high-quality, versatile RTD options.
Seizing the RTD Opportunities in 2025
The RTD alcoholic beverages market is poised for continued growth and innovation in 2025. By focusing on premium quality, sustainability, global flavours, and low-alcohol options, producers can meet evolving consumer demands and stay ahead in this dynamic market.
Understanding these RTD alcohol trends will enable producers to craft products that resonate with modern consumers, offering convenience, quality, and unique taste experiences.
Stay on trend and elevate your RTD offerings with innovative flavour solutions from Einar Willumsen. Let’s create the future of RTD beverages together!
Experience the Essence of Einar Willumsen
Our innovative approach is deeply rooted in Nordic values, guiding us as we craft exceptional flavour solutions. Our journey began over a century ago, and today we stand as a testament to quality and creativity in the flavour industry. Our team of expert flavourists works in close collaboration with our partners, turning unique synergies into shared successes. At Einar Willumsen, we don’t just create flavours; we create possibilities. Our extensive range covers everything from classic citrus notes to exotic and complex profiles, tailored to meet the evolving demands of the modern consumer.