The Alcoholic Beverage Industry: Behind the Buzz

A Big and Growing World Market

According to latest reports, the alcoholic beverage market is going to be over $2 trillion by 2032 driven by growth in emerging markets, premiumization in developed economies, and consumers wanting new drinking options. Although beer is the number one selling drink in most countries, spirits and ready-to-drink (RTD) are now gaining traction.

And since customers want choices – low calorie, craft all the way, exotic flavors, and even their favorite cocktails without the booze. Consumers are driving innovation and growth, especially in China, India, Brazil, and across Africa where urbanization and increased disposable income is changing the drinking culture.

Low and No-Alcohol Beverages On the Rise

Here's the surprise: folks aren't drinking less, but they are drinking smarter. Low-and no-alcohol drinks have gone bonkers, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. These younger consumers are wellness-focused, balanced, and about making thoughtful decisions. They still desire to have a social evening out, but they're grabbing items such as alcohol-free beer, botanical spirits, and low-ABV wines.

This segment is expanding rapidly, with big brands putting money into non-alcoholic products and start-ups introducing refined, zero-proof versions. It's not some fancy-labeled soda—these beverages are trying to replicate the taste, sensation, and complexity of classic alcohol. Consider it the sober-curious trend moving mainstream.

Craft and Premiumization

Those days are over when the lowest-cost bottle on the shelf was good enough. Customers these days are seeking quality rather than quantity. If it is a small-batch gin, a barrel-aged whiskey, or a natural wine produced in a very small vineyard, the premium and craft sectors are red hot.

Craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries are still growing today, driven by taste conscious consumers who want stories, local sourcing, and flavour. Even the majors are getting in on the act, buying up smaller competitors or introducing craft-inspired products to stay relevant. This premium trend is particularly strong in spirits where connoisseurs are willing to pay more for unique experiences – think sipping tequilas, craft mezcals, and single malts that are hard to find.

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Beverages: Convenience Meets Flavour

Unscrewing a cocktail has never been easier. The RTD drink category – canned cocktails, hard seltzers, and alcoholic lemonades – is on fire and it’s not hard to see why. People want convenience, taste, and portability whether they’re at a picnic, festival, or just sitting at home.

RTDs appeal to modern day on-the-go living with well-balanced, often lower-alcohol products that can be consumed straight from the can. Hard seltzers opened the door first but today’s market is expanding to craft cocktails, wine spritzers, and even coffee-based alcohol beverages. It’s a fun and free-spirited space and it's good to see that things are moving fast.

Sustainability and Social Impact

People are seeking beyond taste and buzz—they want to know what their beverage is about. Sustainability is a dominant theme in the world of alcoholic drinks. Wineries are reducing water consumption and transitioning to regenerative agriculture. Breweries are repurposing spent grains into snacks. Distilleries are going for renewable energy.

Meanwhile, more is being said about social responsibility: encouraging responsible drinking, giving back to local communities, and opening up spaces to everyone. Companies that share those values aren't only doing some good—they're also gaining devoted customer groups who are equally passionate about ethics as they are about taste.

Final Sip: Where Is the Industry Headed?

As we take the final sip, we know that the alcoholic beverage industry is not just about tradition anymore as it's now continuously transforming, like other industries. It's safe to say that since consumer demands and values are what's driving these changes, companies are now prioritizing not just quality and profit, but also their sustainable and responsible practices. And from that, the future of alcoholic drinking is going to be more creative, conscious, and customizable.  

Gistgeest

Company Name – Gistgeest
Headquarters – Borgerhout, Antwerp, Belgium
Core Products – Small-batch saisons, IPAs, stouts, pilsners, and seasonal craft beers

Gistgeest is a cozy neighborhood brewpub located next to Boelaerpark in Borgerhout, where founder and brewer Steven crafts 500-liter batches of bold, flavorful beers entirely by hand. With a passion for experimentation and taste, he brews everything from saisons and IPAs to stouts and unique, unclassified styles, often shaped by the seasons.

At Gistgeest, there’s no mass production—, ust fresh, authentic beer served directly from the brewing room to your glass or take-away bottle. The tap list changes regularly, reflecting the time of year: crisp, refreshing brews in summer and fuller-bodied creations in winter.

Gistgeest beers are available onsite, through select retailers around Antwerp, and via a local webshop with eco-friendly bike delivery whenever possible. More than just a brewery, Gistgeest embodies the spirit of local craftsmanship, community, and no-nonsense brewing—bringing back the tradition of neighborhood breweries, one pint at a time.

DUNA Brewery: Crafting Bespoke Beverages with Nordic Soul

Company: Duna Brewery
Headquarters: Kuldīga, Latvia
Core Products: Private Label Beverage Production, Fermented Drinks, Natural Lemonades, Fruit & Tea Infusions, Beers, Cocktails, and more.

DUNA Brewery is a distinguished craft beverage company based in Kuldīga, Latvia, renowned for its expertise in creating natural, fermented, and low-sugar drinks that embody Nordic simplicity and innovative flavor design. Drawing inspiration from local treasures like quince, plums, and blackcurrants, alongside globally sourced ingredients such as ginger and green tea, DUNA seamlessly blends tradition with bold experimentation.

Beyond its acclaimed signature line, DUNA Brewery is a dedicated partner for private label clients, offering a comprehensive solution for bringing unique beverage concepts to life. As a dynamic flavor lab and creative house, DUNA possesses the capability to craft an extensive array of beverages, starting from the fundamentals of water and lemonades, extending to sophisticated cocktails, and encompassing the full spectrum of beers – every style known, and yet to be discovered.

A core commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and quality underpins all of DUNA's operations. All beverages are crafted without artificial additives, utilizing slow fermentation techniques and meticulously developed recipes. Each creation is designed to evoke a sense of place, memory, and emotion, whether through nostalgic flavors or unexpected combinations.

DUNA Brewery is equipped to meet diverse production needs. Notably, starting in September, DUNA will offer advanced canning services with a counter-pressure filling solution, capable of canning up to 3.5 tonnes of beverage per day. This technology ensures superior product quality and shelf stability for carbonated beverages.

From raw material sourcing to final packaging, DUNA's values shape every step. The result is a versatile beverage portfolio and a robust private label service that resonates across various tastes, markets, and client requirements. Partner with DUNA Brewery to transform your beverage vision into a tangible, high-quality product.