The market for ready-to-drink (RTD) alcohol products continues to show traction and demand from consumers, according to a new study from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. RTD volumes have been growing faster than any other major drinks category since 2018 and are expected to significantly outperform the wider beverage alcohol market over the next five years, increasing their market share to 8% by 2025 (from about 4% share in 2020) in top RTD markets.
The new IWSR RTD Strategic Study examines the RTD category across 10 focus markets (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, the UK and the US), which represent more than 85% of all RTD volumes worldwide. The IWSR forecasts an approximate 15% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2020 to 2025 for RTDs in these markets, compared to about 1% CAGR for total beverage alcohol during that same period.
“RTDs are still growing at higher rates than spirits, wine and beer, signaling a major shift in consumer interest in this category across all demographics,” said Brandy Rand, COO of the Americas at the IWSR. “But it’s important to note that RTDs aren’t only stealing share from beer, they’re also attracting spirits consumers in markets such as Australia and the UK, and cider drinkers in South Africa. We’re also seeing a significant premiumisation trend in RTDs as more and more new brands enter the space.”
Hard seltzers to lead RTD growth
The IWSR projects that hard seltzers will account for half of all global RTD volumes by 2025 (up from 30% share in 2020), driven by consumer demand for flavourful drinks with ‘better-for-you’ attributes. Though much of this growth will continue to come from the US, hard seltzers are forecast to also grow rapidly in other markets such as Canada (+50% CAGR 2020-2025), the UK (+90%), China (+84%) and Australia (+24%).
Across the 10 focus markets in the study, hard seltzers are expected to post total volume growth of 26% CAGR 2020-2025. “Hard seltzer volumes outside the US are small, but awareness is also low. As that awareness grows, we’re seeing that people are increasingly willing to consider trying these products,” said Rand. “It’s important to remember that it took a few years for hard seltzers to catch on in America, and we’re still in early days in this category outside the US.”
Flavoured alcoholic beverages (FABs) and cocktails/long drinks drive non-hard seltzer RTD growth
In countries such as Brazil, China, Japan and South Africa, the RTD market is driven by FABs (see definitions below). This subcategory is forecasted to grow by 7% CAGR 2020-2025, led by markets such as Japan, the US and China. The other dominant RTD subcategory is cocktails/long drinks, which are especially popular in countries such as Australia, Germany, Canada and Mexico, and is projected to grow by almost 9% CAGR 2020-2025.
Other rapidly growing RTD subcategories include hard coffees, hard kombuchas and hard teas (though from a smaller base).
Flavour is the top contributor to premium image and purchase consideration of RTDs
The IWSR’s consumer research shows that more than half of RTD drinkers (56%) say that the regular release of new RTD flavours is the most important factor in establishing a premium image, followed by connection to a known brand (the value of brand extensions), and the use of innovative packaging. Flavour is also the key driver influencing the purchase of RTDs, preferred by almost 70% of consumers. The IWSR’s research also shows that there is a clear preference among consumers for spirits-based RTDs in most markets, as these generally have connotations of superior quality (vodka, in particular, is highly favoured as a base), though malt-based products are gaining share as well, driven of course by the rise of hard seltzers.
The diversity and innovation of RTDs offers opportunities for companies across the drinks market
RTDs have proven to be an effective opportunity for companies and brands from across the full spectrum of the drinks market. For example, brewers and soft drink companies have found particular opportunities in hard seltzers, becoming a major driving force behind that subcategory’s recent growth. Spirits and wine producers have also leveraged their existing brand awareness and equity to move into RTDs, from pre-mixed cocktails to hard seltzers to wine spritzers and coolers.
“It’s not just consumers who benefit from interesting and innovative RTD products, so too do global drinks companies. More than any other category, RTDs have truly captured and leveraged the trend of convergence in the beverage industry,” added Rand. “Many well-known brands, from water to energy drinks to coffee, have recently crossed over into alcoholic RTDs, leading to a number of strategic partnerships between soft drinks, beer and spirits companies in order to successfully leverage distribution across multiple outlets.”
The IWSR defines seven subcategories of RTD products:
• Cocktails/long drinks: drinks that reflect both well-known cocktails (mojito, negroni, mule, cosmopolitan) and common mixed drinks containing a base spirit and a non-alcoholic mixer (for example, gin-and-tonic or vodka-and-soda), where the base alcohol is clearly identified
• Hard seltzers: composed of a blend of carbonated water and alcohol, in some cases with added fruit flavour, and typically malt-based but can also be wine or spirit-based. In contrast to long drinks, the alcohol is not defined
• Hard coffees: alcoholic drinks which can be cold brew or creamy hard coffee
• Hard teas: alcoholic tea drinks
• Hard kombuchas: made with sweetened black or green tea, fermented, and then often blended with natural juice
• Wine spritzers/coolers: drinks which mix wine with carbonated water or sodas, or fruit juices
• Flavored alcoholic beverages (FABs): this subcategory covers all other RTDs, including the likes of Smirnoff Ice and Bacardi Breezers, as well as local brands
