PETpla.net Insider 10 / 2020

BEVERAGE INGREDIENTS PETplanet Insider Vol. 21 No. 10/20 www.petpla.net 18 Natural, healthy and low alcohol drinks are popular in Australia and New Zealand Beverage Trends in Australia & New Zealand Across the range and across the world, the soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks or RTD coffee drinks beverage market has been showing consistent growth. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, which means that the industry will be challenged to pick up on current and emerging trends and respond quickly to consumer wishes. As well as new and innovative flavours, consumers worldwide are increasingly looking for more healthy, reduced sugar and plant-based variants of their favourite drinks. improving joint health. With an esti- mated turnover of US$ 129.7 million (according to findings published in the Sydney Morning Herald), production of kombucha is one of the most boom- ing industries in Australia. Kombucha as a major winner Mostly produced from sweet- ened black or green tea, kombucha is promoted as a drink that provides consumers a completely new taste experience, with a low calorie con- tent. The essential element is “scoby” (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast), also known as “kombucha cul- ture”. It contains various bacteria and yeasts that help to ferment the tea, resulting in a soft drink with slightly vinegary taste profile and containing some alcohol; usually below 0.5 per cent. As the sugar content of the bev- erage is significantly reduced during the fermentation process, kombucha aligns with the continually growing demand for refreshing, reduced sugar beverages associated with a healthy lifestyle. Doehler supplies its customers with natural ingredients required for the production of kombucha from a single source and with a kombucha base that allows customers to formu- late individual recipes without need- ing to ferment. The kombucha base is available in conventional and in organic quality. While it is originally from China, this novel drink has now found its way onto supermarket shelves around the world and it has quickly become one of the most impor- tant drinks of the beverage scene in Australia. In 2019, the second- highest number of new kombucha product launches in the world were made there; only the USA had more (source: Mintel Global New Products Database). Plant-based diet on the rise Around 10% of Australia’s popula- tion of just under 25 million consume plant-based food only (Roy Morgan Market Research, 2019). The bev- erage industry is adapting to the changing preferences and habits of consumers and increasingly provid- ing plant-based products that create a unique taste experience. In Australia and New Zealand, nat- uralness, health and plant-based nutrition are among the biggest trends in beverages. Kombucha, a modern and natural fer- mented tea drink, has emerged as a particular new favourite. The trend towards bever- ages based on fermented tea has gained high consumer acceptance not only because of its taste, but also for its versatile health benefits. Kombucha is claimed to con- tribute positively to detoxification of the body and to strengthen- ing the immune system and Tour Sponsors: +44 (0) 1254 584210 sales@petmachinery.com petmachinery.com Active for over 25 years, our global network and specialist knowledge makes us the go-to company for the sale or purchase of a PET machine. Commercially savvy, we work closely with our customers and our global network, to make sure everyone gets the best deal. Providing comprehensive advice throughout your sale or purchase; we can arrange dismantling, loading, packing, shipping, specialist insurance and commissioning. If you have amachine to sell or you’re looking to purchase, please get in touch. THE INDUSTRY EXPERTS