- Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are pre-packaged drinks that are fully prepared and ready for immediate consumption without any need for mixing or further preparation
- The ready to drink beverages market is growing steadily as consumers increasingly prioritize convenience and health, with brands such as Nestlé and PepsiCo expanding their ready to drink product lines to include low-sugar and plant-based options
- Functional beverages such as vitamin-infused waters and protein-enriched shakes are gaining popularity, with products such as Vitamin water by Coca-Cola and Ensure by Abbott Nutrition catering to the demand for added wellness benefits
- For instance, Starbucks continues to launch seasonal ready to drink coffee blends such as Pumpkin Spice Latte and Caramel Macchiato in chilled bottle formats to attract both regular and new consumers
- Sustainable and portable packaging is influencing purchase behaviour
- For instance, Liquid Death has seen rapid success by using aluminium cans for mountain water, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers looking for alternatives to plastic bottles
- E-commerce and direct-to-consumer platforms are transforming access to ready to drink beverages, for instance, brands such as Huel offer online subscriptions for their complete nutrition drinks, providing consumers with convenience and consistent delivery of their preferred products
