The UK drinks market is vast and covers many different segments from alcoholic drinks to soft drinks and all the submarkets in between.

According to the British Soft Drinks Association, soft drinks accounted for 15,343 million litres by volume in 2023, a year-on-year growth of 2.9%. The primary soft drink product categories include carbonates, fruit juices, dilutables, still and juice drinks, bottled waters, and sports and energy drinks. Additionally, Mintel reported the alcoholic drinks market to be £50 billion in 2023.

Changes in health concerns and lifestyles have led to shifts in consumption patterns, notably moving from regular options to Low/No and Mid-Calorie alternatives. This transition is largely driven by an increased awareness of the long-term effects of diet on health and well-being. Consumers are becoming more mindful about their intake of sugars, fats, and artificial additives, prompting a surge in demand for healthier food and beverage options.

Brands are responding to this shift by innovating and offering products that cater to these new preferences. Supermarkets are stocking more products labelled as “organic,” “natural,” or “free-from,” and restaurants are expanding their menus to include more plant-based and low-calorie options.

This shift has also influenced the beverage industry, with an increasing number of consumers opting for water, herbal teas, and low-sugar drinks over traditional sugary sodas and energy drinks. Alcohol consumption is also seeing a trend towards low- and no-alcohol varieties, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards moderation and mindfulness.

Your beverages might come in glass, cans, or other materials, but additional packaging is required to showcase your products on shelves or deliver them to customers’ homes. This extra layer of packaging serves not only as protection but also as a key marketing tool. Eye-catching designs and informative wording can attract potential buyers and convey important information about the product, such as ingredients, nutritional content, and brand values. Sustainable packaging solutions, like recyclable or biodegradable materials, are becoming increasingly popular, reflecting the growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly options.

Moreover, innovative packaging can enhance the customer experience, making unboxing a memorable event. Cleverly designed boxes (using High Quality Post Print (HQPP) to convey your brand image), easy-open features, and even personalised touches can make a significant difference in customer satisfaction and loyalty. Ensuring your product shines using shelf ready packaging (SRP) on the retailers’ shelves is key to improving sales. As the market evolves, staying ahead with creative and sustainable packaging solutions can set your brand apart from the competition and resonate with the environmentally conscious modern consumer.

Please get in touch today to see how your we can help with your packaging needs.