Smoothies used to be just for health buffs and fanatics looking for a way to replace their meals with a healthier and more robust juice option. But what was once viewed as a niche market has hit the global stage in a big way, and there are now more smoothie enthusiasts than ever. It’s not just for millennials, either – smoothies are now enjoyed by young and old alike as a breakfast staple and even as a cocktail! If you’re looking to branch out into smoothies and are wondering how viable (and lucrative) it is, here’s why smoothies are the next big thing – and some trends worth noting and remembering.
Why is it so popular?
In the United Kingdom, a juice or smoothie bar has sprung up at every corner, much like the coffee shops and cafes of old. And why not? It’s a refreshing take on a natural beverage, and what makes it more appealing is the sweetness – which doesn’t use fake or artificial sweeteners. Smoothies can be made from both fruits and vegetables, or a combination of both, and it’s popular because it’s easy to consume and is an on-the-go alternative to a sandwich or a full meal. Since it’s often packed with vitamins and nutrients, it makes people feel full, and, for many, it has served as a replacement for a sit-down meal. There are even diets based on smoothies, where people have a smoothie for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
It’s easy to make, and there are several flavour combos and innovations you can make out of it – as a business, you can easily order fruit juice concentrate from a supplier and experiment with your own smoothie combinations – or stick to classics such as berry smoothies, tropical smoothies, or fruit and veggie smoothies like carrot, spinach, kale, and apples. It’s worth looking into a smoothie business, especially as it is predicted to dominate the juice market in the coming years.
The growing demand for smoothies
The experts in the industry state that the market for smoothies is growing – but at the rate, it’s growing, it will surpass other juice markets by 9% as of this year, and it will continue growing. Its growth is fueled by the number of consumers seeking healthier options and alternatives, even if they have to pay a little more. In other words, consumers are looking for quality over quantity. And here’s another interesting fact – health-conscious customers in highly developed countries (like the UK, the US, and other parts of Europe) prefer smoothies with a fruit base over different types. This is why the segment for fruit-based smoothies is continuing to grow rapidly.
The trends
Trends come and go, but some trends are good enough to stick. For example, the trend for organic fruits and vegetables has stayed on, and there are unique, organic smoothie shops. But aside from this, there’s the demand for spiced smoothies, with spices such as cilantro, turmeric, basil, rosemary, and others hitting the consumer consciousness in a big way. More people are replacing meals with smoothies, and smoothie ‘bowls’ are already a big thing.
It’s up to you to find what works for you and what consumers today like and find the right supplier who can give you quality products – and the rest, as they say, is history.
Image attributed to Pixabay.com