The fact that sugar is bad for you isn’t news.

It has calories, causes obesity and diabetes, and turns your angel of a toddler into a screaming demon in a matter of seconds.

Yet, as of last year, sales of sugary drinks hadn’t declined all that much.

Then the economy started looking a little shaky, and more and more people decided that healthier options were the better options (welcome), and carbonated soft drinks manufacturers and distributors had to start exploring innovative ways of boosting industry sales.

Some were already ahead of the pack, though, and it has a lot to do with gin.

Here’s Bizcommunity:

With craft gin being ‘all the rage’, and more than 250 craft gins now available in South Africa, many players have launched exotic-flavoured soft drink and tonic water variants to meet changing consumer tastes.

Gin is proof that not everything is better with Coke.

South Africans are a sophisticated bunch, and we like our G&Ts crafted to perfection with a superb range of authentic mixers, preferably made with quadruple filtered water.

That shows in terms of general sales, too:

The South African carbonated soft drinks market increased at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% between 2014 and 2019 and is forecast to grow at a slightly lower CAGR of 1.8% over the 2020 to 2024 forecast period.

However, the market continues to face significant challenges that include the South African economy, sugar tax and consumers who are becoming increasingly health-conscious.

In response to these challenges, manufacturers are developing a variety of innovative exotic flavours that taste good on their own, but also add that little something extra when mixed with vodka, gin, or other fine spirits.

In line with the global trend, the popularity of craft tonic water has grown significantly, primarily driven by the booming South African craft gin market.

This has become increasingly popular amongst consumers in pubs, clubs and at home. It appears that gin is not a passing fad, and is still trending in South Africa, with players introducing local gin ranges infused with fynbos botanicals.

Fitch & Leedes have launched a variety of flavoured tonic water variants such as Blue Tonic, Grapefruit Tonic and Pink Tonic. The combination of these flavoured tonic waters and gin has created a new trend where brands are emphasising cocktail recipes, pairing suggestions and mixology ideas for consumers.

The numbers don’t lie, and given the nature of consumers (especially Millennials), the only way to stay on top of the game is to stay abreast of the latest developments within the industry.

If you want to stock up on some quality on-trend crafted carbonation, you’ll find Fitch & Leedes wherever fine mixers are sold.

For those in Jozi this weekend, and looking for an excuse to imbibe and enjoy, you could always swing by the Joburg Gin & Tonic Festival.

• Date: March, 7, 2020
• Time: 12 AM
• Where: Casalinga Ristorante, Plot 328 Rocky Ridge Road, Off Beyers Naude Drive.

Get your tickets at Webtickets.

[source:bizcommunity]