Drinks Buyer 2025

10 @specialityfood We can’t get enough CBD products in the door. Consumer knowledge and sophistication around CBD is high, and demand matches this LAURA WILLOUGHBY, FOUNDER, CLUB SODA HEALTH-BOOSTING AGUA DE MADRE REMEDIO – TURMERIC & GINGER A new launch from the kefir brand. This organic fermented elixir is packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, bringing a sense of comfort with every sip. aguademadre.co.uk REVIBED PASSIONFRUIT & GINGER Put a spring in your step by sipping on this superfood infusion, with ginger root, turmeric and black pepper extract. It’s 100% natural with no sugar, and only seven calories per serving. revibeddrinks.com DR FUNK VITAL EDITION - MANGO & VIOLET Naturally flavoured with mango and violet, this lightly sparkling drink is bolstered with magnesium and six added vitamins. drfunk.co.uk £925 BILLION THE SALES VALUE OF FERMENTED DRINKS MARKET IN THE UK STATISTA Function is everything to today’s consumers. They want their food and drink to work harder for them. To deliver health and wellbeing boosting benefits that alleviate symptoms such as stress, tiredness and anxiety This is a space that’s growing at a rate of knots, as existing brands expand and innovate within their ranges, while new businesses claim their stake in functional drinks with exciting products that tap into the very latest trends and science. Topping the functional drink charts are those infused with nootropics (such as mushrooms) which aid both relaxation and focus, CBD (for inflammation and wellbeing), vitamins, minerals and adaptogens for enhanced hormone health, such as magnesium and ashwagandha, and anything that promotes better gut balance. Sugar-laden drinks pumped with artificial colourings are out (even with the traditional younger target consumer) and are being replaced by ‘clean’ options that offer a natural boost from plant extracts. DRINKS THAT DO GOOD NATURAL ENERGY Energy drinks are most frequently being used by the younger generation, who are favouring less artificial varieties to fit in with their healthier lifestyles. Ingredients they’re favouring include caffeine derived from cold-pressed coffee, green tea or matcha, L-Theanine, B vitamins, ginseng, guarana, maca root and yerba mate.