Are Hard Seltzers a Thing of the Past?

Hard seltzers are the bubbly, refreshing alcoholic drink that took the market by storm in the past few years. It seems like only yesterday when spiked seltzers were the go-to drink for beach trips, hikes, and summer barbecues. But with the arrival of other trendy beverages, some may wonder if the hard seltzer craze has faded.

Let’s start with what made hard seltzers so appealing in the first place. Hard seltzers are light beverages, low in calories, and relatively low in alcohol content, making them a guilt-free option for many consumers. The fruity taste and bubbly fizziness of many hard seltzers make these alcoholic beverages perfect for sipping on a hot day, and the fact that they come in cans makes them convenient for taking on the go.

It may surprise you to learn that hard seltzers were first created way back in 1993. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that spiked seltzers became popular. Hard seltzer brands like Truly and White Claw played a big role in this shift as they introduced new ways for consumers to enjoy alcoholic beverages. These brands helped to make flavored alcoholic drinks with fizz much more popular, especially among people who prioritize health and wellness. Truly and White Claw have been available since 2016, but it took a little time for people to embrace these light, low-calorie, and refreshing spiked seltzers. 

The Rise of Hard Seltzers

During the Covid-19 pandemic, hard seltzers emerged as a top seller. In 2020, spiked seltzers remained popular; however, numerous businesses needed to catch up. This has resulted in a hard seltzer market with oversaturation and excessive competition. Thanks to COVID-19, hard seltzer sales grew tremendously and continue to top the charts in the alcoholic beverage industry.

Hard seltzers became increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. Spiked seltzers offer a refreshing and guilt-free alternative for those seeking an alcoholic drink with fewer calories and carbs. Their light, fizzy texture and diverse flavors have attracted consumers, from fitness enthusiasts to casual drinkers. The increasing popularity of health and wellness trends has contributed to the growing demand for hard seltzers, as they are typically considered a more health-conscious choice. Spiked seltzers are expected to keep growing in sales as they continue to be a popular and reliable choice in the alcoholic beverage market.

According to the chief operating officer of IWSR, Brandy Rand, the hard seltzer trend is not just a passing fad. In a recent study from March 2023; Research and Markets reported that the global hard seltzer market reached “$12.45 billion in 2022 to $14.65 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate of 17.7%.” Producers of spiked seltzers are not only attracting beer drinkers but also consumers of other alcoholic beverages.

Evolving Consumer Preferences in a Saturated Hard Seltzers Market

Even though White Claw has been the leading hard seltzer brand since 2018, consumer preferences are always evolving. With the rise in popularity of hard seltzer, many other brands have entered the spiked seltzer market, causing an oversupply of options for consumers. Brands like Mountain Dew and Simply spiked seltzers have also contributed to the saturated hard seltzer market. To maintain brand leadership, as seen with Truly and White Claw, companies must stay aware of the constantly changing consumer preferences and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Partnering With Newport Bottling & Canning 

In the ever-evolving world of beverages, where innovation is key, consumers crave unique and exciting flavors. At Newport Bottling & Canning, our team of beverage experts has developed a strong reputation for our knowledge of flavors and our ability to create delicious ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages for consumers and our clients to be proud of. We are the go-to partner for businesses and individuals looking to formulate unique and attractive beverages, including hard seltzers.

Are you seeking a beverage co-packing company that upholds your values? That’s where our expertise comes in. We specialize in the flavor and design of your beverage and have the expertise to adjust the recipe as necessary to achieve optimal results. With our in-house flavor partner, Nature’s Flavors, we offer natural and organic flavorings to help you make the next best hard seltzers. Each client deserves a distinctive beverage representing their brand’s individuality and character. Have an idea for a new flavored spiked seltzer? Partner with Newport Bottling & Canning, and take your drink ideas to new heights.