14 Feb Three Beverage Trends to Explore in Chicago During 2019
Everyone has that one beverage that they can’t live without. It might be a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a specific brand of bottled water, or a favorite carbonated beverage from childhood. While those beverages often spark feelings of contentment, comfort or happiness, there are new cold beverages out there waiting to be discovered.
In 2019, Chicago employees will find new approaches to three very popular beverages, soft drinks, coffee and iced tea.
Artisan or Craft Soft Drinks
The interest in artisan or craft soft drinks has increased as Chicago consumers look to explore new products and flavors and seek to match their personal beliefs with the products they purchase. Craft soft drinks are thought to be healthier as they are made from natural and organic ingredients and are made by smaller, more artisanal companies who put a lot of care into their products. For consumers and these producers, craft soft drinks are not simply consumable products; they have a story to tell. Whether it’s helping their local community or the environment, each organization and/or beverage has a specific focus and purpose.
Cold-brew Coffee
Cold-brew coffee has been available for a couple years in a small number of locations, but that has changed. Today, this coffee beverage can be found in a variety of Chicago locations in several different forms including ready-to-drink, single-serve containers, bulk containers, and on tap. Crafted at room temperature over a long period of time, cold brew is up to 70 percent less acidic than traditionally brewed hot coffee. The more balanced, lower acidic levels of cold brew are the result of a slower, cooler brewing process and are responsible for a smoother, creamier, full-bodied and less bitter taste profile.
Specialty Iced Tea
While iced tea, as we know it today, has been around since the early 1900s, new and specialty flavors are making their way to the front of the line. For many Chicago consumers, the traditional flavors from unsweetened black or green tea are not enough. Consumers want the benefits of unsweetened tea, but they also want a sweeter flavor without the extra sugar. The hibiscus plant is a popular solution to the problem with its sweet flavor and bright, appealing color, and there has been a 62 percent increase in its use in iced tea since 2014. Offering specialty iced teas in ready-to-drink containers such as cans and bottles has also helped increase the visibility and availability of these tasty beverages.
Can Chicago employees purchase any of these beverage choices in their breakroom? Instead of going offsite to purchase a craft soft drink, a cold-brew coffee, or a specialty iced tea, meet your employees where they are — at work.
Whether it’s customizing a new vending machine or micro-market beverage menu, Yami Fresh can help. We offer a wide variety of hot and cold beverages as well as snacks and fresh food. For more information or to schedule a tasting, please contact us at 847.423.2448.
