Beverages Are Major Growth Driver In Foodservice Industry

Beverages are emerging as an important growth opportunity for foodservice, with 87% of full-service and 80% of limited-service operators saying beverages can help drive restaurant traffic. Consumers are also looking for discovery and variety: 72% say restaurants are a good place to learn about beverages they haven’t tried before and more than half want more beverage choices on menus. Beverage-only visits are especially notable among younger consumers, with 50% of Gen Z and 47% of millennials making beverage-only purchases at least weekly.

The trend creates opportunities to help restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, bakeries, convenience stores, grocery stores, juice and smoothie businesses and beverage retailers turn drinks into a reason to visit. Sellers can focus conversations on new flavors, customizable drinks, wellness beverages, afternoon promotions and beverage-only occasions that can generate traffic outside traditional meal periods.