Growing Use of Red Berries in the Beverage Sector
Berries are small, pulpy fruits that usually can be seen occupying an attractive section in grocery stores. Bright in colour, berries are well-known for their role in aiding weight loss and are thus recommended by many dieticians. They are commonly consumed in form of dairy products and beverages or simply as fruits.
Health Benefits and Applications
Red berries are more popular and impart a slew of health advantages, including healthy bone density and eyesight, UV protection, and resistance to various infections. They are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, helping to stay at a lesser risk of cancer and Parkinson’s. In addition to help the weight loss process, red berries support healthy brain functioning as well. According to the European Journal of Nutrition, most of the red berries contain quercetin, a flavonoid that has enzyme-inhibiting and anti-carcinogenic properties. Some researchers are also studying the role of certain natural colourants in red berries, in preventing heart disease.
While that makes a pretty big list of general health benefits of red berries, it is no surprise that they are being used in a plethora of applications in the industry and their demand in market is growing like never before. The applications of red berries in snacks, bakery and confectionary goods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, sauces, jellies, (dried, frozen, or pickled) fruit preserves, yoghurts and other dairy products such as ice creams and flavoured milk are common. Currently, the use of red berries in nutraceuticals is also on the rise.
Key Drivers for Growing Demand of Red Berries
Consumers today prefer to have healthy foods that contain natural ingredients and have the potential to promote specific health benefits. This trend is primarily driving the growing demand for red berries in market for several end-use applications. However, the demand in the beverage sector seems to take over all other sectors in the industry. Juices are the most sought-after beverages; cranberry juice to mention the most popular one. Wine, one of the most loved alcoholic beverages worldwide, uses grapes in its making. Other berries are also used in fermenting fruit wines, including strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, and cranberry wine. A few beer types such as raspberry framboise and fruit lambic also demand berries in their processing.
Red berries that form a major section of market include strawberry, blueberry, grapes, cranberry, raspberry, mulberry, blackberry, blackcurrants, redcurrants, Noni berry, Maqui berry, Goji berry, chokeberry, Acai berry, and cherries. Their most in-demand products are syrups, cocktail and mock tail blends, juices and juice concentrates, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and frozen berries. The juice concentrates segment accounts for the largest value share of the total market revenues. Berry-flavoured alcoholic drinks is a newly emerging business line that can competently become a brand new contributor to the global beverage market, demanding red berries.
Global Market Status
The importance of red berries as a natural and conventional ingredient is growing rapidly, on a global basis. The largest market for red berries is Western Europe, followed by North America exhibiting an impressive growth in 2016. The global demand is predicted to grow by 1.9% volume and the global revenues are anticipated to reach 26.5 Mn Tonnes with the market value of US$ 18.6 Mn in 2016, which was US$ 18.1 Mn in 2015. The largest application segment, as mentioned earlier, will be beverages followed by the dairy products segment. The beverages sector is expected to raise around 5.3 Mn tonnes of demand in 2016. The juice concentrates segment is predicted to account for more than 34.3% revenue share of the market.
In response to growing demand for red berries, leading brands have already started innovating new product offerings and many of them have also planned for the expansion of their production capacity. Red berry manufacturers, especially from developing economic regions have strong chances of rapid growth because of increasing demand for natural, conventional ingredients by their respective markets. Developing economies thus make the key market for red berry manufacturers and beverage companies.
Source: Future Market Insights