Food Channel predicts top 10 beverage trends

CHICAGO — The Food Channel has identified the top beverage trends for the year with help from CultureWaves, the International Food Futurists and Mintel.

After gathering information from readers' responses to a beverage trend survey posted on its website, the Food Channel outlined the following trends:

1. 
   

   D.I.Y. flavor: Taking flavor matters into our own hands;

   
   


2. 
   

   Parental discretion advised: Lots of buzz around beverages and kids;

   
   


3. 
   

   Iced coffee is scalding hot: Consumption of this cold caffeinated beverage has heated up;

   
   


4. 
   

   For medicinal purposes only: No shortage of ways to "drink to your health;"

   
   


5. 
   

   Sipping seasonally and simply: Making a more conscious effort to drink locally;

   
   


6. 
   

   Fast food beyond the fizz: Specialty drinks are getting as much play as burgers and fries;

   
   


7. 
   

   Craft beers: Sales of craft brews are seeing double-digit increases;

   
   


8. 
   

   Bourbon booming: The retro revival of the classic cocktail;

   
   


9. 
   

   Show biz: Beverages are being offered more starring roles; and

   
   


10. 
    

    Drinking ourselves thin: Need to enjoy drinks without drinking in the extra calories.

    
    

"Our Food Channel beverage survey confirmed what we've seen in the marketplace," the Food Channel VP and editor-in-chief Kay Logsdon said. "It indicated we're drinking more water these days, although we like to dress it up a little. And, it told us that coupons have little or no influence on whether we purchase a beverage at a fast food restaurant."

Click here to view the full results.