Tripping On Alco-Bev

A growing drinking culture with innovative drinks is making the alcohol-beverage industry exciting and entertaining

- Bindu Gopal Rao

The alco-bev space is shaking things up in restaurants and hotels as new categories of drinks, and innovations are spicing up the segment.

MAKING NEWS

The F&B industry has constantly been changing, and today people have an appetite for experiences rather than just ordinary basic drinks. What is new is the blurring of lines between many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with the taste emerging quite like each other with numerous brands out with products in the market. Craft Beers have made consumers re-evaluate their current category and brand of choice. As much as the food and drinks need to be on point, the holistic dining experience is what matters eventually and creates word of mouth.

"Pricing also plays a key role; these days, it is all about serving the correct portion size at the right price to attain maximum impact. All the clubbed trends mentioned above become key talking points for customers to visit the venues. If your F&B venue lacks a story, then the place is not capitalising on its full potential," says Gautam Khanna, Director of Food & Beverage, Pullman New Delhi Aerocity.

REVENUE DRIVERS

The F&B space, especially bars, restaurants and hotels, is ever-evolving, but one of the key catalysts for such drivers is the alcobev brands. Premium products and complex flavours are expected to generate sales in the coming years. Today, cocktails, single malts, IMFL and many foreign brands of whiskeys have taken the fancy of the audiences. Gin and scotch are well-received by audiences today, and their consumption has increased over the years.