Alcopops Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis by Base Type (Beer, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, and Others), By Distribution Channel {Store-based (Supermarket/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, and Others) and Non-store based}, and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Alcopops are ready-mixed sweetened beverages that typically have a lower alcohol content than distilled spirits. These beverages are often targeted toward young adults and come in a wide variety of fruit and other flavors. Consumers are increasingly looking for new and exciting flavors in their alcoholic beverages. Alcopops offer sweet and refreshing alternatives to traditional beers and spirits, which is appealing to many consumers. Manufacturers are thus responding to this trend by launching innovative alcoholic beverages in innovative flavors. For instance, in November 2023, Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held, family-owned spirits company, launched Eristoff, a new brand of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails. The new product contains 5% ABV and comes in two flavors Pink It Up and Passion Star.

Moreover, the growing demand for high-quality, convenient, ready-to-drink cocktails is further expected to have a positive impact on the alcopops market. Alcopops offer convenience and accessibility to consumers who want RTD alcoholic beverages without the hassle of mixing ingredients. Alcopops traditionally focuses on sweet flavors and lower alcohol content (4-8% ABV). This allows rising demand for the product for consumers who seek low- and no-alcohol RTD products. Manufacturers have been developing such products to cater to a wide range of consumers. For instance, in March 2023, Jack Daniel’s and Coca‑Cola launched a pre-mixed, canned cocktail in the U.S. The new Jack Daniel’s & Coca‑Cola RTD beverage contains 7% ABV and has a Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey with the refreshing taste of Coca‑Cola.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Market Overview of Related/Parent Market


• Supply Chain & Regulatory Analysis


• Recent Industry Developments – Partnerships, Mergers and Acquisitions, and New Product Launches


• COVID-19 Impact


• Swot Analysis

Segmentation

Analysis by Base Type

The vodka segment is expected to hold a significant share of the global market. Vodka’s neutral flavor profile makes it an ideal base for alcopops. It does not overpower the added fruit or other flavorings, allowing for a wider variety of refreshing and delicious alcopop options. Moreover, vodka is already one of the most popular distilled spirits globally. According to the Distilled Spirits Council, in 2020, 76.9 million 9-liter cases of vodka were sold in the U.S., generating a revenue of USD 6.9 billion.

The rum segment is expected to grow significantly in the future owing to rum’s inherent sweetness and complex flavor profile, with the hints of caramel, vanilla, and molasses creating unique and interesting alcopop options. This could appeal to consumers seeking alternatives to the traditional vodka-based alcopops.

Analysis by Distribution Channel

The store-based segment is expected to hold a significant share of the global alcopops market. Supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, and other channels offer consumers convenient access to a wide variety of alcopops. This enables impulse purchases and easy inclusion of alcopops for groceries or other household items. Store shelves can accommodate a larger variety of alcopop brands and flavors compared to other channels, such as bars and restaurants, allowing consumers to browse and compare options to find their preferred choices.

The non-store-based segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The increasing popularity of e-commerce platforms for various products is fueling the growth of the non-store-based segment. Consumers are becoming more comfortable purchasing alcoholic beverages online, with established retailers and new startups entering this space. Online ordering and delivery services allow consumers to purchase alcopops from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to visit a physical store and saving time and effort.

Analysis by Region

Europe is expected to hold a major share of the global alcopops market. European consumers exhibit a wide range of preferences for alcoholic beverages. Alcopops cater to those seeking sweeter, lower-alcohol options compared to traditional beer or spirits. Moreover, the region has a long history of producing and consuming alcoholic beverages, including flavored options. This established market provides a strong foundation for the alcopop industry. The region has a strong social drinking culture, where alcopops can be a popular choice for gatherings and socializing, particularly among younger adults.

North America is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. North America, particularly the U.S., has a long history of consuming lower-alcoholic beverages, including alcopops. Consumers, especially young demographics, are increasingly interested in new and exciting flavored alcoholic beverages. Alcopop companies cater to this trend with a wide variety of fruit and other flavored options. Major global brands and domestic alcopop brands are well-established in the region, with significant brand recognition and distribution networks further contributing to the global market size and brand awareness.

Key Market Players

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Asahi Group Holdings, Suntory Holdings Ltd., Molson Coors, Diageo Plc, Anheuser-Busch, NV Group, Halewood International, Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co., United Brands Co., and Pabst Brewing Company.

Key Developments

• In October 2023, Coca-Cola and Pernod Ricard launched Absolut Vodka & Sprite, a ready-to-drink premixed cocktail. The new product contains 5% ABV and is available in versions with Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar.

• In August 2023, Jaun Paul Jones Rum, a small-batch boutique, launched its ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail in partnership with Double Dutch, a drinks company. The new product contains 4.5% ABV and offers a fruity, low-calorie drink.