The global cocktail syrups market size was valued at USD 4.70 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 7.39 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 5.16% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The increase in the market share during the forecast period is related to rising demand for cocktails and a growing inclination toward convenience.
Cocktail syrups are an integral component of any quality cocktail. They are surprisingly simple to make at home and lend sweetness, flavor, and complexity to a drink. They are sweeteners used to temper the bitterness of alcohol and add flavor to cocktails. They are available in various flavors, from simple syrup to syrup prepared with fruits, herbs, and spices.
Since the 1800s, when cocktails became prevalent in Europe, syrups have been used in cocktails. The publication of Jerry Thomas's "How to Mix Beverages; or, The Bon Vivant's Companion" in the 1960s increased their popularity in the United States. They are typically stored in the refrigerator and the freezer for one year when unused. Mixtures containing only sugar and water can last up to one month in the refrigerator. The shelf life of the mixture may be restricted to a few weeks if it comprises fresh fruit.
Highlights
Globally, the consumption of alcoholic drinks is decreasing due to the rising consumers' focus on health and well-being. Cocktails contain a low amount of alcohol, ranging from 4% to 7%, along with added flavors like lemon, cranberry, orange, and passion fruit, attracting health-conscious consumers. Therefore, low alcohol by volume (ABV) cocktails have gained traction over the years. Hence, the increasing popularity of cocktails will widen the scope for it.
Consumers who want to minimize their alcohol consumption or are moderate drinkers consume cocktails as a substitute for wine and spirits. Changing lifestyles and demand for convenience products also drive the growth of it. In addition, the cocktail industry is booming due to creative new recipes, such as natural fruit juices instead of sugar syrups. The cocktail market offers a wide range of novel items and healthy alternatives, such as those infused with ginger or lavender. As a result, bartenders are concentrating on developing new cocktails with healthy constituents. This will create opportunities for growth for cocktail syrup manufacturers.
Cocktail syrups have gained significant popularity within the bar and pub industry due to their inherent convenience. One of the main factors driving the increase in demand for it is consumers' growing desire for ready-to-eat and ready-to-drink foods and beverages due to their hectic lifestyles and demanding work schedules. The surging working population, supported by the increasing number of working women, is estimated to drive the market for it.
Furthermore, numerous consumers who prefer serving homemade drinks at house parties and social gatherings drive the demand for them. According to an article published by The Drinks Business in October 2021, 47% of cocktail consumers continue experimenting with kitchen mixology in the post-pandemic world. During the pandemic, consumers' willingness to experience high-quality cocktails at home expanded, directly contributing to the trend and a consumer quest to locate the best ingredients and get creative. Such trends are likely to elevate the demand for various types of it.
The consumption of non-alcoholic beverages is rising, especially in countries like France, the U.K., Germany, Spain, and Canada, owing to the rising health consciousness. Consumers are increasingly inclined toward non-alcoholic functional beverages that provide health benefits like boosting immunity and relieving stress. Similarly, probiotic-rich drinks' popularity has increased over the past few years. Therefore, the growing preference for non-alcoholic beverages may threaten the cocktail industry and restrict the application of it.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has offered significant growth opportunities to the global market. With forced lockdowns, consumers no longer had access to pubs, restaurants, and bars that provide handcrafted cocktails. This encouraged consumers to prepare cocktails at home using them readily available in supermarkets/hypermarkets to quench their desire for alcohol.
The simple distribution of them through online platforms also offers prospects to the market players due to their convenient package designs. Therefore, many of them with unique flavors and distinct tastes were launched even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Study Period | 2020-2032 | CAGR | 5.16% |
| Historical Period | 2020-2022 | Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Base Year | 2023 | Base Year Market Size | USD 4.70 billion |
| Forecast Year | 2032 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 7.39 billion |
| Largest Market | Europe | Fastest Growing Market | North America |
Europe is the most significant global market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period. The temporary closure of many bars, pubs, and restaurants across Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic has changed consumers' drinking patterns. It has influenced many consumers to reach for their alcohol cabinets at home and make their gourmet cocktails, thereby boosting the demand for it. The demand for low-alcoholic cocktails and flavored beverages is rising among millennials across the region, which is predicted to be a prominent factor driving the growth of European cocktail syrups. The consumption of it is prevalent in European countries like the U.K., Germany, and France, owing to various manufacturers offering innovative products.
Additionally, the premiumization of cocktail syrups through improved flavors, taste, quality, and packaging is further expected to drive the demand, thereby boosting the European market growth. For instance, Agua de Sevilla is a famous Spanish cocktail made using pineapple juice/syrup, sugar, cava, and whiskey. This cocktail is a staple at numerous nightclubs and is usually served in large pitchers, expected to drive the demand for it in the upcoming years.
North America is estimated to grow at 8% during the forecast period. The demand for it in the region is expected to rise as more young customers switch their tastes and preferences from standard to flavored alcoholic beverages. These cocktail syrups witness significant demand from commercial sectors such as bars, pubs, hotels, and restaurants. The rising number of commercial establishments mushrooming across North America will boost the demand for it. This industrial expansion, coupled with the increasing popularity of cocktails among young and millennial customers, is opening up new avenues for the market.
Additionally, consumers are driving manufacturers of it to launch new flavors to cater to this demand. Such product launches will continue to fuel the market over the forecast period.
In Asia-Pacific, the demand and consumption of cocktails are gaining momentum as consumers seek safer and more mindful drinking options, a trend that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated. Several bartenders across the globe are increasingly taking mixology inspiration from Asian beverage trends. For instance, several flavorful cocktails made with fruit juices, freshly squeezed fruit pulps, and various other syrups have become popular in Japan among consumers who are reconsidering drinking beer or heavy spirits as they are worried about being hungover the next day. This has been driving the use of various syrups to create a host of cocktails.
The Central and South American market's growth is characterized by increased consumer spending toward recreational activities and the rise in social acceptance to try new and unique drinks, which has boosted the demand for cocktails, positively influencing the market growth. The change in consumers' drinking habits, coupled with the growing demand for different cocktails containing wine, whiskey, beer, vodka, and other cocktail syrups, will continue to witness growth in the upcoming years. This is expected to drive the market growth of it in the region.
In the Middle East and Africa, the increased socializing among young, urban professionals coupled with the growing acceptance of social drinking has been positively influencing the consumption of cocktails, which is likely to drive the market growth in the upcoming years. Moreover, they have increased sales as young consumers socialize more in restaurants, nightclubs, and bars.
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Fruit cocktail syrup dominates the global market and is projected to grow during the forecast period. Fruit cocktails are a healthier alternative to other sugary drink mixers. Fruit cocktails are typically made based on the consumer's preferred fruit or a combination of fruits. Monin, a renowned manufacturer of fruit purees and syrups, for example, offers a variety of fruit syrups, such as dragon fruit, passion fruit, red passion fruit, and coconut, that can be used in cocktails, desserts, and milkshakes, among others.
In addition, growing health consciousness among consumers worldwide and the increasing popularity of homemade cocktails will likely drive the demand for fruit syrups in the coming years. The increased prevalence of diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure has also driven the demand for natural and healthier sweetening agents in foods and drinks. This bodes well for the fruit cocktail syrups segment.
Herbs and seasoning have been witnessing a remarkable demand from the commercial and household sectors due to their taste, flavor, and associated health benefits. For instance, basil syrup is widely used in cocktails due to its semi-sweet, spiced, and anise-like flavor. Basil offers a range of health benefits, including prevention from heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Over the last few years, herb- and seasoning-infused cocktail syrups have gained consumer traction. Herbs are a popular component in the winter months since they bring warmth to the body and a fresh aroma to the cocktails. This trend has grown in popularity among bartenders worldwide who serve cocktails with infused herbal syrups.
Additionally, numerous manufacturers have launched products to meet consumer expectations due to the growing popularity of herbal cocktails. The rising number of product launches is expected to contribute to the growth of the herbs and seasoning cocktail syrups segment.
The sweet segment owns the highest market share of cocktail syrups and is estimated to grow during the forecast period. Sweet cocktail syrups are widely popular among consumers worldwide because they perfectly balance the bitterness and sourness of harsh spirits like rum, whisky, and gin. Likewise, sweet syrups enhance the flavors of other ingredients used in the cocktail and improve the mouthfeel or density of the drink, making it taste less thin and strengthening the flavor; flavored syrups function as an artificial sweetener. In addition, manufacturers have started offering a wide selection of syrups with natural sweeteners in response to the growing taste of rich fruit syrups. For example, in June 2021, Torani, a leading flavor maker, added sweet flavors to its existing flavor lineup, which includes Puremade Mangonada Syrup, Puremade Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce, and Puremade Black Sugar Syrup.
Salt in cocktails brings out salty notes and flavors that may have been subtle in cocktails. It is also used to increase the sweetness and balance the bitterness. Salt further improves citrus in sours and can add depth and consistency to carbonated drinks. The food and beverage sector, in general, is powered by convenience. Therefore, products like salty cocktail syrups are gaining appeal among consumers who want to make cocktails at home without creating a mess. These syrups are pre-mixed with various flavors, including caramel, hazelnut, and salt. This combination provides customers with a unique combination of sweet and salty flavors.
