61% of US adults aged 22+ purchase alcohol for off-premise consumption. While dollar sales in most alcohol segments are on the rise, securing appeal in a competitive marketplace requires aligning with consumer preferences. Two thirds of alcohol buyers indicate paying attention to package format, and 64% pay attention to label design, meaning packaging is more than simply the thing that holds what’s inside. Product quality is second only to taste as a purchase driver, meaning communicating quality will be important to resonating with shoppers. Consumers identify multiple quality cues, including glass containers, product price, clean labels, and brand story.

For the purposes of this Report, Mintel will cover trends in beverage package labeling and design in the shelf-stable and refrigerated alcoholic US beverage industry. The Report includes insight into consumer priorities regarding package characteristics, labeling, functionality, and design when shopping in specific beverage categories. In addition, attitudes and behaviors regarding packaging materials and recycling are discussed, particularly as they relate to themes applicable to the Report.

While the Report focuses on alcoholic beverages, some innovation examples feature non-alcoholic beverages, as well as products in categories outside of beverage.

A look at packaging trends in the non-alcoholic beverage space can be found in Mintel’s Beverage Packaging Trends – US, June 2016.

Value figures throughout this Report are at retail selling prices (rsp), excluding sales tax, unless otherwise stated.