In the year when the greatest show on earth, the Olympic Games, will come to town, and England yet again hopes to triumph at the UEFA European Championships, when celebration could or should be sweeping the country, what will we be drinking in 2012?
Adrian Tierney-Jones from the Telegraph suggests it could be the year craft beers continue to come of age, wine cocktails will open up new frontiers of flavour and we’ll be drinking at “pop up bars”. So if you’ve got a taste for the slightly more exotic or you’ve ever wondered how to make your own beer, cider or fruit wine, then 2012 could be the year to try out your own DIY tipple-making creations. During the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Gin made from 10 carefully selected botanicals or a wine cocktail blended with vodka and Chardonnay could even take your fancy!
These predictions might sound a bit far-fetched, but when looking at the pub scene, Adrian suggests a rejuvenated consumer interest in 2012 propelled by renewed interest and availability of quality real ale and craft beers to offset the issues faced in the sector. The growth and strength of so-called ‘craft beer bars’ such as Cask in London and Port Street Beer House in Manchester suggest he’s hit the nail on the head with that one.
One certain prediction for the year. 2012 will be challenging for the drinks sector! The state of the economy means maintaining let alone increasing market share will be occupying brands. Enticing cash strapped consumers to part with their money will mean consumers balance quality and price more than ever before. The drinks industry will need to keep their audience of sippers happy by offering innovative options and value-oriented choices without compromising quality. Here’s to hoping an austere New Year moves over to a summer of celebration.
Posted by Shelly Murphy
Tuesday, January 17, 2012