Beverage Dynamics Spring 2025 | Page 22

Look for cabernet franc to finally step out of the shadow of cabernet sauvignon this year.

AF & Co. and Carbonate predict that some of the less-known wine varietals will step into the wine spotlight this year. Chenin blanc, for one, is primed to ride the coattails of sauvignon blanc’ s rising wave, as it shares similar flavor characteristics and is incredibly versatile, the report says. It can be sweet, dry, off-dry, still or sparkling. It ' s also foodfriendly and can pair well with many different cuisines.

Portugal’ s vinho verde grape, naturally low in alcohol, crisp and lightly spritzy, is another. Most vinho verde is tailor-made for casual, everyday moments— picnics, poolside afternoons and easy weeknight dinners. The recent boom in

Portuguese tourism is also fueling familiarity, curiosity and demand for the varietal.

As for reds, AF & Co. and Carbonate note that cabernet franc is finally stepping out of the shadow of cabernet sauvignon. Cab franc checks all the right boxes: naturally moderate in alcohol, vibrant in acidity and often served chilled.

Cab Franc Forward NY, a grassroots initiative launched last year by New York’ s wineries, is doing its part to spread the word about the varietal. It aims to establish cabernet franc as the state’ s signature red grape and elevate it on the global wine stage.

Research firm Mintel predicts that ready-todrink( RTD) beverage innovation will center on bold flavor experimentation, premium cocktail-style offerings and expanded low / no-alcohol formats that align with sober-curious but still-drinking younger consumers. Flavor is the top factor influencing RTD purchases, according to Mintel’ s report on RTD Alcoholic Beverages-US 2025, and ranks high in consumer interest for innovation.

The Mintel report notes that while Hispanic and tropical flavors have long been staples in the category, Asian-inspired options are now entering the market. Drinks including soju and sake are gaining popularity, fueled by K-pop, Korean dramas and cultural crossovers.

Oishii Sake Spritz exemplifies the trend of RTDs with global flavors.

This influence is evident in RTD launches, both through Asian brands expanding into the U. S., such as Japanese brand −196, or national brands experimenting with Asian flavor profiles. Oishii Sake Spritz, a 6 % ABV, zero-added-sugar, gluten-free RTD, launched in summer 2025, and is available in flavors such as mango yuzu, lychee lemon, watermelon lime, and coconut lemongrass.

Not to be outdone by the flavor trend in hard seltzers and hard teas, more brewers have been experimenting with adding flavors, says Witte. For example, one of the biggest brands in this category, Busch Light Apple, this past June introduced a sister beer for warm weather: Busch Light Lime.

“ Not only will we see brewers venture further into this space in 2026, but we’ ll continue to see this trend dovetail with the breeding of more and more hops with fruit-forward aromas and flavors,” Witte says.“ This has long been a way for brewers to enter this space through more traditional means. And I think it’ s a trend that will continue.”

22 Beverage Dynamics • Spring 2026 www. beveragedynamics. com