Drink Businesses

Opportunities

The large drink consuming public is always eager for the next big thing in refreshments and those wishing to start their own drink business in the U.S. have a distinct advantage. The drink business is a mature category, which means that the necessary infrastructure is already in place. Sourcing of raw materials, transportation, processing capabilities, distribution networks, industry experts, business consultants, an ample workforce, and regulations that ensure a consistent application of standards for all companies—all contribute to making the drink business a vibrant industry.

Industry

The beverage industry includes manufacturers and distributors of soft drinks, bottled water, energy drinks, sports drinks, milk products, coffee and tea based products, nutritional drinks, and alcohol products. Some factors that influence the consumption of these products can include the time of day or other environmental situations, but consumer tastes, demographics and lifestyles are the engine that drives the demand for beverages. Large companies benefit from economies of scale in production and distribution. Small companies can compete by producing new products, catering to local tastes, or nimbly reacting to changes in the marketplace. The beverage industry is a huge part of our economy that affects many different sectors.

Design

The right drink design can help the brand stand out on the shelf and create a positive relationship with the target consumer. A well-designed label will create interest, while a poorly designed label may confuse the consumer and ineffectively communicate the brand and key product benefits. A professional drink designer can help construct an eye-catching drink design that effectively communicates the brand's attributes and creates an emotional response from the consumer.

Studying the competition will reveal what works and what does not with regard to drink design. Consumer and market research, feedback from distributors and retailers will provide invaluable information that will serve as a launching pad for creative and innovative drink designs. Identifying a trend in drink design and riding the wave can lead to the development of a successful brand.

Energy Shot Company

The most important thing to consider when developing an energy shot is creating a brand identity. However, before creating a brand, the energy shot company must know the target demographic. It is easier to develop a better beverage that speaks to consumers and can connect with it. The target demographic may dictate everything from the packaging design to the flavor of a product. Understanding the customer is the first step in successful beverage development.

Ingredients
Due to their ingredients, energy shots have a variety of physiological and psychological effects, improving mental and cognitive performances as well as increasing alertness, subjectively. The caffeine content of energy shots is a major selling point to many customers. Generally, energy shots include methylxanthines, vitamin B and herbs. Other common ingredients are guarana, acai and taurine, plus various forms of ginseng, maltodextrin, carbonated water, inositol, carnitine, creatine, glucuronolactone and ginkgo biloba. Some contain high levels of sugar, while other brands offer artificially sweetened "diet" versions.