Worth the hype and shelf space – boozy flavours to take note of

Space on your booze shelf is precious. So, the idea of introducing flavoured spirits into the mix might be daunting, depending on the size of your range. Nonetheless, they’re a great way to add interest for your customers and show you keep up with the trends.

Before you go on to find the right flavours for your store, it’s important to note the two distinct camps in flavoured products. The first is the novelty camp: fun flavours, often synthetically made, that appeal to a younger drinker. These might sit at the lower and mid-point of the market. The second is a more sophisticated flavour range – the flavours themselves might be more subtle, unusual, and could tend to veer away from being really sweet or synthetically composed. Often these come with a premium price point.

Both make great additions to your shelf, so long as they suit your customers. So, look at the price point of your customers’ bottle spend to decipher where to start looking.

Nick Gillett

Once you know, you can read up on what’s popular for the season. This year, it’s all about spicy flavours and dessert flavours. Think jalapeño and chilies, or more traditional spices like cinnamon and anise. For dessert-inspired tipples, look at coffee, hazelnut, and chocolate infusions – especially around the festive season. Don’t just look at vodka and gin – all categories are now widening out to include flavoured varieties, even tequila, rum, and whisky, so don’t be afraid to explore.

Above all else, know your customer. And if they fit a demographic that’s up for exploring, do your best to give them something new and exciting. There are plenty of great bottles out there!