Proposed sugary beverage taxes threaten to shift the Canadian beverage landscape

Technomic’s 2018 Canadian Beverage Consumer Trend Report reveals current and upcoming shifts in the beverage landscape

Technomic’s 2018 Canadian Beverage Consumer Trend Report reveals current and upcoming shifts in the beverage landscape

CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2018: Canadian consumers average about three drinks per week from foodservice, keeping things relatively stable since 2016. Although consumption has remained steady, major shifts are still underway in the beverage industry. Technomic’s 2018 Canadian Beverage Consumer Trend Report explores the impact that factors such as sugary beverage tax proposals and calorie count requirements on menus will have on beverage occasions.

“While still a leading beverage choice, consumption of regular soft drinks continues to decline in the face of increased efforts to tax sugary beverages" explains Bret Yonke, manager of consumer insights at Technomic and author of the report. “Consumers are increasingly aware of what they put into their bodies, and this will ramp up as calorie counts on menu boards become a requirement for restaurant chains. Moving forward, expect natural positioning and short ingredient lists to gain traction.”

Preview highlights from the report:

  • 43% of consumers have consumed a regular soft drink in the past month
  • 23% of consumers like to try new unique beverages offered at restaurants
  • 51% of consumers at least somewhat agree that the government should enforce heavier taxes on sugary drinks

Compiling findings from more than 1,000 consumer responses, as well as menu and industry data from the Ignite database, the comprehensive 2018 Canadian Beverage Consumer Trend Report serves as a guide for foodservice operators and suppliers to understand how consumer usage and attitudes toward nonalcohol beverages are evolving in Canada and to identify key areas of opportunity.

Technomic publishes a complete library of Consumer Trend Reports. To learn more, please visit technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.

Contacts:
Press inquiries and report details: Anne Mills, (312) 506-3867, amills@technomic.com
Purchasing details: Patrick Noone, (312) 506-3852, or pnoone@technomic.com

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