{"id":39558,"date":"2026-09-01T16:29:45","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T08:29:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsbites.hktdc.com\/?p=39558"},"modified":"2026-09-01T16:51:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T08:51:34","slug":"genz-drinks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsbites.hktdc.com\/markets\/genz-drinks\/","title":{"rendered":"Gen Z\u2019s Shift to Cold, Customisable Drinks Reshapes the Global Beverage Market"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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A growing number of Gen Z consumers are moving away from traditional hot coffee in favour of cold, personalised beverages, prompting major coffee chains to rethink their product strategies. According to a BBC report, Starbucks, once synonymous with hot coffee, now sells cold drinks for around three-quarters of its beverage sales. Popular options include iced fruit-based refreshers, protein drinks and \u201cdirty sodas\u201d, which combine syrups, foam and juices.<\/p>

Gen Z Look For Self-Expression in Drinks<\/h3>

Industry experts say younger consumers increasingly view beverages as a form of self-expression rather than simply a source of caffeine. Customisation, visual appeal and perceived functionality are key purchase drivers. Although Gen Z tend to be price-conscious, many are willing to pay a premium for drinks that feel unique, larger in size or offer health-related benefits.<\/strong><\/p>

Social media is accelerating this trend.<\/strong> Viral products such as Starbucks\u2019 limited-edition Unicorn Frappuccino demonstrated the power of visually striking beverages, reportedly driving a significant spike in store visits during its short sales period. Competitors including Dunkin\u2019 Donuts are responding with protein-enhanced and highly customisable cold drink offerings aimed at younger consumers.<\/span><\/div>
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Source: BBC News<\/em><\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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How Shall Global Beverage Traders Adapt to Evolving Gen Z Tastes?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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The beverage industry is evolving from a coffee-centric model to an experience-driven market where customisation, functionality and social-media appeal increasingly influence purchasing decisions. For suppliers, this creates opportunities across ingredients, packaging, equipment and product innovation. <\/strong>The “infinite personalisation” through foams, flavours, and protein are “almost pure profit” for the value chain.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Trusted e-Marketplace to Navigate Changing Market Demand<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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With ever-changing customer preferences and an increasingly competitive market, it is vital to choose a reliable e-commerce platform.<\/p>

Be sure to continue your sourcing with\u00a0hktdc.com Sourcing<\/em>, a statutory-backed e-Marketplace<\/strong>\u00a0with thousands of product varieties and trusted by millions of buyers and suppliers worldwide.<\/p>

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