Hard seltzers slowly changing the drinking game in alcobev industry

Spyk is an all-natural, brewed beverage for the modern, playful, conscious consumer; the changemakers. Unlike other seltzers that are carbonated cocktail mixes, Spyk is freshly brewed, low-calorie, low-carb, naturally flavored and has a solid 5.5 per cent alcohol with just 2G carbs. It is ideal for the social drink- for your networking meets, night outs or quiet nights at home with its crisp and refreshing taste and low as 100 calories, leaving you with a pleasant, guilt-free buzz. In an interview with Bizz Buzz, Vimal Chand, Founder, Spyk Hard Seltzer, provides great insight into areas in the field

How do you see the rise of hard seltzer? How is this new beverage disrupting the Indian alcohol industry?

The rise of hard seltzers has been a massive trend in the global beverage industry, with more consumers looking for easy-to-drink, low-calorie beverage options. The hard seltzer segment is still in its early stages in India, with most of our population being under the age of 40 and consumer preferences rapidly evolving to favour products that fit with their active, and health-conscious lifestyles, it has immense potential. With an increasing cultural shift towards casual drinking in India, the popularity of hard seltzers has the potential to disrupt the traditional alcohol industry in the country.

Hard seltzer Vs traditional drinks: Which is winning the battle for drinkers and hearts?

Hard seltzer’s popularity has also had an impact on traditional alcoholic beverages, particularly beer. In recent years, more people abroad have been opting for hard seltzer which has resulted in the decline of beer sales and it is only a matter of time before India follows suit. Hard seltzers are fun, convenient, and healthy. There are a few reasons why they are beating traditional drinks, especially for the modern consumer.

How would you describe the low-calorie revolution and how hard seltzer is revolutionizing healthy drinking habits?

The low-calorie revolution is a cultural shift led by the millennials and modern health conscious consumers. As people are becoming aware of the adverse effects of consuming high-calorie foods and drinks, the movement of shifting towards healthier eating and drinking habits, especially low-calorie, low-sugar items has continued to gain traction in recent years. One particular area where the low-calorie revolution is making a significant impact is the beverage industry, specifically with the rise of hard seltzers which are a popular choice among conscious consumers.

How is hard seltzer changing drinking culture from beaches to boardrooms?

Hard seltzers have quickly become a popular drink in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Being low-calorie, low-carb, and low-alcohol, hard seltzers are a guilt-free alternative to beer and other alcoholic beverages. It has become a popular choice for people who are looking for a light and refreshing drink that won’t leave them feeling bloated or weighed down. It is also often marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks and has contributed to the rise of the trend in the beverage industry. This has led to an increase in demand for hard seltzers at social gatherings, parties, and even in the boardroom.

Another way in which hard seltzer is changing drinking culture is by breaking down traditional gender barriers. Historically, beer and other alcoholic beverages have been marketed primarily towards men, while wine and cocktails have been marketed towards women. However, hard seltzer is marketed as a drink that is gender-neutral and inclusive. Its light and refreshing taste appeals to both men and women, and its packaging is often designed to be unisex, which allows it to appeal to a wider range of consumers.

Hard seltzer is often associated with a more casual and laid-back drinking culture. The drink is light and its refreshing flavour profile makes it an ideal choice for summer activities, as well as networking events, office parties, and post-work hangouts, where you want to have valuable conversations while also creating a casual and approachable atmosphere where it is easy for everyone to break the ice.

How would you describe new frontiers in flavours? What are the latest trends in hard seltzer in terms of taste and innovation?

Hard seltzer marketing is growing, evolving, and innovating at a rapid pace with new flavours and tastes being introduced to meet the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers. While India is still picking up slowly, some of the latest trends across brands around the globe are: Bold and exotic flavors - like dragon fruit, and hibiscus; fruit and botanical infused - fruit-infused hard seltzers have been popular for a while, but the new innovations in this category include blending different fruits and adding botanicals for unique flavour combination; cocktail-inspired - some hard seltzers are taking inspiration from classic cocktails such as margaritas, mojitos, and cosmopolitans, offering a lower alcohol content and fewer calories than traditional mixed drinks.

What are the health benefits of hard seltzer and how do they help athletes and health enthusiasts?

Hard seltzers are often marketed as a healthier alcoholic beverage option due to their low calorie and carbohydrate content, making them appealing to athletes and health enthusiasts. Here are some of the health benefits that hard seltzers may offer: Low calorie - hard seltzers are typically low in calories, often containing fewer than 100 calories per serving. This can make them a good choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight; Low carbohydrate: Hard seltzers are also low in carbohydrates, making them a good choice for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet; Gluten-free: Many hard seltzers are gluten-free, which can be beneficial for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance; Hydration: Hard seltzers are made with water, which can help with hydration. This can be particularly important for athletes who need to maintain proper hydration levels during and after exercise; Reduced hangover symptoms: Hard seltzers may also lead to reduced hangover symptoms due to their lower alcohol and sugar content. However, it is important to note that hard seltzers still contain alcohol and should be consumed in moderation.

Why is hard seltzer a summer drink?

Hard seltzer is often considered a summer drink because of its incredibly refreshing, light, and thirst-quenching characteristics. Hard seltzers are fizzy, crisp, and even more delicious when served cold on a hot summer day. They also come in fruity flavours like orange, lime, and mixed berry which evoke the feelings of summer and make them even more appealing in the warmer months.

Interestingly, while they have been labelled a summer drink, they have gained popularity to be the most versatile drink all year round.

What is the science of seltzer? Can you describe the brewing process of India’s first freshly brewed hard seltzer brand?

Spyk hard seltzer, India’s first brewed hard seltzer, is manufactured through a proprietary BrewClear process which includes the fermentation of sucrose, yeast, and water. Hard seltzers are a brew of simple sugars, alternatively known as sugar brews in the industry. During the fermentation phase of the sugar brew, most of the beverage’s natural sugar converts into alcohol, giving it the following characteristics: Naturally gluten-free: Grains, rice, and malt are not part of the raw materials used, making the product gluten-free; Low on calories and carbs: Dextrose (corn sugar) and fructose (fruit sugar) are 100 per cent fermentable by yeast, meaning the only calories left over are those from alcohol. All the ingredients used in the brewing process are natural and no artificial sweeteners are added; Colourless: Sugar, unlike malt, is completely colourless, making sugar brews the perfect pure light formulation. A brewed hard seltzer is also far apart in taste from infused seltzers, leaving no taste of alcohol or artificial sweeteners, it also is incredibly light on the stomach as compared to beers as there is no malt base.

How are hard seltzer low-calorie, flavourful alcoholic drinks for every occasion?

Hard seltzers have become a popular choice for consumers looking for a refreshing, low-calorie, and flavourful alcoholic beverage that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Its light and refreshing flavours make it an ideal choice for summer activities, as well as networking events, office parties, and post-work hangouts. The widespread popularity of hard seltzer can be attributed to its ability to cater to a diverse range of consumers who are not necessarily fond of traditional alcoholic beverages. Additionally, its reasonable pricing has made it a favorite among the younger generation, but sophisticated packaging and minimal after-effects have also made it an attractive option for people of all ages. Additionally, hard seltzers are versatile drinks that can be sold in cans, making them a portable and convenient option that can be enjoyed on the go.

How are hard seltzers reinventing the way we drink?

Hard seltzers have completely changed the drinking game in the beverage industry, bringing in a new era of consumption. Their low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, and low-alcohol content have made them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers who want to enjoy their drinks without any guilt. The broad spectrum of flavors available in hard seltzers and their convenient, on-the-go packaging has made them incredibly versatile, and they are now a staple at social events and parties, replacing traditional alcoholic beverages. As a result, hard seltzers have led to a shift in drinking habits, with people opting for refreshing drinks over ones that leave them feeling sluggish and stuffed. Overall, hard seltzers are revolutionizing the way we drink by offering a healthier, more convenient, and inclusive alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks.