Dragonfruit, Pandan leaf, Ube, Coke with pickle juice. Who would have thought that these would ever become a trend? This isn’t some utopian smoothie bar or the world’s most chaotic grocery list—it’s just some of the 2024-2025 flavour trends. As the functional beverage sector continues to evolve, flavour has emerged as a critical point of differentiation—particularly in the energy and …

For years, the idea of “healthy” was often associated with compromise. It meant bland flavours, grassy aftertastes, or drinks you’d only consume during a detox—something tolerated when necessary, but quickly abandoned once life returned to normal. Fortunately, this perception has shifted. Today, wellness and flavour are no longer mutually exclusive. Consumers expect products that not only support their health goals …

Cognitive Fuel: Can Nootropic Drinks Really Boost Brainpower? Fifteen years ago, if you’d stopped someone outside a grocery store and asked them to name an ingredient that could enhance energy and productivity, chances are their answer would’ve been simple and unanimous: caffeine. For decades, caffeine reigned as the undisputed king of cognitive enhancement. From early-morning espressos to late-night energy drinks, …

Not long ago, choosing to stay sober at a party often came with awkward glances or probing questions—usually some variation of: “You’re not drinking? What’s wrong?” In many cultures, alcohol has long been a social staple. Celebrations, first dates, networking events—it’s hard to imagine them without a glass of something in hand. Yet too often, these moments ended in blackouts, …

In recent years, the functional beverage market has experienced rapid growth, with drinks enhanced by nootropics, adaptogens, vitamins, and minerals becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers. One category gaining momentum—though often underestimated—is hydration. At first glance, hydration seems simple: drink more water, stay hydrated. But the science of proper hydration is more nuanced. As consumers become more educated, brands—and the …

Have you heard the latest? Monk fruit has just been approved by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), meaning it’s now a permissible ingredient in food and drink across the UK! Monk fruit, or Luo Han Guo, is a small melon from southern China, traditionally used in medicine for its health benefits. Its sweetness comes from mogrosides, which are calorie-free and …

Developing and manufacturing your drink is just the beginning of your journey. Crafting the perfect beverage is already a challenge in itself, however, selling and marketing your drink requires even more dedication and hard work. It is a full-time job to have a drink brand. It doesn’t pay well at the beginning, thus you have to invest a lot of …

When it comes to following trends and innovation, not many places can match up with London Consumers. The UK food and drink market is known for its diverse and vibrant offerings- most trends in the UK start here. Having a food and drink marketing agency in the heart of England helps you to constantly stay inspired and to always pay …

Recipe development is of utmost importance in the drinks industry. It plays the role in the creation of unique and innovative beverages, aligning with consumer preferences, ensuring product quality and consistency, driving cost efficiencies, as well as facilitating market expansion. In addition it allows businesses to respond to trends and health considerations, build brand identity, and respond to customer feedback …

Functional drinks have enjoyed a lot of spotlight since 2020 as people were more concerned about their health than ever before. Even though immunity is not their No 1 priority anymore, consumers still really care about their mental and physical well-being. This need created a market for various superfoods including superfood mushrooms. In the past decade, scientists started paying more …

The emergence of Covid has ignited a strong focus on boosting immunity, leading to a surge of interest in gut health. Recent groundbreaking studies have revealed the profound effects of gut health on immunity, mood, hormonal balance, recovery, and overall well-being. The gut, housing an abundance of bacteria, plays a vital role beyond digestion by producing beneficial molecules for the …

Energy drinks first hit the market in post-World War II Japan and were popular with truck drivers and shift workers who relied on the explosive mix of caffeine, vitamins and sugar to stay awake. By the end of the 1980’s, thanks to clever marketing, one energy drink originally known as Krating Daeng, changed its name to Red Bull and took …

Over the last 14 years I have had hundreds of budding Entrepreneurs contact me to find out all the costs and funding needed to make their food or drink idea a reality. On closer scrutiny, they explain that they are putting together a business plan to raise money to develop their idea, but sadly not one of them has ever come back …

The Food & Beverage sector attracts many eager start-up founders. And I’ve found that many like to think that they can launch their new brand on a shoestring budget. However, every business needs money to start and, believe me, the Food & Drink industry can suck up a lot more cash than many other sectors that entrepreneurs consider entering. Very …

Given the huge number of products on our grocery store shelves, it is no surprise that it is a challenge to introduce something new. Not only do you need a clear point of difference you also need to entice your target audience to try it.

Looking at the range of food and drink in a supermarket many entrepreneurs will think they have a great idea for something new and different. However, as always, some key steps need to be undertaken to get from concept to shelf.

Over the years we have met many budding entrepreneurs wanting to bring their dreams to life and start up in the beverage business. I have seen some innovative and exciting ideas that have great potential, and quite a few that made no sense at all.

The key reasons people cite for buying a zero-alcohol drinks are: health (including weight loss and disease prevention), wanting to be able to drive, and saving money. There are some great low alcohol beers (technically they are not alcohol free) but just because the beer brewers have got it right doesn’t mean the spirits market has hit the spot. Not …

You can have the best tasting, most delicious food or drink product on the market but if no one tries it, no one will ever know, 90% of a first-time purchase is based on the branding; it’s why a consumer will pick your product over their regular choice or your competition. Your branding is as important as the product itself. …

Do you have a food or drink recipe that has been within your family for generations? Or have you tasted a great dish or drink while travelling and would love to bring it to the UK? It’s very easy to believe that your recipe will go viral when it hits the food and drinks market; you aren’t the first person …

Join Richard Horwell, the Managing Director of Brand Relations, a Food and Drink Specialist, for a conversation on the key considerations of spirits branding. From what does and doesn’t make a good brand story to knowing when to rebrand and where to focus your efforts.

You can have the best tasting, most luxurious product on the market but if no one picks it up and tries it, no one will ever know. 90% of a first-time purchase is based on the branding; it’s why a consumer will pick your product over their regular choice or your competition. Your branding is as important as the product …

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3735″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]We are seeing consumer buying habits changing. When they are doing their week shopping for food and drink, consumers increasing concerned with functionality and health. In the past, it was much more about buying into a lifestyle that a drink or snack brand offered, rather than the product itself. To put it another way, brand loyalty was gained by …

With over 40 years experience in the marketing & management within the hospitality, food & drink sector, I am passionate about the business and especially those who start and develop a food and drink business within this area.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] There’s a lot of competition on beverage shelves, and soft drinks buyers do range reviews at the start of the new year. To be successful with your drinks brand in 2021 you need to start preparing now, writes Richard Horwell of F&B marketing and branding company Brand Relations. There is a lot of competition and since COVID-19 there has …

Listen to our January 2021 episode of Food Travel Talk TV where we discussed how the COVID pandemic is changing the food and beverage products and experiences that consumers and travelers enjoy. Special thanks to our guest Richard Horwell, Brand Relations, London, UK.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whenever we are presented with a new project at Brand Relations, we understand that market research is key. Market research without you knowing will likely influence most of the decisions you make; down to: Food or drinks packaging design Recipe Development Even where you will sell to reach your target market Researching is important, if you don’t create a striking …

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]How to get a drink manufactured The Manufacturing process of creating a drink is one not to be underestimated. It is a complex operation that requires experience, extensive knowledge and trusting contacts to make the perfect product- ready to be sold in shops within the shortest time frame possible. At Brand Relations, our relationships with all components of the supply chain …

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]My first brainchild was one which I developed over a few years from scratch and sold 6 years later to a Dutch Billionaire; it was a long hard road but as it was my baby and I wanted nothing more than it to be a success. The name of this brainchild was called Ibiza Ice. I had always been fond …

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With lockdown and redundancies, more people than ever are thinking about starting a food and drink business.  90% of them will fail within two years, in part because of the high failure rate in all start-ups but increased by the misconceptions surrounding this industry. So, when a chum’s daughter asked me for advice, I put her in touch with Richard …