Beverages drive Australian foodservice growth as QSR leads serving gains
Seven in 10 foodservice meals in Australia included beverages.
Beverages were included in more than seven in 10 foodservice meal occasions in Australia, with nearly 10% of consumers ordering drinks only, according to Circana.
The data showed quick-service restaurants were the only channel to record growth in beverage servings over the past year, supported by delivery, lunch occasions and promotional deals.
It also found a shift in caffeine preferences, with energy and sports drinks rising rapidly while coffee servings declined.
Circana said the growth in energy and sports drink consumption was driven largely by consumers aged 25 to 34, particularly during afternoon snack occasions.
In a separate report by Innova Market Insights, teas positioned around hydration and other functional claims, often marketed as “beverages with purpose”, are contributing to higher-priced segments.
New product launches increasingly highlight gut health, with probiotics and prebiotics now common selling points.
