According to estimates, the global non-alcoholic drink market size is estimated to reach US $ 1.6 trillion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% by 2025. Moreover, the increasing demand for nutritional or functional beverages is expected to boost market growth in the coming years.

Over time, the non-alcoholic beverage market has grown substantially and continues to strengthen its footprint, but with the covid wave on a high tide, the global non-alcoholic beverage industry has witnessed a severe impact. As a result, brands are incorporating various safety measures and quality checks to boost consumers' trust. In addition, beverages that provide nutritional benefits such as immune health, zero added sugar, zero artificial sweeteners, and zero preservatives are slowly gaining momentum as an essential component of the segment.

The booming demand for homegrown beverage brands to supplement health without compromising taste propels the non-alcoholic beverage market. They offer many options for consumers to try and buy new non-alcoholic beverages of various kinds and various formats. To live a wholesome lifestyle, people focus on the benefits of healthy food and drinks and the need for these products in these unprecedented times. The fitness and nutrition industry has also penetrated the market as people have started making healthier choices.

The rising preference of the consumer towards healthy beverages enriched with nutrients has caused the manufacturers to introduce several nutritious products in the market. Today, the consumers, especially the millennials and younger gens, are more inclined towards exploring. They are willing to try out new and healthier alternatives that are refreshing and can tango with the Indian youth compared to traditional soft drinks.

On the other side, parents are always looking out for healthy beverage alternatives that meet the nutritional needs to support healthy development in children instead of nutritionally deficient, sugary drinks.

Consumption of non-alcoholic beverages fulfills a basic refreshment need and enhances the mood offering an individual respite from a stressful life. These Besides, it has been noted that people are consuming non-alcoholic drinks to cut down on consumption of alcoholic beverages regularly.

Nowadays, new-age brands have made the much-loved non-alcoholic drinks like colas, lime, and lemon not only guilt-free but also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy, flavorful choice beverage. Moreover, with the goodness of ayurvedic ingredients like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Khus, Kokum and Green Tea, these beverages give the body something extra to help stay ahead. And with such options being available in the market, people are more carefree and want something other than just water to quench their thirst and hence the trend of having non-alcoholic beverages will stay and grow.

Siddhesh Sharma, founder and chief executive officer of Naturedge Beverages