Discover our innovative flavors for beers, alcohol-free beers and malted beverages: a response adapted to market trends

The beer market is undergoing a veritable revolution. From non-alcoholic beers to malted beverages, consumers are looking for ever more authentic and varied taste experiences, in line with new trends. To support this revolution, Metarom has developed 3 ranges specifically for the beer sector:

SOMMAIRE

• Beers 0.0
• Beers
• Malted beverages

In this article, you'll discover the details of these different ranges, how they adapt to consumer expectations, our expertise in this sector and how we can support you in your projects.

Healthy living, moderation and sustainability

Driven by the younger generation (Gen Z) who demand sustainable, healthy options, these global megatrends are enabling consumers to look after their bodies and minds, with complete peace of mind.

While younger generations are driving these trends, older generations are also looking for thoughtful consumption and a healthy lifestyle.

Reduction in alcohol consumption over the past 12 months in Europe

Source: Mintel

61% of adults in Central Europe try to limit or avoid their alcohol consumption. The majority tend to prefer moderation to abstention.

Beer market trends

The rise of alcohol-free beers

In contrast to the traditional beer market, which is experiencing a decline, France has seen its 0.0% beer market grow from strength to strength since 2018.

Concerned about their health and well-being, consumers are looking for alternatives to alcoholic beverages. Alcohol-free beer has found its place in the beverage market.

Number of beer and alcohol-free beer launches worldwide over the past 6 years

Source: Mintel

The quality of alcohol-free beer has improved considerably over the past two years. For producers, this means opportunities, challenges and the need for a certain level of quality to succeed in the competitive marketplace.

Thanks to the development of 0.0% beers, we are seeing the emergence of collaborations between traditional breweries and producers of alcohol-free beers, offering limited editions that are really enjoyed by beer drinkers.

To meet this demand, Metarom has developed a range of flavors for alcohol-free beers. Thanks to our expertise, we have succeeded in reproducing the complex aromatic profiles of traditional beers: IPA, white, blond, abbey, lager and brown.

The de-alcoholization process

De-alcoholization of beers is generally carried out by evaporation or reverse osmosis to remove alcohol while preserving aromas. However, the process can lead to a loss of volatile aromas.

To compensate for this, adding Metarom beer aromas enhances the taste of alcohol-free beer, guaranteeing a sensory experience as close as possible to that of a traditional beer.

Demand for craft beers and original flavors

Craft beers continue to attract beer lovers in search of new flavors and taste experiences. Consumers want beers with intense aromas that stand out for their originality. Fruity, floral, alcoholic or ultra-tasty, flavored beers reinvent the brewing experience by combining bold flavors with the traditional bitterness of beer. Easy to drink, they are often light in alcohol and hops.

Top 5 flavors of flavored beers launched in Europe

Source: Mintel

What is the legal framework for flavored beers?

The term “flavored beer” has long referred to beers that “have a taste”, meaning flavors that do not derive from the malts, hops, or yeast.

Since 2017, beers brewed with fresh fruit or spices no longer fall into the category of flavored beers. This now refers to beers whose taste comes from a flavoring or industrial addition.

To meet these trends and challenges, we have developed a range of flavors adapted to all types of beer. We offer brewers the opportunity to enhance their creations with natural and extracted flavors, so that they can add citrus, botanical, floral, fruity (exotic fruits, red fruits, orchard fruits) or alcoholic, warm and gourmet notes. These flavors will enable brewers to bring a unique aromatic signature to their products.

The emergence of malt beverages: a drink with many benefits

Beyond traditional beer, the market is seeing the emergence of a new trend: malted beverages. Made from roasted barley, malt beverages can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Its carbohydrate content provides long-lasting energy. Its sweet taste is reminiscent of unfermented beer. It's also known for its many nutritional benefits.

These malted beverages are particularly appealing to young adults, with their light, fruity aroma profiles that are less bitter than conventional beers. These beverages respond to the trend towards more varied, casual drinking.

How is malt beverage made?

Malt beverages are distinguished by their specific manufacturing process. Barley, the main ingredient, is first dried and then roasted. This two-stage process begins with drying the malt at a temperature of around 30°C for a day, followed by roasting at 45°C for around 12 hours. The intensity of roasting can be adjusted to obtain more or less pronounced flavors. In general, malt is characterized by a mild flavor, a caramel scent and a pleasant texture, ideal for cold consumption. Darker malts, the result of more intense roasting, have even deeper aromas and flavors.

There are two main types of malt beverages:

• Dark malt: very dark, with a strong malt taste
• Clear malt: less pronounced malt taste, can be flavored

The nutritional benefits of malt beverages

La boisson maltée est non seulement savoureuse mais aussi bénéfique pour la santé. Elle est souvent inMalted beverages are not only tasty, they're also good for your health. Thanks to its low fat content and high amino acid content, it is often included in weight-loss diets. Composed mainly of water, it is hydrating and light. The many benefits of drinking malt beverages include:

• It reduces hypertension: Caffeine-free, it can be used as an energy drink, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease in people with low blood pressure.
• It strengthens bones: Rich in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, it contributes to the development and maintenance of healthy bones.
• It is full of vitamins: It contains vitamins A, B and E, with a notable concentration of vitamin B, essential for food metabolism and improved vision.

Our range of malt beverage flavors is designed to enable manufacturers to create innovative, refreshing beverages in tune with the times, while retaining the aromatic richness of malt products.

These flavors are designed to offer perfect combinations of lightness, freshness and complicity, enabling brands to differentiate themselves in a fast-growing market.

Why work with us?

We are a player in the field of beverage flavors with a broad portfolio of flavors and natural extracts with varied notes and we base our expertise on 3 pillars:

• A specific approach to meet your individual needs, or by choosing dedicated ranges.
• Substantial human and material resources, including a pool of experts, a team of flavor specialists, regulatory experts, marketing professionals, laboratories (chromatographic, sensory, and application), as well as physico-chemical and rheological analyses.
• A comprehensive service with an industrial-grade extraction and atomization pilot, a dedicated technical team, a client relations team, a 24/7 client extranet, and a customer satisfaction level of 98.8%.

Our 3 ranges of beer flavors have been developed thanks to this expertise, enabling us to offer our customers :

• Quality and naturalness with flavors derived from natural ingredients that meet the expectations of today's consumers.
• Customization: Each manufacturer can adjust the flavors to meet specific needs.
• Stability: Our flavors are designed to guarantee perfect stability over time to ensure a consistent taste experience for consumers.
• Sustainability: aware of environmental issues, we pay particular attention to our production practices.

In conclusion

As the market evolves, it's crucial for manufacturers of beers, alcohol-free beers and malt beverages to offer products that respond to new consumer trends. Our ranges are perfectly adapted to meet the challenges of these 3 areas, with a rich palette of flavors that will enhance your products in a fast-changing market.

Are you a brewer or malt beverage manufacturer? Contact us today to find out more about our ranges, our expertise and how we can help you develop or reformulate your unique, tasty products.