What are the main challenges and opportunities for beverage innovation in the green space?

innovation in the beverage industry is pivotal, especially in today's world where sustainability and responsibility are top priorities. It's inspiring to see how the industry is adapting to meet these challenges head-on. As we move forward, embracing environmentally-friendly practices and considering the entire lifecycle of a product will not only benefit businesses but also contribute to a better future for our planet.

Consumers expect a certain level of responsibility from companies and trust is lost when they're not upheld. Natural ingredients, sustainable packaging, low emissions routes are all great places to start.

I think that the larger overlooked opportunity is to use design as THE key to sustainable packaging. Call it cans, lightweight bottles, BIB…you can emotionally convey a message, share your brand values and connect through a compelling design and a strategy that backs up how and when you tell your story.

Check out the ESP guidelines - it's a way to use AI to measure your sustainability and to make sure you're using best practice to create great tasting drinks that are good for people and the planet.

Technology is enabling so many more options from packaging creation to AI (ESP) measures to track your carbon footprint - utilise it!

In the wine industry, technology fosters green innovation by developing sustainable grape varieties through biotechnology. To harness these benefits, the wine industry must invest in research, collaborate with industry experts, and experiment with new approaches, ensuring they meet growing consumer demands for eco-friendly and authentic wines. Winemakers ourselves must embrace this new approach to the future. #wineindustry #Chileanwineindustry #vinosdechile

In crowded markets, drinks that stand for something are standing out. If you're producing something with a net zero impact that's also good for consumers - talk about it.

Beverages is such a fun industry to work in and you can get creative with so many aspects from flavour to packaging that can all be done with sustainability in mind!

Customers love to be part of the decision-making process! Social media can help with this. Run polls and engage in customer suggestions and comments to broaden the concept pool.

Consumers are savvy and will boycott companies they know are making a negative impact. Smaller breweries and drinks manufacturers with positive environmental impacts are becoming increasingly popular.

As in the case of Sprite “going naked” (completely removing labels from bottles), strong retailer, regulatory and consumer encouragement is needed for these initiatives to move beyond a limited market test. While even a brand like Sprite would be so cautious, many other brands would fail to follow this small but important step towards reducing packaging without brand power.