# Branded Socializing Brands incorporate social networks as an integral part of the drinking process. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published May 7, 2014 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/branded-socializing ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.6/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Branded Socializing trend? **Branded Socializing:** Oversharing has become commonplace as users upload to social media more than ever, which is being formally incorporated by libation brands as a way to foster brand-consumer relationships. The recognition of consumption rituals is creating a stronger notion of branded socialization for consumers to correlate products as another member of their friend group. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: May 29, 2013 to Mar 12, 2014 - Published: May 7, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Branded Socializing trend ### Social Media Integration Brands are incorporating social media into their product designs to foster brand-consumer relationships. ### Convenient Drinking Innovations that combine mobile phone usage and drinking are becoming increasingly popular. ### Automated Bartending Robotic bartenders are emerging to provide convenient and efficient drink dispensing, payment, and social media integration. ## What the Branded Socializing trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage F&B companies can incorporate social media and mobile phones to create more interactive drinking experiences for customers. ### For Technology The emergence of robotic bartenders provides opportunities for tech companies to further develop automated systems for the food and drink industry. ### For Marketing Combining social media and drinking can lead to new marketing campaigns and strategies for companies. ## Trend signals for Branded Socializing Trend score 2.6 out of 10, from popularity 44%, activity 25%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 44% - Activity: 25% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Branded Socializing trend 5 featured examples from May 29, 2013 to Mar 12, 2014. - [App-Controlled Alcoholic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-gutenberg): Project Gutenberg Dispenses Liqour to Create a Perfect Cocktail (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation within the food and beverage industry by creating innovative and efficient cocktail mixing solutions. - [Customer-Controlled Happy Hours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drinking-experience): The Carlsberg HappyBeerTime Stint Revamps the Drinking Experience (Category: Marketing) Implication: The beverage industry can explore leveraging technology and gamified marketing techniques to enhance the drinking experience and build brand loyalty. - [Automated Bartender Kegs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/automated-bartender): The Robokeg Recommends Drinks Before Serving Them and Charging You (Category: Tech) Implication: The hospitality industry can leverage automated bartender kegs to enhance customer service, reduce wait times, and optimize revenue streams. - [Smartphone-Displaying Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phone-holder): The 'Cell Phone Holder Party Cup' Displays Your Device While You Drink (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Event planners can consider offering smartphone-displaying cups at events to enhance social media engagement and practicality for attendees. - [Scotch Sidekick Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/useful-app): The Distiller by Distiller is a Super Useful App for Whiskey Enthusiasts (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The Distiller app presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the whiskey and spirits industry by reaching a wider audience and providing personalized recommendations. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)