Assisted Choices
Earl Grey
Expansion
The classic floral tea blend is elevated to flavor status.
Trend
What is the Earl Grey Expansion trend?
Earl Grey Expansion: Consumers yearning for bold, floral flavors are turning to Earl Grey-infused cocktails and desserts that are elevating the iconic bergamot-tinged tea to become a flavor in its own right, expanding its influence outside of the world of tea. This shift highlights the experimental nature of individuals driven by exciting and unexpected flavor experiences and speaks to the ever-expanding demand to see time-tested tastes adapted into new contexts.
Trend themes
Themes within the Earl Grey Expansion trend
Three behaviours holding the trend togetherFloral Flavors
Consumers are seeking out bold, floral flavors in unexpected contexts such as cocktails, desserts, and snacks.
Low-ABV Cocktails
Consumers are gravitating towards low-alcohol cocktails that offer a healthier balance and allow for longer savoring experiences.
Instagrammable Food and Drink
Social media-friendly food and drink continues to be a trend with consumers, with establishments catering to this with visually stunning presentations.
Industry implications
What the Earl Grey Expansion trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFood and Beverage
The food and beverage industry can capitalize on these trends by offering unique and unexpected flavors, low-alcohol options, and visually stunning presentations.
Hospitality
The hospitality industry can leverage these trends by incorporating bold flavors, low-alcohol options, and Instagrammable presentations into their menus and offerings.
Retail
The retail industry can adapt these trends by offering unique and visually striking products that cater to consumers seeking out bold and floral flavors, low-alcohol options, and Instagrammable experiences.
Workshop question
How can you help satisfy evolving consumer expectations around unique flavor experiences?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Earl Grey Expansion
Trend score 2.9 out of 10, from popularity 34%, activity 44%, freshness 8%.
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Evidence
Examples of the Earl Grey Expansion trend
5 featured examples from Jun 26, 2016 to Jan 11, 2018Instagram-Friendly Ice Cream Parlors
California's Cauldron Ice Cream Will Open 5 Toronto Locations
The food and beverage industry can take advantage of the trend of made-to-order liquid nitrogen concoctions by offering unique and innovative dessert options.
Herbal Low-Booze Cocktails
The Ghost of Cape Aperitif is a Low-ABV Drink at a Texas Music Venue
The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of low-alcohol cocktails by developing innovative drink options that cater to health-conscious consumers.
London Fog Popsicles
These Earl Grey Tea Popsicles Turn an Iconic Latte Into an Ice Pop Format
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expand the range of tea-inspired products and capitalize on the growing interest in gourmet frozen treats.
Artisanal Small-Batch Marshmallows
Little Boo Boo Bakery Makes Campfire Confections Gourmet
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a niche in the confectionery industry by offering gourmet small-batch marshmallows with unique flavors and packaging.
Planetary Sphere-Shaped Cakes
The Spherical Cakes at Compostela are Named After Different Planets
The spherical cakes and planetary-themed desserts can bring innovation and creativity to traditional baking offerings, attracting a new set of customers to the industry.