# Earl Grey Expansion The classic floral tea blend is elevated to flavor status. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Jan 20, 2018 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/earl-grey-expansion ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 26, 2016 to Jan 11, 2018 - Published: Jan 20, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Earl Grey Expansion trend ### Floral 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. ## What the Earl Grey Expansion trend means for industry ### For Food 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. ### For Hospitality The hospitality industry can leverage these trends by incorporating bold flavors, low-alcohol options, and Instagrammable presentations into their menus and offerings. ### For 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 for Earl Grey Expansion Trend score 2.9 out of 10, from popularity 34%, activity 44%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 34% - Activity: 44% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Earl Grey Expansion trend 5 featured examples from Jun 26, 2016 to Jan 11, 2018. - [Instagram-Friendly Ice Cream Parlors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cauldron-ice-cream): California's Cauldron Ice Cream Will Open 5 Toronto Locations (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lowbooze-cocktail): The Ghost of Cape Aperitif is a Low-ABV Drink at a Texas Music Venue (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tea-popsicles): These Earl Grey Tea Popsicles Turn an Iconic Latte Into an Ice Pop Format (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expand the range of tea-inspired products and capitalize on the growing interest in gourmet frozen treats. - [Artisanal Small-Batch Marshmallows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smallbatch-marshmallows): Little Boo Boo Bakery Makes Campfire Confections Gourmet (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostela): The Spherical Cakes at Compostela are Named After Different Planets (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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. ## 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 Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)