# Elevated Alcohol Ciders are positioned as upscale to accommodate flavor-focused foodies. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Dec 15, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/elevated-alcohol ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Elevated Alcohol trend? **Elevated Alcohol:** Prior to the foodie movement, low-alcohol beverages such as ciders were perceived as low-quality. Now that flavor equates to status, cider has been elevated as a higher end product than beer or mixers. This is achieved through branding, sophisticated flavoring, and targeted marketing toward foodies. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 10, 2016 to Jan 7, 2017 - Published: Dec 15, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Elevated Alcohol trend ### Upscale Fruit Cider Branding Packaging refreshes and redesigned branding solidify the lineup of libations as being premium in nature and more upscale than other ciders in the market. ### Fizzed Fruit Ciders Fruit ciders with a vodka base and tropical notes offer consumers pre-made cocktails in a refreshing and boozy beverage, creating a new category in the cider market. ### Summery Cider Branding Eye-catching packaging with designs haphazardly placed aimed at capturing the attention of people looking for the perfect summer drink. ## What the Elevated Alcohol trend means for industry ### For Alcohol Branding refreshes and product redesigns focus on attracting younger consumers with a desire for sophisticated flavors and branding that looks great on social media. ### For Design Fruit cider branding campaigns inspired by modern European design styles emphasize minimalist yet engaging graphics and imagery. ### For Food Cider has been positioned as a higher-end product than beer or mixers, due to its targeted marketing towards foodies, and catering to consumers who are looking for refreshing yet flavorful alternatives to beer or wine. ## Workshop question Who is the status-seeker of your consumer segment and what features convey status to them? ## Trend signals for Elevated Alcohol Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 40%, activity 56%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 40% - Activity: 56% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Elevated Alcohol trend 4 featured examples from Jun 10, 2016 to Jan 7, 2017. - [European-Inspired Cider Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lillevik-alpine): The Brand Lillevik Alpine Features European Imagery (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Creating unique and flavorful ciders in a crowded alcoholic beverage market. - [Upscale Fruit Cider Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fruit-cider): The New Stella Artois Cidre Packaging is Artistically Fresh (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The upscale fruit cider trend creates opportunities for alcoholic beverage companies to differentiate their products and cater to the preferences of younger consumers. - [Summery Cider Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cider-branding): These Alcoholic Drinks are Designed to Be Vibrant and Youthful (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity in the alcoholic beverage industry to create unique, vibrant, and summery branding for cider, wine, and other alcoholic drinks. - [Fizzed Fruit Ciders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fruit-ciders): The Smirnoff Cider Range Offers Tropical Notes Paired with Vodka Fermentation (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for product innovation and experimentation with fruit-infused alcoholic beverages. ## 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)