50 shades of red: Why red fruits are winning consumer’s hearts in the beverage aisle

From vibrant cocktails to indulgent smoothies, today’s consumers want more from their beverages. But in a crowded market, creating products that demand attention is key to success. And when it comes to colour, red fruits – like strawberries, raspberries, cherries and blackberries – are a brand’s best friend. Beyond their naturally bright and beautiful colour, they can also help meet consumer demand for great-tasting, nourishing products.

Keep reading to explore how red fruit purees, juices and concentrates can help brands stand out by tapping into some of 2025’s top consumer trends: bold, eye-catching colours and uncompromisingly flavourful ingredients.

Bright colours demand attention

One of the top consumer trends for 2025, according to FMCG Gurus, is ‘Bright and Bold’ – reflecting a desire for products that deliver instant shelf appeal.[1] In an era of mass choice, visual standout can significantly sway a purchasing decision. From bright red strawberries to the deep red hues of a sour cherry, and the vivid pink-red of raspberries, red fruit puree and juice concentrates are a simple way for brands that want to create eye-catching beverages. These ingredients add naturally vibrant colour to drinks without the need for artificial additives.

Flavour rules

Appearance may open the door, but it’s flavour that keeps consumers coming back. According to FMCG Gurus, 87% of global consumers consider flavour to be influential when deciding which food or drink products to choose,[2] while 70% feel taste is the most influential factor in shaping perceptions of whether a product is good value for money.¹ The good news? Red fruits pack a tasty punch. Whether it’s the sweetness of blueberries or the rich tartness of blackberries, these ingredients are bursting with natural flavour.

Red fruits can even evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity in a fast-paced world. This nostalgic appeal is powerful, with nearly two in five global consumers revealing that they are likely to seek out nostalgic flavours when choosing a snack product.¹ Brands can tap into this trend by leveraging familiar flavours of red berry purees, juices or concentrates, to craft indulgent yet comforting drinks that provide both emotional connections and sensory delight.

The rise of feel-good ingredients

Today’s consumers want more than great taste – they also want ingredients they can feel good about. In fact, 32% are actively avoiding ingredients that may harm the environment.¹ At SVZ, we take this seriously and are committed to promoting sustainable strawberry farming through improved water use efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. From raspberry to elderberry, these red fruits also bring added nutritional value to the mix – perfect for products that aim to do more with less. They’re also a great choice for brands looking to replace synthetic colourants or sweeteners. Their natural and clean-label positioning supports health for people and the planet.

Ready, set, red

From bold colours to big flavour, red fruit ingredients help brands tap into multiple 2025 trends at once. Whether you’re refreshing a best-seller or launching something brand new, SVZ’s portfolio of red fruit purees and concentrates – including strawberry, raspberry, cherry, blackberry and more – gives you the tools to stand out for all the right reasons.

Ready to explore the full range? Juice & beverage ingredients | SVZ

[1] FMCG Gurus announces their Top Ten Trends for 2025 (October 2025). Available at: https://fmcggurus.com/blog/fmcg-gurus-announces-their-top-ten-trends-for-2025/

[2] FMCG Gurus. Flavor, Color, Texture 2025. Regional Report.FCT572).