Top 5 Premium Spirits Trends to Watch in 2025
The spirits industry is evolving faster than ever, driven by shifting consumer preferences, innovative production methods, and a growing focus on premiumisation. As we enter 2025, understanding these trends is essential for wholesalers, retailers, and hospitality businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve. At Emporia Brands, we pride ourselves on curating a portfolio that reflects these shifts, ensuring our partners have access to the most exciting spirits on the market.
Calvados production is often regarded as the most sustainable spirit in the world. Pere Magloire are global leaders with their Calvados, with over 200 years experience and continue to lead the way in sustainable Calvados production.
Sustainability Takes Centre Stage
Sustainability is a driving force in the spirits industry, and many brands in our portfolio are leading the way. Père Magloire Calvados exemplifies this with Calvados, often regarded as the most sustainable spirit in the world. Made from locally grown apples and pears in Normandy, its production requires minimal water and energy while championing the use of regional resources. Similarly, Batanga Tequila embraces sustainable agave farming practices, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint without compromising quality. Gabriel Boudier is another standout, prioritizing responsible production with energy-efficient distillation and waste reduction initiatives. Beyond these examples, our broader portfolio includes brands committed to environmentally conscious practices, from minimizing packaging waste to adopting innovative methods that reduce carbon emissions. This collective focus on sustainability not only aligns with evolving consumer values but also provides our partners with spirits that meet the highest standards of responsibility and quality.
A low ABV Apple Spritz made with Calvados and natural ingredients
The Growth of Low ABV
The rising popularity of low-ABV spirits reflects a shift towards mindful consumption without sacrificing taste. Products like Père Magloire Pomme Doublée Apple Spritz (8% ABV) demonstrate how lower-alcohol options can still deliver depth and complexity. With its vibrant apple flavours and subtle effervescence, it offers an elevated experience that feels indulgent yet balanced. Similarly, RinQuinQuin, a peach aperitif from Distilleries et Domaines de Provence, showcases how rich, aromatic profiles can be achieved with a lighter touch. These spirits resonate with consumers seeking flavourful options that align with their desire for moderation, proving that lower ABV doesn’t mean compromising on quality.
Nardini, the oldest distillery in Italy, offers bold flavours from traditional recipes that set businesses apart.
Revival of Forgotten Spirit Categories
As consumers seek more distinctive drinking experiences, forgotten spirit categories are being revived, offering exciting opportunities for chefs, independent retailers, and bars to stand out from the national chains. French specialities like Sempé Armagnac and Rémi Landier Cognac showcase the richness of French craftsmanship and heritage, providing unique alternatives to more mainstream spirits. Monluc, with its Pousse Rapière and Vin Sauvage, exemplifies the versatility of Armagnac, perfect for premium cocktails or sipping. Notably, Monluc releases limited edition anniversary bottlings every year, adding exclusivity and prestige to its portfolio, which can help retailers draw in customers looking for unique, hard-to-find products. Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine combining fresh grape juice with Cognac, appeals to those seeking something refined yet accessible. Italian specialty spirits from brands like Nardini Grappa, Italy’s oldest distillery, and artisanal Italian bitters, offer bold flavours that set independent businesses apart. These distinctive offerings, alongside Père Magloire Calvados, with its extensive Calvados range and limited releases, allow bars and retailers to offer something unique, capturing the growing trend for high-quality, heritage-driven spirits. By adding these lesser-known categories, chefs, retailers, and bars can build an exclusive, curated selection that draws attention, engages customers, and keeps them coming back for more.
Wyborowa Cherry emerged in 2024 as an exciting variation, offering a twist on the classic Polish vodka cateogy with vibrant fruit flavours, appealing to a wider audience.
The Rise of Flavoured and Innovative Spirits
As consumers crave fresh and exciting experiences, limited edition and experimental releases are becoming essential in creating buzz and differentiation in the market. Composition Spirits is at the forefront of this trend, carving out its own unique category that blends the best elements of premium spirits with bold, new flavours. This innovation offers an exciting option for bars, retailers, and wholesalers who want to stand out with a truly distinct offering. Père Magloire has embraced this trend with its Limited Edition Cask Finishes, allowing consumers to enjoy exclusive, one-of-a-kind expressions that highlight the craftsmanship behind the brand. Similarly, Daddy Rack has introduced its Limited Edition Cask Strength Tennessee Straight Single Barrel Whiskey, an exceptional release that allows aficionados to taste the depth and complexity of a top-tier whiskey. These limited releases not only appeal to collectors but also to consumers seeking a special experience they can’t find elsewhere. Adding further diversity to this space, Wyborowa Cherry and Wyborowa Sour Lemon have emerged as exciting variations, offering a twist on the classic vodka category with vibrant fruit flavors that appeal to a wider audience looking for something new and experimental. These unique and seasonal offerings enable brands to tap into the demand for special editions and experimental flavors, ensuring they remain relevant and top-of-mind in an ever-evolving market.
Especia is a premium Spiced Rum created by the world’s Number 1 rum distillery, Tanduay.
Premiumisation Across the Board
Premium House Pours like Tanduay Rum (the world’s number 1 rum), Wyborowa Vodka, Gabriel Boudier Liqueurs, and Batanga 100% Agave Tequila are helping bars elevate their offerings without sacrificing profit margins. By adding high-quality spirits to their premium house pours, bars are able to enhance the customer experience, offering exceptional cocktails with authentic flavors and a touch of heritage. These brands allow bars to maintain quality while keeping costs manageable, ensuring that every pour delivers a premium, consistent experience without the need for extensive price hikes. Whether it’s the smooth, rich flavors of Tanduay Rum, the versatility of Wyborowa Vodka, the depth of Gabriel Boudier Liqueurs, or the authentic agave notes of Batanga Tequila, these spirits increase the overall quality of a venue’s menu. Consumers are drawn to authenticity, and these premium house pours create an elevated drinking experience that sets bars apart from the competition.
2025 is set to be an exciting year for the spirits industry, with trends that promise both challenges and opportunities. By staying informed and aligning with these shifts, wholesalers and retailers can position themselves for success. Emporia Brands is here to help you navigate these trends with a carefully curated selection of premium spirits that meet market demands.
Ready to elevate your offerings in 2025? Contact us to learn more about our portfolio or arrange a tasting session to explore the latest trends firsthand.
For more information please contact info@emporiabrands.com or alternatively call our office on 01483 458700.
