Barbie® and Oppenheimer inspired beverage creations

In today's fast-paced world, trends come and go at an astonishing rate, especially with the influence of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Consumers are constantly seeking new and adventurous flavors, making it essential for us and our customers to stay on top of emerging trends. And this season, what bigger trend is there than #Barbenheimer, the social media phenomenon based on the simultaneous releases of two blockbuster films, Barbie® and Oppenheimer. Discover our North America beverage team’s quarterly cocktail drops below revolving around these blockbuster hits.   

Trend Insights: Understanding consumer behavior is crucial for our Innovation teams at IFF. As the fear of missing out on trending experiences persists, social media platforms like TikTok have become hubs for discovering what's hot in various industries, including food and beverages. Consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Zs, are seeking complex, multilayered flavors that offer a sense of adventure and refreshment during the warm seasons. Indulgence and comfort are still in demand, even as consumers embrace healthier lifestyles. At IFF, our Beverage Marketing and Creative & Design teams excel in understanding the market dynamics and are able develop trend-setting drinks that cater to ever-changing consumer demands.

Barbie®-inspired Cotton Candy Margarita - Trendy Indulgence: For the Barbie® Drink, our team tapped into the trend of classic dessert-inspired flavors and extravagant combinations, barrowing flavors from other categories. This playful and vibrant cocktail combines the zesty kick of a classic margarita with the fluffy, sugary charm of cotton candy. Millennials and Gen Zs have blurred the lines between food and beverage categories, encouraging the team to create a visually stunning cocktail that appeals to the senses. With that, the Cotton Candy Barbie® Margarita was born. The sparkly beverage combines sugary cotton candy, tequila, lime, and vanilla with a touch of glitter for added shimmer. This Instagram-worthy cocktail perfectly captures the essence of fun and sweetness, just like Barbie® herself.

The Oppenheimer-inspired cocktail - A Modern Twist on the Classics: Keeping up with evolving trends, there is a revival of classic cocktails with a modern twist. Mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts are experimenting with flavors, techniques, and presentation while reinventing timeless favorites like the Martini, Negroni, Old Fashioned, and Moscow Mule. This bold and robust cocktail is whiskey-based with a fruity twist. The cocktail uses grenadine and sweet vermouth to bring a dark and intriguing profile to our whiskey flavors. 

Understanding the ever-changing landscape of consumer preferences while staying abreast of trending topics is essential in the food and beverage industry. By combining creativity, industry knowledge, and collaborative efforts, our beverage innovation team consistently develops trend-setting drinks inspired by market trends and the digital pulse of consumers. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, we look forward to crafting more exciting and enticing beverages that will keep you delighted and refreshed. Stay tuned for our next groundbreaking cocktail drop! Cheers to innovation!

Learn more about our beverage capabilities here.

(Barbie® is a registered trademark of Mattel Inc. Oppenheimer ©2023 Universal Pictures.  All Rights Reserved)