Looking for a quick pick-me-up to get things done? More often than not, a cup of coffee may be just what you need. However, you may decide to settle for a cold energy drink, like many people who don’t want a hot cup of coffee. With significant amounts of caffeine, energy drinks guarantee an increase in energy and awareness levels when consumed.
Energy drinks are under the broader classification of fizzy drinks, including fruit juices, mineral water, ready-to-drink tea, and coffee. Energy drinks have become a widely consumed supplement, especially by the 18-34 age demographic. With the industry projected to grow by a compound annual growth rate of about 7.1%, energy drink production as a business venture has high potential when coupled with the right resources, planning, and industry knowledge.
Like any other business, this niche requires optimal planning. Ensure you look at the financial implications, target market, legal requirements, and production logistics. Quality production is crucial, and as such, here are some manufacturing essentials to enable you to come up with a winning energy drink:
Extensive product ingredient knowledge
Most energy drinks available in the market today are either carbonated or milk-based. Despite their differences in production, the primary ingredients cut across the various forms of energy drinks. They include:
- Water: can be either carbonated or non-carbonated.
- Different types of sugar, including sucralose or high fructose corn syrup.
- Mild acids with a sour flavor, such as citric or phosphoric acid.
- Substantial amounts of caffeine, vitamin B complex, the antioxidants C and E, and amino acid taurine.
- Optional additives such as bee pollen.
- For their nutritional value, herbal extracts such as ginseng and guarana.
- For preservation, various sports drinks are pasteurized. If not, then preservatives like sodium benzoate will suffice.
- Colors: Other than being colorless, frequently used colors include brilliant red, orange, and caramel.
- Synthetic or organic flavorings: Examples include citrus, lemon, and orange flavors.
Typically, a 250ml energy drink serving contains 75-85mg of caffeine. Many other ingredients vary with the type of energy drink produced and the target market. For instance, studies show that energy drinks with higher sugar levels are more popular with women and children, while those with a more pungent caffeine taste are popular with males.
Superior production plants
You have your ingredients – it’s time to acquire a state-of-the-art production plant for your energy drink. Various energy drink manufacturing plants are available, depending on the type of energy drink you’re looking to produce. You’ll also need expert RTD packaging equipment, including a case packer, perforator, monoblock, rotary filler, bottle air flush, and more.
Quality assurance is critical when it comes to production appliances. Therefore, consider acquiring such equipment from trusted dealers, such as Machines 4 Africa Ltd. Not only do we guarantee quality equipment, but also top-notch advice on the dos and don’ts of beverage production.
Eye-catching labels
More often than not, consumers will pick an energy drink from various brands within the same display area. You only have a limited amount of time to capture their attention. Here, the imagery and brand logos used in the labeling play a crucial role. Use vibrant imagery and eye-catching logo designs that convey a feeling of energy and productivity through either sports, movement, or intensely dynamic colors to attract the typical energy drink target market.
Unique brand name
Let’s face it: naming a product is no walk in the park. However, an exceptional naming strategy is crucial for any business’ success. When you name a product, you anchor it in the minds of your clients and provide additional depth to the internal dynamics of your brand. Your item naming approach is how you establish market presence and brand recognition.
When it comes to energy drinks, a name is synonymous with lifestyle. Because most sports drinks are consumed by the younger generation and athletes, selecting a suitable name and generating the right hype can help an energy drink gain popularity.
Bring your concept to reality
Starting a business is not easy. There are plenty of risks involved. However, you can transform your business from a budding idea to a blossoming prospect with proper planning and execution. At Machines 4 Africa, we’ll walk with you every step of the way. Contact us for quality equipment, top-notch flavoring ingredients, or any other requirement to create your dream beverage empire.