Beverages

Purpose: Wine is an alcoholic beverage considered to have health benefits when consumed in moderation. Studies have investigated the healthfulness of wine via various approaches; however, given that wine consumption behavior is evolving, fresh data are needed. There is a paucity of evidence on the perceived mental health benefits of wine; hence, this study examined consumers’ perceptions of wine healthfulness separately for each physical and mental health benefit and compared them with wine consumption behaviors. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative data collection method was used. The questionnaires were given to participants in South Korea who had consumed wine in the six months before the survey. A total of 304 responses were collected for further analysis. A paired t-test, ANOVA, and descriptive analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings: This study found that respondents perceived higher mental health benefits than physical health benefits from wine consumption. Demographic characteristics showed significant differences in the mental or physical health benefits of wine. Consumers who believed in the physical health benefits of wine preferred white wine over red wine; however, consumers who believed in the mental health benefits of wine had no preferences. Originality: This study suggests that segmented marketing tools are needed due to the various characteristics of wine consumers. In addition, to encourage a healthy drinking environment, marketing should focus on moderation for both the wine industry and consumers. Furthermore, consumers’ consideration of the mental health benefits of wine consumption cannot be underestimated compared to the physical health benefits of wine consumption; however, wine is also regarded as an alcoholic beverage that needs to be consumed with consideration of health concerns in various restrictions. Full article

Given the lack of data regarding the preferences, behavior and habits of wine consumers in Greece, the purpose of the present study was to investigate consumer trends and explore the factors that affect the purchase and consumption of wine in comparison with other alcoholic beverages. For this purpose, a self-response questionnaire survey was designed through the Google platform on a sample of 994 participants. In order to analyze the collected data, statistical analysis was done. A second online questionnaire was introduced to Greek winery companies. The purpose was to examine if the wine producers follow the wine consumption trends according to the desires of the Greek wine consumers or are addressed to a more international audience. As for the wine companies’ perspectives, we wanted to collect data regarding the amount of their production and the type of wine they produce and to know about their profile (international, exports, strategies, etc.). We collected 71 responses from wineries located in different parts of Greece. For the first time in the last 10 years, there is a profile of Greek consumers’ behavior toward wine in comparison with other alcoholic beverages and knowledge of specific operational data of Greek wineries using an online questionnaire survey (e-survey). Full article

Fruit juice consumption during childhood remains controversial. Here, we evaluated the association between preadolescent 100% fruit juice intake and later adolescent diet quality and body mass index (BMI). We used prospective data over 10 years from the National Growth and Health Study for 1921 black and white girls, ages 9–10 years at baseline, for analyses of diet quality, and 2165 girls for BMI analyses. Statistical analyses included repeated measures analysis of variance and logistic regression models. Girls who drank ≥1.0 cup/day of fruit juice in preadolescence consumed 0.44 cup/day more total fruit in later adolescence than non-juice-drinking girls (p < 0.0001). White and black girls who drank ≥1.25 cups/day in preadolescence were 2.62 (95% CI: 1.35–5.08) and 2.54 (1.27–5.07) times more likely, respectively, to meet the Dietary Guidelines for whole fruit by later adolescence than those with the lowest juice intakes. Further, fruit juice consumption was positively associated with diet quality scores. Overall, girls consuming ≥1.25 cups/day of juice had a BMI in late adolescence that was 1.7 kg/m² lower than that of non-juice-drinking girls. In conclusion, early adolescent fruit juice intake was positively associated with subsequent whole fruit consumption, better diet quality, and lower BMI in later adolescence. Full article

Wine quality and typicity are complex concepts that can be hard to define. Wine is a product destined to not only be consumed and appreciated but also marketed, and its distinctiveness, quality and typicity are important characteristics that describe a wine’s sensory profile and, ultimately, add value to the finished product. Even though both quality and typicity are mostly assessed using a sensory evaluation, many studies have examined the feasibility of using chemical analysis methods in order to increase the objectivity of assessments. Today, the use of chemometrics facilitates the handling of big data, and outcomes from various analytical techniques can be integrated to produce more accurate results. This study discusses the existing sensory and analytical approaches, implications and future prospects for an objective measurement of quality and typicity as well as methods for the selection of appropriate data for predictive model development. Full article

This research analysed the size and depth of assortment and the marketing strategies of communications around plant-based beverages (PBBs) on the Italian market. Sales of PBBs have increased over the last year due to their use as a substitute for cow’s milk and also thanks to their popularity in online distribution. This study compares the characteristics of the PBB assortment sold across 65 large-scale retail stores and on 74 websites. The comparison was made considering 15 product categories defined by main ingredient, packaging type, specialty, and claims found on labels. An ordered logit regression analysis was performed to understand how key product features positively or negatively influence the selling price. The results showed that online sales focus on describing plant-based beverages with characteristics that are closer to new consumer preferences (with labels such as “free from” products, “naturalness” of the product, and “health” characteristics). In both distribution channels, there were few products with packaging information related to nutritional characteristics, health benefits, and environmental sustainability, in contrast to the needs expressed by baby food purchasers. Additionally, the price analysis showed unexpected results: in fact, some products for which, according to the literature, consumers would be willing to pay a premium price, instead showed a lower retail price than the average price. These results could represent a concrete tool to improve the efficiency of promotional campaigns and communication strategies for baby food, optimising communication according to consumer needs. Full article

The vineyard of Cyprus is comprised largely of native Vitis vinifera varieties, which are rather underexploited with regard to wine production to date. Although empirical observations concur that several of these varieties may possess a high potential for the production of quality wines, analytical data pertaining to their polyphenolic composition are scarce. This study was undertaken with the aim of providing a detailed picture of the evolution patterns of several important polyphenolic constituents during the last stages of ripening of Maratheftiko, which is one of the major native grape varieties. This study included monitoring of representative simple phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanin pigments for two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022, to obtain a more integrated portrayal of changes occurring during the critical period prior to harvest. It was revealed that there was a very high difference in the content of almost all polyphenols considered for the harvests in 2021 and 2022. The grapes harvested in 2022 had a much higher content in catechin, but most importantly, the content in total anthocyanins was 3.91-fold higher in 2022 compared to 2021. On the other hand, trans-resveratrol was the only polyphenolic metabolite whose difference was rather marginal. In seeds, the predominant substance was catechin, which displayed pronounced fluctuations during the period examined. It was concluded that the contents of major polyphenolic metabolites in Maratheftiko grapes might exhibit large variations during the period prior to harvest, most possibly reflecting differences in the average temperature and rainfall. Thus, tight monitoring of technologically important constituents, e.g., anthocyanins, is recommended to ensure the harvest of grapes with optimal maturity. Full article

The aim was to study the quality stability of a high-pressure (HP) processed avocado puree-based smoothie beverage and to determine its shelf life. To achieve this mathematical description of HP process parameters (pressure, temperature, and pH conditions) on polyphenoloxidase (PPO) inactivation of avocado-puree (base of the smoothie beverage), use of the appropriate kinetic models was undertaken. Inactivation rate constants were obtained for combinations of constant pressure (600, 700, 750 MPa) and temperature (25, 35, 45 °C) for pH values 4 and 5. According to the Eyring and Arrhenius equations, activation volumes and activation energies, respectively, representing pressure and temperature dependence of the inactivation rate constant, were calculated for all temperatures and pressures studied. The combined use of HP led to PPO inactivation (<10% remaining PPO activity). An increase in the temperature at pressure 600 or 750 MPa caused an increase in PPO inactivation (4.5 and 9.0%, respectively). The ultimate goal was to produce a HP processed avocado puree-based smoothie beverage (containing acid whey and other ingredients) with superior quality and increased shelf life (under refrigeration). The blended ingredients were HP processed in PET packages (600 MPa-25 °C-10 min, 600 MPa-35 °C-10 min, 750 MPa-25 °C-5 min, 750 MPa-35 °C-5 min) based on PPO inactivation as well as industrial practices. Non-processed as well as thermally (TM) processed (90 °C-5 min) samples were used as control samples. No significant differences were found in sensorial attributes between non-processed and HP samples, although the aroma and acceptability scores decreased significantly for thermally pasteurized smoothies. Based on the data obtained, 600 MPa-25/35 °C-10 min are sufficient to obtain safe smoothies (of pH 5 approximately) (up to 6 months) whose organoleptic properties are equally as acceptable to consumers as freshly made smoothies. Full article

New product development for distilled spirits frequently involves experimental trials at the laboratory scale that attempt to replicate industrial-scale production processes. This process is time-consuming and limits the number of samples that can be analysed. The aim of the present study was to conduct laboratory-scale Scotch malt whisky production experiments to determine if samples taken from earlier in the production process, that is, directly after fermentation (wash stage) or after a single distillation (low wines stage), showed similar analytical differentiation compared to samples of fresh distillates (new make spirits). Napping, a rapid sensory method, was used to assess the impact on flavour characteristics while solid-phase microextraction (SPME) gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to analyse volatile flavour congeners. Hierarchical Multiple Factor Analysis was used to compare the product maps from samples taken at each whisky production stage and revealed a pattern of differences across the samples that could be tracked through the process. Although the flavour descriptors and volatile congeners composition changed at each stage, there were only marginal changes in the differentiation between samples, resulting in the same sample groups being found in all analyses. RV coefficients >0.90 for all analytical comparisons and >0.74 overall showed that all product maps were highly similar to each other and showed the same overall differentiation between samples. These results indicate that the analysis of fermented malt whisky wash may provide sufficient information to proceed to larger-scale industry trials, saving time and allowing a greater number of parameters to be explored. Full article

This study aims to investigate the influence of wine-bottle design and the position of labels on consumers’ visual attention in digital contexts. Two within-subjects experiments combined with implicit eye-tracking measures were implemented in Italy. The visual attention of twenty-four participants was measured using areas of interest metrics while being asked to view two differently shaped bottles in three orientations. Subsequently, four examples of each bottle type were displayed, positioning an organic logo in different areas. Attention and interest measures were captured and analysed using a factorial repeated-measures ANOVA. The results show that the shoulder is the bottle’s first and most fixated part. Significant differences in participants’ attention and interest were found according to the interaction of bottle type and bottle part, as well as bottle part and orientation. Furthermore, exploring the inclusion of an organic logo on different bottle parts provided consistent results. Wine producers and marketers could benefit from bottle anatomy and morphology to identify the best place to display essential information to capture the consumer’s visual attention and interest. Full article

Purpose: Exploring antecedents of flawed wine purchase intention, this study attempts to assess consumer acceptance leading to the purchase or consumption of a flawed wine product as well as build a profile of flawed wine consumers. Design/Methodology/Approach: A survey, from Amazon Mechanical Turk (Mturk) with 260 valid survey responses collected. ANOVA with post hoc testing was used to analyze the data. Findings: Results reflect that attitude, subjective knowledge, perceived behavioral control, perceived risk, and sensory appeal all significantly influence intent to purchase a flawed wine product. Additionally, environmental attitude significantly influences their intent to purchase wines with flaws and their attitude toward flawed wine. Originality: To date, no research has explored consumer acceptance of flawed wines. This study attempted to fill a gap in the literature and add to the overall body of knowledge regarding flawed wines and consumer understanding/acceptance of flawed wines, as well as generating a profile of potential flawed wine consumers. Research Limitations/Implications: Consumer panel data is not as rich as an experimental study design; however, this work starts an academic conversation on flawed wine and provides a foundation for future research. Practical Implications: The results of this study offer practical opportunities, from educating consumers toward a richer understanding of wine flaws; promotional opportunities for wine producers with a product to be disposed of, enhancing revenue generation; and how sensory appeal and environmental concern are beneficial to furthering the understanding and predictability of consumer intentions to purchase flawed wines. Full article

SO₂ is a preservative often used in the food industry, particularly in the wine industry. However, regulatory authorities and consumers have been strongly suggesting its reduction or even its replacement. In order to understand the impact of SO₂ on the profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as amino acids (AAs), the aging of two white wines (one being a varietal and another being a blend) under identical conditions and in the presence of different doses of total SO₂ was studied. After alcoholic fermentation (t = 0), either no SO₂ was added (0 mg/L), or 30, 60, 90, or 120 mg/L of SO₂ was applied. The samples under study were kept on fine lees for 3 months (t = 3). After 3 months (t = 6) and 9 months (t = 12), the wines were bottled and analyzed. For t = 0 and t = 3, the samples were submitted to HS-SPME-GC/MS for VOC analysis and LC-DAD for AA analysis. From the principal component analysis of the detected VOCs, it was observed that the blended wine in comparison with the varietal wine, was less impacted by the applied SO₂ doses and aging time. From the AA profile, it was also observed in this study that maturation on fine lees resulted in an increase in the total concentration of AAs as would be expected. Full article

Determination of relative volatilities of flavour compounds in hydro-alcoholic solutions is usually performed by time-consuming and costly standard methods such as the Gillespie dynamic recirculation method. This study tested a quick and easy method with a simple distillation apparatus for measuring empirical relative volatilities. A total of 17 representative flavour compounds of apple and pear brandies were selected and investigated for their relative volatilities. This also included so far unpublished relative volatilities of one alcohol (2-butanol), one aldehyde (hexanal), one ketone (β-damascenone), and three esters (ethyl butyrate, butyl acetate, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate). Relative volatilities of three alcohols (methanol, isobutanol, and isoamyl alcohol), one ester (ethyl acetate), one aldehyde (acetaldehyde), and one acetal (1,1-diethoxyethane) were compared to reference data. All compounds, except for 1,1-diethoxyethane, showed a high correlation with the reference data. Vapour–liquid equilibrium for an ethanol–water mixture showed a high correlation with the reference data (r > 0.9). In accordance with the high correlation levels, we suggest that the simple distillation apparatus is a fast and simple alternative to the standard method. Full article

This study investigated the interrelationships between the parameters of density, optical refraction, the volume fraction of ethanol and the total extract, using model solutions and samples of wine materials. The regularities of changes in refractometer readings in the process of alcoholic fermentation have been studied. The functional dependence of the value of the volume fraction of ethanol in the finished wine products on the density and scale of refractometer values has been established. A technique is proposed for controlling the process of alcoholic fermentation of grape must, based on the use of refractometry. Finally, we present an algorithm to calculate the composition (volume fraction of ethanol, mass concentration of the total extract) of the fermentation product from its physical properties (density, refractive index), the coefficient of determination was R² = 0.975. Full article

Recently, non-thermal wine processing technologies have been proposed as alternatives to conventional winemaking processes, mostly with the aims to improve wine quality, safety, and shelf-life. Winemakers typically rely on sulfites (SO₂) to prevent wine oxidation and microbial spoilage, as these processes can negatively affect wine quality and aging potential. However, SO₂ can trigger allergic reactions, asthma, and headaches in sensitive consumers, so limitations on their use are needed. In red winemaking, prolonged maceration on skins is required to extract enough phenolic compounds from the wine, which is time-consuming. Consequently, the wine industry is looking for new ways to lower SO₂ levels, shorten maceration times, and extend shelf life while retaining wine quality. This review aggregates the information about the novel processing techniques proposed for winemaking, such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric field, ultrasound, microwave, and irradiation. In general, non-thermal processing techniques have been shown to lead to improvements in wine color characteristics (phenolic and anthocyanin content), wine stability, and wine sensory properties while reducing the need for SO₂ additions, shortening the maceration time, and lowering the microbial load, thereby improving the overall quality, safety, and shelf life of the wines. Full article

Sorghum grain is the principal raw material for Baijiu production, but the effects of grain and wort composition on fermentation performance are unclear. Ethanol production at laboratory scale using grains of 11 commercial sorghum cultivars from a field trial was investigated using dry grind fermentation. Initial wort glucose content was 141–150 g/L and fermentability (glucose-to-ethanol conversion rate) was 87–90%. Ethanol production rate among sorghum genotypes ranged from 1.18 to 2.04 mL of ethanol per litre wort per hour of fermentation. The cultivars were categorised into four groups according to a fermentation endpoint of 60–69 h, 70–79 h, 80–89 h and >90 h. All but one of the sorghums produced a final ethanol content of 9.47–9.76% v/v. Cultivars with high-starch and low-protein grains were the most suitable for fermentation due to the high final ethanol content and fermentability achieved. Initial wort glucose content and yeast assimilable nitrogen content were not correlated with grain starch content, protein content, ethanol content, fermentability, ethanol production rate or glucose consumption rate. Knowledge of the effects of sorghum grain quality on fermentation performance can pave the way for further research to optimise solid-state fermentation for Baijiu production. Full article

Authenticity and traceability are two issues of great importance to quality and food safety in the food industry. For wine producers and authorities, it is essential to know how to detect adulterations because wine is one of the alcoholic beverages most prone to adulteration, as indicated by the European Commission. Fondillón is one of the most important naturally sweet Spanish wines and is certainly the core of the Alicante PDO. Fondillón is a wine that is prone to be adulteration due to its limited production and high price. The aim of this study was to identify potential markers of Fondillón adulteration by mixing it with other Monastrell wines. The experimental results showed that Fondillón is characterized by high concentrations of acetic acid, furfural, benzaldehyde, vitispirane, and TDN and low concentrations of citric, tartaric, and malic acids; a low total phenolic content; and low values of antioxidant activity. Full article

Underlying the dawn of humanity was primarily the search for food and access to drinking water. Over the course of civilization, there has been a significant increase in drinking water quality. By the average of the nutritional standards, the daily water demand is 2.5 L (also including liquid products such as tea, coffee, or soup). However, it is worth noticing that the need is strictly individual for each person and depends on two major factors, namely, epidemiological (sex, age state of health, lifestyle, and diet) and environmental (humidity and air temperature). Currently, our diet is more and more often enriched with isotonic drinks, functional drinks, or drinks bearing the hallmarks of health-promoting products. As a result, manufacturing companies compete to present more interesting beverages with complex compositions. This article will discuss both the composition of functional beverages and their impact on health. Full article

To identify the key drivers of consumption, we analyzed consumer preferences and estimated the willingness to pay for craft beer compared with industrial products in Italy. For this purpose, we conducted an ad hoc survey of 469 craft beer drinkers and set up an econometric strategy using a machine learning estimation technique. The main results show that young consumers, the ability to perceive and evaluate quality, and the frequency of consumption are the main profile elements that, more than others, orient preferences. In the meantime, sustaining local beer producers, sharing good time with friends, and the perception of beer as healthier compared with other drinks are also important. The most preferable product attributes are can packaging and the search for unique taste. Full article