In the West, the plant water category is growing and has garnered consumer interest for its naturalness, clean taste and functional health benefits. Plant water includes tree water, aloe beverages, cactus water, and chlorophyll water.
What Southeast Asian beverage manufacturers can find inspiration from the plant water category besides the familiar aloe beverages?
In Australia, PlantWater debuted in 2022 as the country’s first chlorophyll powered water. Available in still and lightly sparkling, the drink has eighteen ingredients including l-theanine, iron, potassium and chlorophyll that help support the body and mind. Plus, the drink packs an extra punch for daily hydration.
China’s viral drink, Yi Zheng Gen ginseng water (一整根人参水), packaged in a transparent glass bottle, has sparked copycats in Malaysia. However, its high price tag has deterred many consumers.
Genki Forest’s Red Bean and Coix Seed Water boasts a refreshing taste and appears promising for the Southeast Asian market. Unlike traditional methods, this beverage skips the red bean and coix seed residuals, using only water, red beans, and coix seeds for a clean and natural taste. Sweetened with erythritol, it joins Genki Forest’s range of innovative plant-based beverages, including goji and red date water, and mung bean water.
A drink along those lines of Genki Forest’s Red Bean and Coix Seed Water would make a great addition to the flavoured water category in Southeast Asia as a lightly-sweetened botanical water drink. These drinks tap into familiar ingredients known for their health benefits. Kurma water could complement this range.
