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Sonic says drink customization gives it an edge in beverage boom
Fox Business • • business
Key Points:
- Sonic Drive-In leverages its long-standing focus on drink customization to gain an advantage in the growing specialty beverage market within the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry.
- The nonalcoholic beverage market in U.S. foodservice is projected to generate $264.1 billion in 2025, with cold beverages leading growth due to innovation and consumer preference.
- Sonic sees beverages as a key driver of frequent customer visits, including those who come solely for drinks, and uses customization to capitalize on trends like dirty sodas, which have surged 318% in recent years.
- The chain experiments with new and seasonal flavors, such as fall-inspired and banana-flavored drinks, while balancing innovation with value amid consumer price sensitivity.
- Sonic anticipates continued demand for personalized beverages and plans to expand its offerings, including exploring customizable flavored water, though specific new concepts have not been disclosed.
