The beverage is a liquid intended for human consumption. In addition to their basic function of satisfying thirst, beverages play an important role in human culture. Common types of drinks include plain drinking water, milk, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice, and soft drinks. Moreover, alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer, and liquor-that contain ethanol- have been part of human culture for more than 8,000 years.
Drinking has been a large part of socializing throughout the centuries. In Ancient Greece, a social meeting with the purpose of drinking was known as a symposium and the Greeks at the symposium enjoyed drinking watered-down wine. The purpose of these gatherings was anything from serious conversation to direct indulgence. In Ancient Rome, a comparable concept of a convivium took place ordinarily.
Many early societies considered alcohol a gift from the gods, a gift that led to the creation of gods such as Dionysus. Other religions forbid, discourage or restrict the drinking of alcoholic drinks for various causes. In some regions with a dominant religion, the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic drinks are forbidden to everybody, regardless of their religion.
Toasting is a method of honoring a person or wishing goodwill by taking a drink. Another tradition is that of the loving cup at weddings or other celebrations such as sports victories when a group shares a drink in a large receptacle while every last drop should be consumed.
In East Africa and Yemen, coffee was consumed in native religious ceremonies. As these ceremonies conflicted with the beliefs of the Christian church, the Ethiopian Church banned the secular consumption of coffee until the reign of Emperor Menelik II. The drink was also banned in Ottoman Turkey during the 17th century for political reasons and it was associated with rebellious political activities in Europe.
Beverage Industry Statistics and Trends:
The global beverage industry has an annual worth of $1.4 trillion and it is expected to see an increase of 2.6 percent each year. The beverage industry embraces the following market segments of soft drinks, beers, ciders, spirits, and wines.
Beverage Market Segment
