Final answer:
In the 19th century, fruit liqueurs started to grow as a category due to technological advancements in distillation, the increase of available ingredients from global trade, and the expanding interest in exotic flavors.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the 19th century, it is true that fruit liqueurs started to grow as a category. This growth reflected a wider range of flavor preferences and the increasing technical capabilities in alcohol production. The period in question saw technological advancements and increased availability of a variety of ingredients, leading to further experimentation with different fruit flavors in liqueur production. The art of distillation, which became widespread in the 15th century, set the foundations for future developments in the production of liqueurs. This, coupled with the widespread consumption of alcoholic beverages including gin, whiskey, rum, and brandy, created a fertile ground for the expansion of the liqueur category.
Additionally, as global trade networks expanded and European countries began to colonize different parts of the world, there was an increased access to exotic spices and fruits which further facilitated the diversification of liqueurs. The interest in foreign products, specifically those from the Americas and Asia, influenced not only the spice trade but also the development of new alcohol flavors. This global exchange contributed to the burgeoning popularity of fruit liqueurs.