The global drinks industry is entering a decisive phase. According to Kingsland Drinks’ latest outlook, 2026 drinks trends will center on moderation, premium value, and alternative formats as producers respond to evolving lifestyles and economic pressure.
The findings, shared by The Drinks Business, highlight how consumer expectations now demand flexibility, innovation, and relevance across both retail and on-trade channels.
Kingsland Drinks points to pricing volatility, legislative changes, rising duties, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), and broader global uncertainty as forces reshaping the market.
These conditions, the company explains, require producers and suppliers to stay agile while continuing to deliver quality, value, and interest across categories.
Vicky Wood, Head of Brand Development and Insights at Kingsland Drinks, told The Drinks Business:
“While trends, price and margins all matter, the enjoyment of wine and spirits is the fundamental driver behind our industry – we’re here to elevate social moments, bringing joy, connection and excitement to consumers’ lives.”
How, when, and where consumers drink continues to shift. Kingsland Drinks identifies convenience and lifestyle compatibility as purchase drivers now rivaling price.
As a result, canned formats—especially canned wine—play a growing role in 2026 drinks trends. The company has invested heavily in a high-speed canning line at its Salford facility, expanding capacity to 26 million cans annually across multiple formats.
Consumers increasingly recognize canned drinks for their portability, recyclability, and sustainability, not only in wine but also in spirits, cocktails, mixers, and non-alcoholic options.
To support brand expansion, Kingsland Drinks partnered with organic Sicilian wine producer Vinca. The collaboration introduced red, white, and rosé wines in 187ml cans, alongside sparkling wines in 200ml formats.
According to Kingsland Drinks, this move aligns with 2026 drinks trends that favor flexibility, portion control, and premium presentation in alternative packaging.
Alcohol moderation no longer belongs to Gen Z alone. Kingsland Drinks reports that Millennials and Gen X increasingly adopt mindful drinking habits for health and lifestyle reasons.
Rather than simply removing alcohol, the industry now focuses on creating high-quality no- and low-alcohol options that maintain flavor, authenticity, and varietal expression—allowing them to fit seamlessly into social occasions.
Kingsland Drinks began producing non-alcoholic wines and spirits in 2019 and has since expanded its portfolio significantly. The company now blends and bottles non-alcoholic gin, rum, whisky, tequila, and still and sparkling wines.
As highlighted by The Drinks Business, Kingsland Drinks attributes this growth to advanced production technology and strict quality controls, reinforcing how 2026 drinks trends balance moderation with premium value rather than compromise.
Across categories, consumers continue to seek quality, flavor exploration, and meaningful experiences—even as economic pressure persists. Kingsland Drinks believes that premium value, not excess, will define long-term success.
In this landscape, 2026 drinks trends point to a more intentional, format-flexible, and experience-driven industry—one that prioritizes enjoyment while adapting to new realities.
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The Drinks Business Article — Why 2026 will be the year of cans, conscious drinking and premium value, written by Sophie Arundel
The image of the article is courtesy of © Doğu Tuncer via Canva.com
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