Spirits Trends to Watch: BCB London 2026

Published 18 May 2026

Author

Adele Brinkyte

5 min read

Bar and beverage tradeshow BCB London (May 10-11) showcased the best and brightest of the spirits industry, exhibiting an array of alcoholic beverages in pioneering formats and punchy flavours for new drinking occasions. Japanese and Mexican flavours dominated the show, while zero-proof and single-drink formats targeted today’s mindful sipper.

Zero-Alcohol Inventions

Regional Flavours Flourish

Expanding RTD Formats

Zero-ABV alcohol alternatives have been growing steadily across major markets, driven by consumers’ increased health consciousness and shifting social occasions. Reflecting these dynamics, BCB London 2026 was brimming with non-alcoholic brands. Aligning with this sober curious representation, speaker and co-founder of UK non-alcoholic drinks consultancy Club Soda, Laura Willoughby, observed that “alcohol is no longer the star of the show”.

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Consumers are increasingly attracted to products with cultural significance, character and identity, turning flavour into a form of provenance and storytelling. At BCB London, this showed up clearly as regional-rooted profiles – especially Mexican and Japanese flavours – took centre stage. Read Global Flavour Escapism for more on consumers’ appetite for flavours that carry a sense of place.

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Ready-made cocktails have grown significantly in popularity and are projected to continue developing globally, expanding at a CAGR of 14.1% from 2026 to 2033 (Grand View Research, 2026). Consumers value the convenience and variety that RTDs offer, and exhibitors at BCB presented new premium and innovative formats in this dynamic category. See Alcohol Trends 26/27 for how RTDs are appealing to a new cohort of younger drinkers.

Spirits Trends to Watch: BCB London 2026

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Topics

Taste & Flavour

Ingredients

Health & Wellness

Beverages

Alcohol & Non-Alcoholic

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