The pace of change in the world of soft drinks is showing no signs of slowing. New flavours, functions and hybrid offerings are striving to engage with value-conscious shoppers, and small brands are embracing consumers’ love of discovery to take on the multinationals.

Against this noisy backdrop, Mintel’s Alex Beckett will present The Future of Non-Alcoholic Drinks. Using the latest consumer and launch activity data, and insights and opinions gained from his role as an in-demand global beverage expert, Alex will summarise the challenges and opportunities facing this most exciting of categories, focusing on three main areas:

Flavours: how changing tastes, usage occasions and demographic shifts are shaping the next wave of flavour innovation.

Wellness: how the growing demand for drinks that offer functionality and fortification fit into credible, consumer‑friendly wellness propositions, and the changing perceptions of sugar and sweeteners.

Formats: how packaging is evolving, and new formats like sachets and tablets are changing when, where and how people drink.