VenHub has opened a second and larger production and assembly facility in Las Vegas, expanding its manufacturing capacity as demand for its autonomous Smart Store technology continues to grow. The company said the new site will enable it to increase production and deployment of its AI-powered retail units, supporting a broader commercial rollout across key sectors including airports, universities, corporate campuses, entertainment venues and EV charging locations. The facility represents the latest step in VenHub’s manufacturing expansion strategy, first outlined in March 2026, and is designed to speed up delivery times as customer demand increases. The announcement follows a series of recent commercial developments for the company, including an extension of its agreement with Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Metro, a partnership with Circa Resort & Casino to install an autonomous Smart Store at the Las Vegas property and additional agreements for new Smart Store locations across the city. Shahan Ohanessian, founder and CEO of VenHub, said the opening marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth plans. “The opening of our second production facility is a defining moment in the continuing evolution of VenHub,” he said. “We are no longer preparing to scale; we are now fully equipped to meet our growing demand and scale rapidly.” He added that the additional manufacturing capacity will allow the company to assemble and deploy Smart Stores more quickly as it expands its network of commercial partners. VenHub said it is seeing increasing interest from developers, municipalities and businesses seeking automated retail solutions. The company is currently prioritising deployments across transit hubs and airports, campuses and universities, corporate and government sites, fuel and EV charging locations, entertainment venues and convenience retail environments. Top image: © VenHub

Saratoga Spring Water has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Saratoga Collection, a new range of flavoured sparkling waters designed to tap into growing consumer demand for premium hydration options. The collection introduces four flavours: Untitled Berry No.3, Abstraction of Lime, Anatomy of a Peach and Mango Dragon Fruit Perspective. According to the company, each flavour has been designed to reflect different consumer personalities and lifestyles, ranging from a layered berry profile and bright lime flavour to a peach-flavoured offering and a tropical mango dragon fruit blend. The launch comes as the flavoured sparkling water category continues to benefit from consumer interest in healthier refreshment options and premium beverage experiences. Saratoga said the new range is intended to transform everyday hydration into a lifestyle statement, with flavour profiles designed to appeal to a variety of consumer preferences. Kheri Tillman, chief marketing officer at Primo Brands, said: “The Saratoga brand stands for fearless self-expression, and that spirit is captured deliciously and refreshingly in the four new flavours of Saratoga Collection. This new line celebrates originality and creativity, while creating more occasions to elevate the everyday with Saratoga.” Packaged under the Saratoga brand, known for its distinctive blue bottles, the collection is now available through retailers across the US.

The safety of drinking water and sanitation systems has a direct impact on human health. While many societies enjoy incredibly high water and sanitation quality, approximately 40% of the world’s recognised countries have an Environmental Performance Index score of less than 50 out of 100. As governments and businesses alike look towards 2026 global water quality targets, the search for sustainable, chemical-free solutions has never been more urgent. Enter bioaugmentation: the strategic use of ‘beneficial’ microorganisms to clean wastewater naturally. In this article, Canadian-based company Bionetix International highlights the significant potential of bioaugmentation to help governments and businesses alike achieve their water quality goals. What is bioaugmentation? Bioaugmentation, or biological augmentation, is the addition of bacterial cultures or other microorganisms to an area with the aim of speeding up the existing rate of contaminant degradation. Organisms originating from the contaminated areas may already be able to break down waste, but may be inefficient and slow. Implementing more of these indigenous bacterial cultures can significantly boost degradation rates. Bioaugmentation is considered an extremely effective and sustainable approach to removing contaminants. Bioaugmentation for wastewater Wastewater released to the environment without proper treatment can negatively impact the quality of water sources (eg. lakes and rivers) that supply drinking water. Furthermore, temporary camps for military personnel, mining operations or humanitarian aid may depend on wastewater reclamation to support hundreds of people onsite, making quality wastewater treatment critical. Wastewater treatment cannot happen without the presence of beneficial microorganisms that transform pollutants into stable end products such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen gas, water and microbial biomass. Biological performance depends on retention time, oxygen availability and other factors that may vary from system to system. Unfortunately, challenges like BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) overloads, excessive foaming, sludge build-up or slow system start-up indicate that existing microorganisms cannot handle the load. That is where bioaugmentation – the addition of beneficial microorganisms that degrade waste – can help to keep the system in balance. Balancing wastewater overloads with ‘bugs’ Different microbial blends are suited to different wastewater challenges. In developing countries or remote locations where a new wastewater treatment system needs a quick start-up, bioaugmentation solutions can be used to rapidly seed or populate the system with billions of beneficial bacteria to support a wide range of waste degradation. Existing systems with sludge overloads could see a dramatic drop in pumping costs with the regular addition of microorganisms capable of digesting the sludge at the bottom of the lagoon. If ammonia levels are high, the right microorganisms can consume the excess. Bioaugmentation blends make it possible to tailor the solution to address specific problems. Bringing water quality within reach around the globe Many nations around the globe still need cleaner drinking water and better sanitation. Bioaugmentation can help to bring these goals in reach by enabling facilities to release cleaner wastewater to the ecosystem from which societies draw and filter potable water. Given the benefits of biological wastewater treatment, decision makers involved in advancing water quality around the globe should certainly consider the role of bioaugmentation in their water quality enhancement plan.

Dutch coffee machine manufacturer de Jong Duke has launched Nio Next, a new fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine designed for workplaces, public environments and other high-volume professional settings. The company said the machine combines premium design, touchscreen functionality and remote service capabilities, while also introducing an optional Fresh Milk Solution aimed at delivering barista-style milk beverages in unattended environments. Nio Next features a black exterior with a stainless steel adjustable dispense head and a 10.4-inch touchscreen interface designed to support personalised drink selection and simplified navigation. The machine has been developed for locations requiring high-capacity beverage preparation alongside consistent drink quality across multiple sites. Alongside the launch, de Jong Duke unveiled its exclusive Fresh Milk Solution, which uses smart valve technology and temperature control to produce milk foam for beverages such as cappuccinos and lattes. According to the company, the system has been designed for low-attendance environments and includes an automated clean-in-place cycle, daily rinse functionality and automatic flushing throughout the day to help maintain hygiene and reduce servicing requirements. Nio Next also includes a redesigned service environment intended to simplify installation, cleaning and maintenance. Technicians can access a guided service menu aimed at reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency. The company added that the machine is more than 93% recyclable as part of its wider sustainability efforts. When connected to de Jong Duke's ConnectMe platform, operators can remotely monitor service information, usage data, replacement notifications and customer feedback through an integrated poll function. Nio Next and the Fresh Milk Solution will be available to order from June 2026.

From PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to pharmaceuticals, personal care products to microplastics, emerging contaminants (ECs) pose a significant risk to water quality. For this feature, Refreshment's Bryony Andrews asked a number of experts in the water filtration sector to share their insights on the most prevalent ECs in our water today, and the technologies and solutions that could help to manage them. Emerging contaminants (also known as ‘contaminants of emerging concern’) are synthetic or natural substances found in water or the environment at low levels. These could be pharmaceuticals, personal care products, PFAS, pesticides or microplastics, among others. While their effects on human, animal and plant matter are so far uncertain, studies have suggested that they could have potentially harmful results – and in recent years, this has prompted growing concern about the long term effects that ECs in water could have on human health and the environment. ECs are considered particularly hazardous due to their persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity in water and the environment. They often bypass conventional treatment, requiring instead advanced monitoring and treatment technologies. Many of these treatments are performed by public water treatment infrastructure, but point-of-use systems offer further treatment and refinement to ensure the highest quality of drinking water for users. For facilities and buildings managers, a knowledgeable water dispense partner with a comprehensive plan for EC removal means peace-of-mind for clients, employees and residents. Which ECs pose the greatest risk to water quality? PFAS, pharmaceutical residues and microplastics are considered the most concerning ECs, with PFAS generally agreed to be the biggest threat to water quality. PFAS is the collective term for a large group of over 10,000 synthetic “forever chemicals” used for decades for their water, grease and stain-resistant properties in products like non-stick cookware and food packaging. It is only in recent years that scientists have discovered that PFAS are highly persistent in the environment, bioaccumulating in humans and wildlife thanks to their presence in food and water. Linked to cancer, immune system suppression and developmental issues, PFAS requires specialist filtration technology to remove it from water. Furthermore, no single filtration method is 100% effective for all 10,000 types of PFAS, making certified filters and regular maintenance a must. Pharmaceutical residues, meanwhile, often bypass conventional water treatment once they have entered the water system, and microplastics – originating from the degradation of larger plastic items such as car tyres, synthetic clothing fibres from washing machines and fragmented plastic litter – have been linked to cardiovascular issues, reproductive problems and cancer. Shifting priorities While manufacturers of water filtration solutions have historically focused on matters of taste and odour, the growing health concerns associated with ECs mean that the consistency and performance of filtration technology is now taking top billing. According to Anna Jones, brand manager at provider of eco-friendly water solutions Hydrofast, “consumers now expect filtration systems to provide verified protection against tough contaminants, not just improve taste. They want clear performance data, smarter monitoring and less maintenance.” For Hydrofast, this means water filters with capabilities that directly address customer concerns around ECs. Jones recommends models with features including real-time monitoring, so users always know the current water quality; multi-stage reverse osmosis (RO) systems for complete purification; and automated features like auto-flush, leak detection and UV sterilisation to maintain safety with minimal user effort. Jones further highlights the importance of offering numerous filtration options – ie. desktop, under -sink, portable – allowing users to access safe, high quality water from their location of choice. Antonio Zerilli, managing director at Zerica, an expert in water cooling and water purification technologies, similarly told Refreshment that “expectations are clearly shifting away from purely aesthetic parameters such as taste and odour towards greater transparency, control and consistency of performance over time”. According to Zerilli, the challenge is less about addressing individual ECs and more about “managing a complex and evolving mixture of contaminants in a responsible, data-driven way”. He suggested that end users and professional operators are not necessarily looking for absolute guarantees around ECs, but for systems that are appropriate for the specific characteristics of the incoming water, supported by clear technical documentation and designed to be maintained and monitored effectively. Rather than new filtration methods, Zerilli instead highlighted “interconnected and digitally-enabled systems, continuous or remote performance monitoring and improved use of data” as some of the most promising developments in water treatment. With this in mind, Zerica’s YouRO solution was designed to offer a modular reverse osmosis unit that can either be combined with a Zerica water dispenser or used independently, with the major advantage of being interconnected. “This allows operational status and system behaviour to be monitored remotely and with confidence – without making unrealistic claims, but by providing transparency and control,” Zerilli explained. “When it comes to emerging contaminants, there are no shortcuts,” Zerilli emphasised. “Sound decisions are based on data, appropriate technology and ongoing control. Our focus is on delivering reliable, well-managed solutions that perform as intended over time.” New technologies for a cleaner future While traditional filtration technologies, such as carbon filters, may have sufficed in previous years, they are no longer sufficient for the high quality drinking water demanded by today’s consumers. Filtration solutions like ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, reverse osmosis and multi-stage systems offer much better protection against contaminants. Jeff Price, VP of product marketing at Quench USA, a supplier of bottle-free drinking water filtration systems, highlighted reverse osmosis, specialised carbon block filters and ion exchange resins as key technologies for consumer systems. He said: “The future lies in nanomaterial-based filters – like nanofibre or graphene – for high efficiency in a small footprint, coupled with AI-enabled monitoring to precisely predict when a filter should be changed, ensuring peak performance and reducing waste,” he advised. Andrea Martinez, applications engineer at Aquisense, believes that UV-C LED technology represents one of the most promising advancements in water disinfection, addressing many of the shortcomings of current water treatment technologies. “LED-based UV systems offer instant on/off operation, compact and modular designs and mercury-free construction, making them well suited for point-of-use food and beverage applications,” she told Refreshment. “While both conventional and LED UV technologies can achieve effective microbial inactivation when properly designed, UV-C LEDs provide greater flexibility; improved energy efficiency in real-world operating conditions; and easier integration into increasingly complex treatment trains. As regulatory and sustainability pressures grow, UV-C LED disinfection stands out as a key enabling technology for next-generation water treatment systems.” Meeting changing regulations In reaction to our growing knowledge of the dangers of PFAS, regulations have been rapidly revised and tightened globally, largely through bans and lower exposure limits. Quench USA’s Price described the new legal limits for PFAS levels in public drinking water as the single biggest regulatory driver that he’s seen in years. “It will rapidly accelerate the demand for high-performance, validated dispensing systems,” he believes, with customers requiring certified, transparent filtration performance. Price said: “Consumers no longer just want a filter for chlorine; they demand proof – specifically third-party certifications – that a POU system reliably reduces specific hazards like PFAS and microplastics. Transparency and performance data are the new non-negotiables.” Emma Redford, marketing director at H2O Direct, a provider of water filtration products for the coffee, vending and POU watercoolers, similarly believes that the new, stricter PFAS regulations will lead to growing demand for certification of filters used with drinking water. Redford explained: “In the UK, stricter control on PFAS levels is being enforced, while new EU drinking water rules now require monitoring of PFAS levels and enforce limits within water sources… Often filters are now engineered with these specific requirements in mind.” Redford recommends advanced treatment filters that have been specifically designed to reduce PFAS, such as H2O Direct’s MicroFilter’s FP range, which Redford says is the first filter in the world to be certified by the National Sanitation Foundation. “MicroFilter products are committed to providing 100% certification, whereas alternative manufacturers either do not have official certification or simply reduce, not remove, contaminants,” said Redford. Blupura, an Italy-based supplier of watercoolers and dispensers, has responded to the growing attention and concern over emerging contaminants among its customers by developing two complementary solutions based around “reliable and scientifically-grounded technologies”. Debora Screpanti, marketing manager at Blupura, explained that the two solutions are designed to allow customers to improve the water quality of the watercooler installations while fully complying with new EU regulations. The first of these, Blutron Hero, is based on ultrafiltration and equipped with a Carbon Block filter, enhanced with selective absorbent materials capable of retaining PFAS, heavy metals and microplastics. Blutron Osmo, meanwhile, is a reverse osmosis system that ensures “consistently pure and safe water” by removing unwanted substances such as dissolved salts, nitrates and micro-pollutants. Microbial concerns While ECs certainly warrant continued scrutiny, regulation and monitoring, Aquisense’s Martinez argues that from a drinking water safety perspective, microbiological contamination – including biofilms and bacterial regrowth – remains one of the most immediate and consequential risks to water quality. Water treatment solutions designed to address PFAS, which rely primarily on adsorption or membrane technologies, are not approved to provide microbial control. Martinez explained: “These processes can increase the risk of biofilm formation and bacterial regrowth due to added surface area, longer residence times and downstream piping and storage. As a result, best-practice PFAS treatment architectures typically include a dedicated disinfection step downstream of PFAS removal, ideally at the point of dispense.” She recommends UV disinfection as well suited for this role, providing a non-chemical, final barrier that inactivates microorganisms and protects distribution and point-of-use systems without impacting water chemistry, taste or formulation. Conclusion Despite their persistence in the environment, ECs are not an immediate danger for most communities. Filtration technology today – both public infrastructure and POU – is sufficient for the removal and reduction of ECs. Arguably, the most promising developments in filtration for ECs are not new solutions themselves, but rather new ways of interacting with them: for example, interconnected and digitally-enabled systems, remote performance monitoring and harnessing data to optimise operation. ECs are a complex and constantly changing topic, and as we understand more about them, solutions will continue to evolve and improve. For manufacturers, addressing consumer concerns with scientifically-supported products, certified solutions and clear educational resources about new regulations will go a long way towards ensuring continued trust and confidence among end users.

Nayax has launched a new Android-based payment terminal designed to support the growing demand for secure, higher-value transactions across the UK’s unattended retail and self-service sectors. The new VPOS Media 4 terminal supports both contactless and chip-and-PIN payments and has been developed for use in unattended environments such as vending, EV charging, parking, kiosks and laundromats. The terminal combines payment processing, loyalty programmes, remote device management and consumer engagement tools within Nayax’s integrated commerce platform. It also supports EMV, NFC and QR code payments through an open API architecture. The launch comes as unattended retail operators face growing infrastructure and regulatory pressures, including PCI DSS compliance, Strong Customer Authentication requirements and the phase-out of 2G and 3G telecom networks across the UK. Yair Nechmad, CEO and chairman at Nayax, said: “Many legacy unattended terminals were designed for low-value vending transactions and are not equipped for high-value PIN payments, evolving compliance requirements or telecom network sunset resilience”. “As unattended services expand into areas like EV charging, parking and kiosks, operators need payment technology capable of supporting larger transactions securely and reliably.” VPOS Media 4 is Nayax’s first terminal to integrate PCI PTS 6.x certified PIN-on-Glass technology with a 4-inch colour touchscreen, allowing merchants to operate in higher-value and regulated environments. The device also supports remote configuration and over-the-air updates, while its Android-based architecture enables operators and OEMs to develop custom applications integrated with Nayax’s payment infrastructure. Lynda Clarke, general manager UK at Nayax, described the device as turning “the point of sale into a point of engagement”. “By combining platform flexibility with regulatory readiness, the device helps merchants build stronger customer relationships, unlock new sustainable growth opportunities, and future-proof their operations as they enter new markets,” she added. The launch forms part of Nayax’s wider strategy to expand its smart unattended commerce platform. In Q1 2026, the company reported revenue of $107 million, representing 32% year-over-year growth, while its installed base surpassed 1.5 million connected devices globally.

The Melitta Group has announced plans to invest more than €100 million into its coffee production site in Bremen, Germany, as part of its long-term growth and internationalisation strategy. The investment package forms part of the company’s ‘Melitta 2033’ strategy, which aims to at least double group sales by 2033. According to the company, the project will increase production capacity at the Bremen coffee roasting plant by around 50% over the next five to six years. Melitta said the investments are intended to help the business meet growing demand for roasted coffee products, while also improving the flexibility, sustainability and quality of operations at the site. Planned developments include the acquisition of two adjacent plots of land in Bremen, the construction of a new building and the expansion and modernisation of existing facilities. The company added that much of the investment will go towards new roasting, packaging and silo systems, alongside upgraded process control technology. Jero Bentz, member of corporate communications and great-grandson of company founder Melitta Bentz, said: “The goal of our Strategy 2033 is to at least double the Group's sales by then. A central lever for this is the coffee business in Europe". “With these investments, we are creating important conditions to meet individual customer and market needs even better and thus achieve our growth and internationalisation goals in the coming years,” he added. Headquartered in Minden, Germany, Melitta operates in 75 countries worldwide and employs around 5,500 people. The family-owned group reported annual turnover of €2.53 billion in 2025.

PerfectTed has expanded its ready-to-drink matcha latte range with the launch of a new Protein White Chocolate Matcha Latte, combining matcha with 18g of protein in a canned format. The drink has been developed to meet growing consumer interest in protein-enriched beverages and matcha-based products. The white chocolate-flavoured matcha latte contains 40mg of caffeine per can, is sweetened with agave and is gluten-free. PerfectTed said the launch brings a café-style matcha latte format into the ready-to-drink category, targeting consumers seeking both functional energy and protein in a convenient format. Marisa Poster, co-founder of PerfectTed, commented: “This new Protein White Chocolate Matcha Latte is the kind of product our community has been asking for: café-quality matcha in a can, with an incredible 18g of protein, which is seriously impressive for the size of the can, to help power your day.” Founded in 2021 by Marisa Poster, Teddie Levenfiche and Levi Levenfiche, PerfectTed specialises in matcha-based drinks and products. The company said it now has more than 35,000 store listings across over 50 countries. The new product is available in Tesco and WHSmith stores, with a wider launch planned in Holland & Barrett stores next month.

Envipco has signed a final agreement with Iceland Foods to supply reverse vending machines (RVMs) across the retailer’s UK store network ahead of the launch of the country's deposit return scheme (DRS) in October 2027. The agreement confirms Envipco as Iceland’s exclusive RVM supplier, following the company’s announcement in March that it had been selected by an unnamed national UK retailer for a rollout of around 1,500 compact RVMs, subject to final contracts. Delivery of the machines is expected to begin in spring 2027 and conclude ahead of the launch of the DRS across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland on 1 October 2027. The contract also includes servicing for all supplied machines. According to Envipco, the compact RVMs have been designed for convenience and smaller-format stores with limited space, aligning with Iceland’s retail footprint. Spencer Roberts, managing director for UK and Ireland at Envipco, said: “We are thrilled to be selected as exclusive supplier of RVMs to Iceland Foods across the UK. Iceland Foods is an innovative and corner-stone retailer showcasing its commitment to the environment, circular economy and the introduction of the UK DRS by being an early mover in rolling out a comprehensive network of RVMs across its retail outlets.” He added that the UK DRS market remains a key part of Envipco’s growth strategy, with the company expanding operations from its Warrington offices and demonstration facilities to support retailers preparing for the scheme’s rollout. An Iceland spokesperson said the retailer’s participation in the scheme forms part of its wider sustainability commitments. “As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact, we are proud to support the UK wide Deposit Return Scheme, helping our customers to recycle more easily as part of their everyday shop,” the spokesperson commented. Under the forthcoming UK DRS, PET bottles and steel and aluminium cans between 150ml and 3-litres will carry a flat 20p deposit, refundable upon return through designated collection points including RVMs. The scheme, managed by deposit management organisation Exchange for Change, aims to collect 90% of the estimated 26 billion single-use drinks containers placed on the UK market annually. Envipco said the system is expected to require around 35,000 RVMs nationwide, spanning convenience stores through to large supermarkets.

The UK’s vending, coffee services and automated retail sector generated £3.78 billion in revenue in 2025, marking a 3.3% increase year-on-year and placing the industry 5% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels, according to the latest Census & Market Report from The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA). The association said the sector outpaced wider UK economic growth, which stood at 1.4%, with traditional vending and office coffee service (OCS) operations contributing £3.13 billion in total revenue. Product revenue within those segments rose 6.8% year-on-year to £2.28 billion, nearly 10% above pre-Covid levels. Among the strongest-performing categories, cold beverage revenues increased 15.4%, food revenues rose 12.2% and snack revenues grew 5.7%, while hot beverage revenues were up 4.1%. Operators reported an average revenue increase of 7% in 2025, with 90% expecting further growth this year. The report identified standalone smart fridges as the fastest-growing format in the sector, with installations rising by around 50% year-on-year to 2,850 units. The technology, which uses RFID tags, weight sensors and cameras to automatically charge customers for items removed, has gained traction in hybrid working environments where staffed catering is less viable. Micro markets also continued to expand, reaching 785 installations, up 8% year-on-year, reflecting growing demand for flexible and convenience-led unattended retail formats. Cashless payment adoption also accelerated across the sector. According to the AVA, 95% of UK pay-vend machines are now fitted with cashless technology, up 5% compared to 2024, while around 30% of machines no longer accept cash. Of transactions made on enabled machines, 84% are now cashless, with 62% completed via mobile phone. The report also highlighted the higher spending associated with digital payments, noting that cashless consumers spend on average 100% more per transaction than coin users. Meanwhile, the coffee-to-go segment generated £645 million in product revenue from 33,200 machines, representing annual growth of 8%. The average coffee-to-go serve was priced at £2.89, compared to £0.56 for a traditional vending machine hot drink. The AVA added that quality-focused technologies continue to gain ground within the market, with more than 40% of new tabletop machines now equipped with fresh liquid milk modules for barista-style beverages. David Llewellyn, chief executive of the AVA, said the sector had undergone significant transformation since the pandemic. “The 2025 Census confirms an industry that has not simply recovered from Covid, it’s transformed in the process,” he said. “This industry has always been underestimated, and while the rest of retail has been struggling with customer demands, vending and automated retail has been quietly growing by investing in technology that actually aids customer experience, raising its game on quality and finding new opportunities to shine.” Llewellyn also warned that proposed UK government legislation to ban the sale of energy drinks to under-16s could negatively impact operators’ revenues. He noted that AVA members already follow voluntary guidelines preventing the sale of high-caffeine drinks in publicly accessible vending machines.

Mars Wrigley is expanding its fruity confectionery portfolio with the launch of Skittles Flavour Flip, set to roll out nationwide from June 2026. The new range will be available in 136g pouch and 109g treat bag formats and features dual-flavour Skittles pieces combining two flavours and colours in each sweet. The launch includes five sweet and sour flavour pairings: Strawberry & Watermelon, Lemon & Raspberry, Pomegranate & Apple, Lime & Cherry and Mandarin & Pineapple. According to the company, the sweets feature a crisp shell and chewy centre designed to deliver contrasting flavour experiences. Mars Wrigley said the launch aims to target younger adult consumers seeking novelty and shareable confectionery experiences. The company cited consumer research indicating growing interest in unusual flavours and limited-edition products within the fruity confectionery category. Emily Owen, senior brand manager at Mars Wrigley, commented: “This launch is all about flipping ordinary moments into a share-worthy experience with the twice the flavour in every chew. Fruity confectionery has the highest dwell time with shoppers looking to discover novelty sweets products. Skittles Flavour Flip satisfies a growing desire for multi-sensorial experiences – mood boosting and uplifting moments which promise flavour experimentation." “We know younger sweet-eating adults want a break from always-on life. This monotony-free mindset is shaping fruity confectionery with NPD driving 64% of category growth – creating a significant opportunity to drive penetration. Our latest innovation invites consumers to taste the new Skittles rainbow with pack formats designed for sharing occasions – from the big night in to grab-and-go socialising.”

The 26th annual UK Soft Drinks Conference was hosted by FoodBev Events on 12 May 2026, taking place at the historic Church House Westminster in London. From circular economy efforts to premium functional beverage opportunities, topics explored throughout the day provided food for thought as industry leaders gathered to discuss the commercial opportunities shaping future growth in the category. Read on for an overview of the highlights. This year, the event’s theme, ‘Beyond Thirst,’ guided discussions from leading voices within the UK’s soft drinks industry as attendees – from retail buyers to ingredient houses, brand founders and more – considered how evolving consumer priorities are redefining brand development and product innovation. Guests arrived at the grade II listed Church House – situated in the idyllic Dean’s Yard, with beautiful views of Westminster Abbey and Big Ben – ready for a day of insightful conference sessions and valuable networking opportunities. Market view The programme began with a review of 2025, and an overview of the key issues facing the industry in 2026, delivered by British Soft Drinks Association president and Radnor Hills CEO, William Watkins. “Soft drinks are an important part of the retail offer, hospitality, the on-trade and the convenience sector, where as many as one in five of all purchases made is a soft drink,” Watkins said, highlighting the opportunities offered by the category – one he describes as “exciting, exhilarating and dynamic,” contributing £5.6 billion to the UK economy each year. Watkins praised the industry’s efforts to reformulate to address health concerns, with the average sugar content of soft drinks falling almost 50% since 2018, and seven in ten soft drinks now sold in the UK being low-sugar or sugar-free. Additionally, he cited flavour innovation, functional benefits and strong promotional activity as key drivers of 2025’s growth in categories such as carbonates, energy drinks, juices and flavoured water. However, he pointed to significant industry challenges ahead, including the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the government’s new Nutrient Profile Model – if applied to mandatory policy reporting, categories such as juice would be considered ‘less healthy’ and penalised, Watkins emphasised. Richard Lee, business unit director for drinks at Worldpanel by Numerator, then stepped up to the podium to discuss economic, retail and consumer developments and opportunities. He drew attention to how geopolitical and economic factors have impacted consumer buying behaviours, with a rising portion of households struggling financially due to rising cost of living. “Macroeconomic uncertainty absolutely drives short-term behavioural change, but the job for all of us…is to focus on where our long-term success can be derived from – at Worldpanel we know that long-term success really comes from addressing consumer need,” he stated. Five key consumer needs – health, taste, energy, hydration and the ‘anytime treat’ – are shaping the industry, Lee explained, with health and functionality offering a huge value opportunity – consumers are prepared to pay almost five times the average price for brands in this space against the wider soft drinks category average. However, taste remains the key driver of purchases across soft drinks and alcohol alternatives. He prompted brands to consider who their competition is within their targeted consumer need state, how they will defend their space, and what their core focus is today to drive future growth. This was followed by panel discussions on market growth and industry leadership priorities, joined by experts from Tesco, British Soft Drinks Association, Innocent Drinks, Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages, and PepsiCo. Lauren Tredgett, category buying manager for soft drinks and chilled juice at Tesco, described the opportunity for brands to help address the hydration gap, with 80% of the nation not drinking enough water. Meanwhile, category headwinds were acknowledged, with Innocent Drinks’ head of UK and Ireland, Nicki Garland, citing extreme weather and citrus greening as a key challenge for the fruit juice category, as well as the previously mentioned legislation updates. PepsiCo’s Alastair Gore, commercial director of GB&I beverages for PepsiCo, said that the growth of ‘healthier’ options is not detracting from core, taste-led propositions, but rather adding to the overall category’s success, working synbiotically alongside a “healthy base of core brands” in taste and indulgence. Sustainability Key topics explored during the event’s Sustainability Summit centred around the scale of effort required to shift the industry toward a circular economy – one of the sector’s current most pressing challenges. Simon James, director of circular economy directorate in the UK government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), said that the Collection and Packaging Reforms alone are expected to stimulate £10 billion of new investment and create 25,000 jobs, showing the economic opportunity of a circular economy shift. He noted the huge success of second-hand marketplace app Vinted for other industries like fashion, drawing on this to highlight the potential success that circular economy principles can bring for the F&B sector. Implementation of a successful DRS was a key topic, with Exchange for Change’s CEO, Russell Davies, drawing on comparison with other countries’ successes in reducing litter and improving recycling rates following the roll-out of their schemes. The UK’s will be the largest single scheme in operation globally, handling 25 billion cans and single-use plastic bottles, he emphasised. During a session on balancing all interests in EPR, Jeremy Blake, CEO of EPR scheme administrator Pack UK, highlighted the potential impact of reduction – specifically, he noted that if the 20% of non-recyclable packaging entering local authorities waste management were removed from the market, this could boost the UK’s current packaging recycling rate from 64% to more than 80%. Samantha Walker, DRS lead for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain, and James Bull, head of packaging and food waste strategies for Tesco, emphasised the scale of the challenges for the industry during a panel session, with Bull acknowledging that transitioning toward re-use is a necessary but complex effort. In an open poll, the audience were invited to vote on the most pressing sustainability policy action. Leading as the top priority was the delivery of a UK-wide DRS on time, followed by EPR fairness and cost, recycling value/investment, net zero strategy, and consistent collection. DEFRA’s James stressed that the industry should “keep talking about the holistic picture,” with each of these sustainability action priorities aligning to work together, rather than being viewed as siloed issues. Meanwhile, Veolia head of policy and stakeholder engagement Gavin Anderson, who stepped up to speak about the waste management company’s investment in closed loop recycling, shared his thoughts about the importance of fostering collaboration in the sector as stakeholders work to adapt to new policies. Functionality Among the biggest talking points of the day, functionality claimed its place as one of the top trends shaping today’s modern soft drinks – this was reflected in the shortlisted entrants and winners of FoodBev Awards’ UK Soft Drinks Awards for 2026, many of whom embraced product positioning centred around wellbeing and aligning with the latest health trends. Recent NielsenIQ (NIQ) data highlights a boom in functional drink offerings, with categories such as coconut water, kefir and kombucha firmly established and delivering double-digit growth – meanwhile, functional health shots are now worth £100 million in value sales, delivering a 47% compound annual growth rate over the past three years. A session on investment into functional drinks brands, delivered by JamJar Investments’ principal Sophie Luck, offered valuable insights into what successful companies are doing right. The company is on the lookout for innovative formats in the health and wellbeing space, with Luck pointing out that brands who are particularly aligned with (or not impacted negatively by) the rise of GLP-1 medications for weight management are of particular interest currently – such as protein and fibre drinks. She shared what brands should be able to offer to secure backing – such as a clear point of view and visual identity; a product that would generate buzz and attract repeat purchase; and a credible, capital-efficient route to a meaningful exit. Olivia Ferdi, co-founder and CEO of functional beverage brand Trip, stepped up to discuss how the brand – which offers a portfolio spanning CBD and lion’s mane beverages to sleep-focused powdered offerings – is aiming to help consumers ‘find calm amid the everyday chaos’. She spoke about the importance of being able to address different use cases – for example, ‘daily calm’ for everyday routines, ‘social calm’ for social events, and ‘evening unwind calm’ for moments of rest. Elsewhere, Huib van Bockel, founder and CEO of clean energy drink brand Tenzing, discussed the rise of ‘good energy’ – energy drinks positioning themselves as better-for-you, natural alternatives in a market traditionally dominated by offerings that are high in sugar and synthetic additives. NIQ data shows that Tenzing is currently the UK’s third leading energy drink brand in value ROS, behind category giants Red Bull and Monster. Van Bockel pointed to data showing that 61% of those who don’t consume energy drinks cite ‘unnatural ingredients’ as their primary reason for avoidance, while 40% of women aged 18-44 find traditional energy drink flavours ‘too artificial’ or ‘cloying’. During a panel session, he spoke about consumer confusion surrounding functional ingredients, pointing to overcomplication within the category and the importance of clarity in messaging. An audience poll saw hydration come out on top as the biggest UK soft drinks value growth opportunity over the next three years. Daniel Cray, co-founder and CEO of effervescent hydration tablet brand Phizz, addressed the impact of dehydration on wellbeing during a session where he spoke about the opportunity of electrolyte beverages in meeting well-understood, everyday consumer needs. He highlighted that currently on Amazon, more people are searching for electrolytes than for protein, despite the current protein boom. The company is entering the chilled RTD beverage space this summer, its first foray out of the effervescent tablet format. Gut health closely followed hydration in the poll, with several major players stepping up to speak about the benefits and value opportunity brought by gut-friendly beverages. Freya Twigden, founder of kombucha and water kefir brand Fix8, described how water kefir can provide a lighter approach to gut health beverages than typical, dairy-based probiotic drinks. She spoke about expanding usage occasions in breakfast and beyond as pure juice declines in the market due to sugar levels, adding that GLP-1 users and Gen Z consumers are creating new market opportunities for gut health brands. Also tapping into the gut health opportunity, decaf functional coffee brand Nolo’s co-founder Binky Felstead, and chief marketing officer Martin Franklin, took to the stage to explain how the brand saw a gap in the market for high-quality, decaffeinated coffee options that do not compromise on taste, while providing extra value through added functionality. The brand’s cold brew range contains 6.5g of added fibre, with Franklin describing it as the UK market’s “first prebiotic coffee”. Positioning for success Tim Warrilow, co-founder and CEO of Fever-Tree, addressed the opportunity for premium mixers to expand beyond their current market positioning and attract consumers as a soft drink in their own right – 880 million fewer alcoholic drinks were consumed in the UK last year, and 50% of consumers are actively moderating their alcohol consumption, underscoring a shift in consumer drinking behaviours and more interest in ‘low and no’ options. “In our own sales there’s an increasing blurring of lines between people drinking our products mixed or soft – over a third of people are drinking our products soft, and that’s the fastest growing part of the business,” he enthused. He said that Fever-Tree sees evening socialising as the biggest occasion opportunity for premium soft drinks, noting that the adult occasion is still somewhat underserved, with consumers seeking something that is “crafted, with fantastic ingredients, developed for adults and not for children”. CapriSun managing director, Matt Done, also addressed expanding to address additional consumer groups and occasions. “Consistency builds brands, but change keeps them relevant,” he stated, describing how CapriSun – a brand that built itself around children’s consumption occasions such as lunch boxes and kids’ parties – is moving with market trends to target new territories. In particular, the brand is focusing on the opportunity offered by ‘hydration plus’ – though not yet rolled out in the UK, CapriSun has launched electrolyte-boosted hydration beverages in the US and across several European countries. Water as a soft drink was another focus area as Alex Wright, co-founder and CEO of Dash, explained how the brand aims to “challenge the soft drinks status quo” and address the hydration opportunity while providing additional value in eco-friendliness (the brand uses surplus ‘wonky’ fruit and vegetables to reduce food waste), flavour innovation and health (as a sugar-free, natural brand). Health and wellness associations are also driving the rise of matcha – the Japanese green tea powder is currently booming in the UK as Western consumers increasingly associate the trending drink with wellbeing and aesthetics. Shani Higgs, head of sales for matcha brand PerfectTed, explained how the appeal of iced matcha drinks – which make up 90% of the matcha drinks sold nationwide – is extending beyond the core consumer profile for matcha consumption in the UK (Gen Z women, described by Higgs as ‘matcha girlies’) and attracting new groups across age groups and genders. “When the industry starts noticing that you’re converting the customer who swore they would never drink that kind of drink, that’s when you know you’ve crossed into the mainstream,” she said, highlighting the company’s own data – it shows that while PerfectTed’s core customer is 16-34-year-olds, the 35-44 age group is the fastest-growing and presents what the brand sees as the biggest opportunity. Additionally, Kit Newell, co-founder of honey-based beverage brand Hive Mind, explored how the brand is also tapping into health trends with the creation of its Honeyade product line. Founded by Kit and his brother Matt, two beekeepers based in Monmouthshire, Wales, Hive Mind began as a traditional meadery and has since broadened beyond alcohol to offer a line of soft drinks sweetened naturally with honey, rather than artificial sweeteners or refined sugars. “Walk through any supermarket and you’ll find hundreds of soft drinks claiming to be natural, but hardly any are sweetened with anything recognisable,” Newell pointed out. “Consumers are trapped in a choice between sugar and artificial sweeteners…honey is the world’s only naturally occurring sugar that needs no additional processing.” Closing with celebration The day culminated in the announcement of the UK Soft Drinks Awards 2026 winners in a special ceremony, showcasing the high quality of submissions received this year across categories such as flavourful carbonates, gut-friendly drinks with live cultures, premium alcohol alternatives and more. You can read the full list of winners here. From thought-provoking discussions to meaningful networking sessions, the UK Soft Drinks Conference 2026 offered a vital opportunity for major players across the industry to come together and celebrate the resilience and adaptability of this dynamic category. We look forward to returning to London for the 27th annual event next spring – see you there!