Premium soft drinks and mixers brand, Fentimans, has launched its 2026 market report, revealing industry analysis and the key trends set to shape the on-premise and retail sectors this year.
The Fentimans Premium Soft Drinks and Mixers Market Report is now in its sixth edition and has been created in partnership with NIQ, powered by CGA intelligence. The report delves into what is influencing changing attitudes and behaviours across channels, from consumer spending in hospitality venues to soft drinks and mixers performance in the at-home category.
The treat occasion
Despite challenging conditions facing the on-premise market in 2025, the report finds that venues have achieved modest growth in drinks sales value in the last 12 months, which will be a welcomed rise among hospitality venue owners and managers. While Brits remain impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, 39% say they would choose to treat themselves to drinks out-of-home, which they see as a bigger priority than home improvements (31%), clothing (30%) and overseas holidays (25%).
Seasonally, research finds that consumers are willing to treat themselves and spend more in the on-premise when the sun shines, with NIQ’s Daily Drinks Tracker recording year-on-year value rate of sale growth in 10 of 11 weeks between February and late April 2025 and high temperatures over the summer attracting people out to hospitality venues with outdoor seating.
Soft drinks growth
Combined sales in the soft drinks and mixers category in the 12 months to mid-July 2025 reached £4.7bn, making it the third largest category after beer and spirits in the on-premise market. Soft drinks and mixers have also increased their share of the total market, from 14.8% a year ago to 15% now. Segments seeing significant growth year-on-year include flavoured carbonates (+9.5), juice (+7.3%) and water (+11.8%).
In the out-of-home market, sales of bottled drinks have grown faster than the average, rising 3.6% year-on-year. This is slightly ahead of cans at 2.4%, identifying the demand among buyers who are seeking quality products and convenience when they are on the move.
Looking at favourite flavours among the at-home audience, 80% of adult soft drinks sales in the off-premise are generated by five flavours: apple, orange, lemonade, ginger and grape showing a desire for bold flavours consumers know and love.
Health & wellness
As initiatives such as Dry January, health consciousness and financial pressures continue to influence on-premise behaviours, 74% of consumers say they are likely to reduce their alcohol intake, with this number rising to 81% among 35- to 54-year-olds. This mindful moderation trend is also mirrored in the off-premise market, with appetite for health and wellness among consumers at-home remaining resilient in 2026.
Customers are also actively seeking out functionality in flavour, with half (51%) surveyed saying they are likely to pay more for a soft drink that offers additional functional health benefits. This increases significantly among younger audiences (68% and 61% among Millennials and Gen Z).
Other key hospitality trends for 2026 include the rise of the third space and a new approach to high tempo occasions, in addition to the Fentimans Flavour Forecast which reveals this year’s flavour trends including Asian-inspired ingredients, bold botanicals, ‘Swavoury’ flavours and nostalgia reimagined.
Mark Platten, Head of Marketing and Innovation at Fentimans said: “We always look forward to revealing our report, providing a resource for leaders within the industry that helps showcase the opportunities that lie ahead and supports consideration and decision making when it comes to the products they stock, the trends they adopt and the menus they offer.
“There are some really interesting insights within our latest report, including seeing the soft drinks category grow its market share and consumers willing to pay a little extra for a premium experience both in venues and at-home. This paired with the latest consumer trends and flavour forecasts, we think 2026 is a great opportunity for on-premise venues and retail channels to elevate their offering to meet demand this year.”
In addition to the NIQ analysis, the report also includes expert insights from award-winning bartender and Fentimans brand ambassador, Joe Schofield, as well as The Food People, with the full report providing a deep dive into the big trends consumers are engaging with and the desire for innovation.
To read the 2026 Fentimans Premium Soft Drinks and Mixers Market Report, visit www.fentimans.com/pages/
To learn more about NIQ’s research, visit www.nielseniq.com. To learn more about Fentimans’ range of drinks and support for your business, visit www.fentimans.com.
