2026
10
A Year of Innovation in Beer and Cider 2026
2026-02-23T00:00:57+00:00
REP821BF1D2_6CDC_40CC_9BF1_D26CDCE0CCE7
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Report
en_GB
Beers and ciders are evolving with functional cues, flavour exploration and better-for-you options, as non-alcoholic alternatives continue to gain momentum. Zoe Wong, Analyst - Mintel Food & Drink…
Global
Beer and Cider
simple

A Year of Innovation in Beer and Cider 2026

"Beers and ciders are evolving with functional cues, flavour exploration and better-for-you options, as non-alcoholic alternatives continue to gain momentum."

Zoe Wong, Analyst - Mintel Food & Drink

Zoe Wong, Analyst - Mintel Food & Drink

Collapse All
    • What we have seen
    • Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
    • Other innovative launches
    • Global spotlight: ethical and positioning claims lead the category
    • Graph 1: beer and cider launches, by select claim categories, 2025-26
    • The Future of Beer & Cider: 2026
  1. EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)

    • Europe: functional cues have taken off in non-alcoholic alternatives
    • Alcohol-free options are gaining traction
    • The share of alcohol-free claims has seen a steady growth
    • Graph 2: beer and cider launches, by select alcohol-related claims, 2021-26
    • Hangover-free beers with a functional boost
    • Europe: brands innovate around seasonal offerings to tap into celebratory moments
    • Seasonal beers and ciders fit into festive moments
    • Seasonal beers and ciders rebound in launch share
    • Seasonal beers mark festive moments year-round
    • The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
    • The share of non-imported beers and ciders has surpassed imported launches
  2. ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)

    • Asia: beer and cider brands explore flavour cues from adjacent beverage categories
    • Drinkers crave novel flavour experiences
    • Beverage flavours have seen a jump in launch activity
    • Graph 3: unflavored beer and cider launches with 'beverage' as flavour component group, 2021-26
    • Brands lean into regional tea varieties
    • Other beverage concepts find inroads into beers
    • Asia: better-for-you beers and ciders cater to weight-management trend
    • Weight-consciousness influences beer consumption
    • Sugar-free claims lead in better-for-you beers and ciders
    • Graph 4: beer and cider launches, by selected minus claims, 2021-26
    • Brands spotlight fermentation methods in better-for-you beers
    • Australia & New Zealand
    • Brewers are expanding into low carb ranges
  3. THE AMERICAS

    • North America: Mexican-style beers are trending
    • Mexican beers hold strong appeal
    • Mexican-style beers are making inroads
    • Graph 5: beer launches with 'Mexico' or 'Mexican' in the product description, 2021-26
    • Domestic brands dial up Mexican cues
    • North America: brewers respond to the growing wellness trend
    • Health and wellness trends are reshaping drinking habits
    • Brands step up innovation in alcohol‑free and light offerings
    • Graph 6: beer and cider launches, by select alcohol-related claims, 2021-26
    • Alcohol-free beers cater to different occasions
    • Brand renovation/innovation: Patagonia Provisions and Deschutes Brewery have introduced a non-alcoholic IPA brewed with kernza
    • Latin America: international beer and cider styles cater to consumers' interest in novel experiences
    • Imported beers and ciders see rising launch activity
    • Graph 7: beer and cider launches, by import status, 2021-26
    • Local brewers explore global flavours and ingredients

Explore the latest innovations in beer and cider with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product developments over the past 12 months.

Key innovation trends in the global beer and cider market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.

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